mmg.com.au

More than 5000 people raced to Berrigan on Saturday to place a bet on the annual Gold Cup meeting.

Despite temperatures rising well above 30°C, punters were not put off by the weather, enjoying a wonderful atmosphere.

Race-goers donned their finest spring racing attire to enjoy a great day of country racing.

It definitely was ‘Better in Berrigan’ over the weekend with the town showcasing its biggest and best sporting and social event on the local calendar.

The annual Bigger Floorworld Berrigan Gold Cup saw the town’s population double, with punters and ‘fashionistas’ from across the region in town to try their luck or strut their stuff.

Berrigan Race Club president Andrew Gorman said the committee was pleased with the day.

Although the final count is still in the process of being done, Mr Gorman estimated there were about 5000 in attendance.

‘‘This was up a bit on last year,’’ he said.

‘‘It seemed a rather young crowd. The weather was good, and the crowd was the size we wanted.

‘‘We are very pleased with the event.

‘‘The racing was good, the track was good and the surrounds were good.

‘‘It was really good that the shire got involved in trying to make it into a three-day fun event.’’

The 2012 race day was a family friendly event, with plenty of space for children and delicious treats on offer.

The first race of the day kicked off about 1pm.

The main race, the Berrigan Gold Cup, was proudly sponsored by Bigger Floorworld in Yarrawonga for the sixth year running.

The grounds were in great condition the newly formed Berrigan District and Development Association (BDDA) Events Committee also capitalised on the Berrigan Cup by developing an action packed weekend of activities.

A three-day ‘‘spring racing carnival’’ was planned around the annual race meeting.

The BDDA introduced a series of events it hopes will transform the Berrigan Cup weekend into a spring racing carnival.

It was truly a smorgasbord of community involvement.