mmg.com.au

Warm and dry conditions greeted about 1500 people at Echuca Racing Club on Saturday for the first day of the Echuca Cup Carnival.

Ladies Day Out was the major drawcard for the afternoon, with the Millewa Spa marquee full with women enjoying the day out.

Home and Away actor Steve Peacocke was a hit in the marquee, according to ERC chief executive officer Alex Doble.

‘‘He was very accommodating and very giving with his time. Everyone had a chance for photo or a chat.’’

But racing was still the star attraction as punters and onlookers gathered on the lawn and in the stands to watch the day’s seven races.

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer David Hayes had three winners for the day with Catered, Calin Brea and Backstedt, while Echuca’s Daryl Archard managed a win in the race five sprint over 1000m with his three-year-old gelding, Erghaam.

The $20,000 feature race was won by Oh To Be Rich, trained by Benalla’s Cheryl Kyle.

Doble said there was a good community feel about the day.

‘‘There were plenty of people out and about, but in saying that, there were also plenty supporting in the corporate marquees,’’ he said.

Despite the buzz which gripped the marquee, Doble said there was plenty to like on the track as well.

‘‘It was a really good day of racing,’’ he said.

‘‘There were even fields and every horse had its chance, which was great.

‘‘Daryl (Archard) got a win which was good to see and I’m sure he’ll be continuing on with the celebrations.’’

Doble was also rapt with the club’s staff who maintained the track, saying it stood up to the challenging climate.

He conceded the heat had an impact on the crowd figures, which he said were on par with other years.

‘‘When it’s mid 30s it’s a challenge to get people away from the river,’’ he said.

‘‘But we’d rather have a 35°C day than it be raining.

‘‘You can’t control the elements.’’