mmg.com.au

Sunday’s Tatura and Shepparton Racing Club Vraca and Varapodio Italian Plate meeting again attracted a huge crowd, with the John Symons and Sheila Laxon trained Down Under Boy taking out the 30th running $25000 plate, run over 1600m.

Ridden by New Zealand jockey Cory Parish, Down Under Boy, who was dropping significantly in class, started second favourite in the race and scored accordingly, after gaining a rails run.

While Parish, who has only been riding in Australia for eight weeks, admitted he did not ride to instructions, Laxon said she was pleased with the win.

‘‘It’s a great pleasure to be here. It’s good to come to Tatura and win on such a great day,’’ she said.

Rocco Varapodio, speaking on behalf of both families, said when the race was first run 30 years ago they never thought it would reach the heights it has.

‘‘It is a great thing for Tatura and Shepparton,’’ he said.

The seven-race meeting attracted 189 nominations and provided total prizemoney of $115000.

Club president Daryl Gorman said it ‘‘was great to see everyone here today to show their respect for these two families for making this day happen’’.

Mr Gorman also thanked the sponsors, committee, jockeys and trainers for making the day such a success.

Tatura trainers had a fair day at the meeting with the in-form Gary Sherer producing first-starter Oh George for an impressive win .

The three-year-old gelding looks to have a good future and started long odds-on on the back of impressive trials.

Part owner, Victoria Hotel publican, Tony Melton, was thrilled after the win. ‘‘He knows where the winning post is. He came into the straight and just took off,’’ he said.

Mon Coeur ($7.10) for local trainer Trevor Miles, gave 18-year-old birthday boy Jye McNeill his second win of the day, having earlier saluted on So Kosher ($11.80) for Mornington trainer Kane Harris.

Jason Benbow also rode a double, pushing the Peter Moody trained Open to a grinding win in the opening race over 1980 metres and Arboreta in race four.

While the strong winds upset a number of horses on the way to, and in the starting stalls, it did’nt seem to worry punters too much with most enjoying the day and backing a winner or two.