Much needed infrastructure improvements will be put in place before the running of next year’s Dunkeld race meeting after more than 12,000 patrons flocked to the picturesque course on Saturday.
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Dunkeld Racing Club officials were overwhelmed with the size of the crowd for its once-a-year event, which is staged at the foot of the Grampians, providing Australian racing’s most scenic backdrop.
Patrons were left frustrated when they were forced to wait in long queues at automatic teller machines and bars.
Manager Lisa Evans said the club had originally expected10,500 people would be on course for the iconic race day.
“It was a record crowd,” Evans said.
“It was a massive day. We normally get around 10,000 patrons but this year we thought we might get an extra 500 people but to get an extra 2000 really tested our infrastructure.
“We had more than 160 buses. It’s a huge job to cater for so many people.”
She said the club’s committee had a debriefing on Sunday morning.
“There were a few issues that were raised,” she said.
“I suppose the main thing discussed was the long queues at the bars. We’ve got to put extra bars in place so people don’t have to wait so long to be served.”
Evans, who is in her first year as manager, said the club would apply to Country Racing Victoria for funding to help improve infrastructure for the event.
“We’ve got to be better prepared to cope with the big crowds,” she said.
“We’ve got to tweak a few things here and there to make sure everyone enjoys the racing experience at Dunkeld and they want to go back to the races.
“We’ll be having discussions with CRV within the next few days about a few ideas we’ve got about the infrastructure.
“The event is wonderful for so many local community groups including the rotary club, footy club, cricket club and Lions club and the schools around Dunkeld.
“The club is very lucky to have such a great bunch of volunteers and a hard working committee who make the day so successful.”
Geelong punter Jayden Pitt, who loved the event, told The Standard the lines to get a drink were lengthy.
“They could set up more bars,” he said.
“The lines are long.”