Punters giddy-up for new season on track

The Geraldton racing season is just around the corner and preparations are in full swing for the first meet on October 6.

Pre-season trials took place last Sunday and Geraldton Turf Club manager David Wrensted said everything ran smoothly on the day ahead of what looked like a promising season.

“We haven’t raced since the end of April, so everyone’s keen to get going,” he said.

“Particularly the trainers, who have been preparing their horses for two or three months — they’ll be champing at the bit.”

Thirty-two horses featured in eight trials across the afternoon as jockeys, trainers and horses alike took the opportunity to blow out a few cobwebs.

Mr Wrensted said it was also a good test of the track, which held up nicely despite the morning rain.

The racing calendar will again feature 19 meets and is set to start next Thursday, with Ladies Day the first weekend event on October 16.

“It’ll be the third running of Ladies Day, so we’re hoping that it grows and we think it will be a fun day for everyone who comes out,” Mr Wrensted said.

“That will lead into Melbourne Cup Day, which is (also) one of the biggest meetings of the year.”