mmg.com.au

A huge crowd enjoyed the New Year’s Pacing Cup at Echuca’s Frank Ryan Raceway on Tuesday.

Aided by ideal weather conditions, full fields and other attractions, about 2500 people made their way to the raceway — the highest number in at least four years.

‘‘The breeze came in and they (the crowd) just came out,’’ Echuca Harness Racing Club secretary Jane Bowman said.

‘‘The gate takings are the highest they’ve been in four years.

‘‘From the feedback, we’ve had some really pleasing comments coming in.’’

Favourites won five of the eight races, with Davids Lady winning the feature New Year’s Pacing Cup race by 1m from George Samuel.

As well as the action on the track, the crowd was also kept well entertained by many other activities and events.

The club held its first fashions on the field event, which was ‘‘well attended’’, and the bucking bull was popular for all ages, Bowman said.

JR Williams and his band entertained the crowd, while a caravan and camping display was also held.

The crowd would provide a big boost to the club, Bowman said.

‘‘They were still coming in at half-past eight,’’ she said.

‘‘It was huge.

‘‘I had a euphoric feeling that we had run such a successful night with the support of the committee and the local community.

‘‘It is a real injection of much-needed funds to help keep us moving forward.’’