mmg.com.au

Perfect conditions greeted families and punters alike at Echuca Racing Club on Monday for the annual New Year’s Eve meet.

More than 1000 people took to the track to enjoy racing and free children’s entertainment, including pony rides, face painting and Camp Australia activities.

On the track, it was Melbourne trainer Peter Moody who capped off 2012 in strong fashion, winning two races and finishing second in another, with jockey Linda Meech aboard all three rides.

Warrnambool trainer Darren Weir also had a good day with two wins, his second coming against Echuca trainer Daryl Archard when Some Target beat Ferocious One to the line by almost a length in race seven.

Archard could only manage one placing from his four runners, while the remaining district trainers went placeless.

Incoming ERC chief executive Alex Doble enjoyed the day with his family.

‘‘First impressions are everything I could have expected,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s very easy to get a drink, have a bite to eat, but also just relax on the front lawn with family and friends and bring in the new year.

‘‘Atmosphere-wise it meets expectations. It’s a good, country vibe. There’s no malice, there’s no agro, it’s just good, family fun and the start of a long night.’’

It was not just the crowds that impressed Doble, but also the racing.

‘‘Always at this time of year it’s hard to get big fields with the amount of racing across the whole state, so they’ve (ERC) done well and the fields have held up really well,’’ he said.

‘‘The racing surface has played out very reasonably today. It’s very even and everyone’s had their chance.’’

Doble will officially assume the CEO position on January 14 after moving from his racing operations manager role at Moonee Valley Racing Club.

Doble said he was excited about starting his new job at the club, with his first assignment overlooking the Echuca Cup Carnival on March 9 and 10.

‘‘Everyone’s been great, so I’m just looking forward to the next two weeks and getting stuck in,’’ he said.

‘‘(Club secretary) Annette (Doolan), who’s been running the office in Garry’s (Armstrong) absence, has done a great job and by all accounts all the boxes are ticked for this time of the year.’’

‘‘I think after the two-day carnival is when we might start implementing some strategies to grow the club.’’

The club’s next meet is the Family Fun Day on Tuesday.

Social photos and results page 14