An eventful day to close the 2013-14 racing season where a thick fog prevented most planes from landing til around 11am so the first race was delayed as several Victorian jumps jockeys tried to get to the course in time.  Steven Pateman was the last to arrive making a very hasty entrance after getting changed in the taxi on the way from the airport.  Ultimately there were two late scratchings as a result of the fog delays while Amy Herrmann was the replacement rider on Take Out and although she rode him twice on the flat 2 1/2 years earlier facing up to the first obstacle was perhaps the first time she had ridden him over a jump (most jumps jockeys have schooled or ridden their mounts previously in trials or at least had a chance to review their horse on video replays prior to raceday).   King Triton led the field from Urban Explorer then Fantauzzo followed by Prakticality then Target Explorer and Take Out.   Heading past the post on the first lap King Triton led Fantauzzo then Urban Explorer followed by Prakticality and Target Explorer then Take Out. By the 1000m Fantauzzo joined King Triton then Prakticality alongside Urban Explorer then Target Explorer and Take Out.  Around the turn King Triton fought back strongly on the inside while Urban Explorer made a line of three as Take Out started making ground inside Prakticality then Target Explorer who was retired from the event after tiring at his first jumps start this preparation.  Over the second last Urban Explorer put in a big leap to take the lead from King Triton who tried to go with him then Fantauzzo followed by Take Out.   Despite skipping over the last jump Urban Explorer had enough in reserve to hold off another challenge from King Triton with Fantauzzo a clear third as Take Out dragged a leg over the last and nearly dislodged Amy (see photos below of her great recovery to be balanced and riding him out hands and heels within a stride or two) then Prakticality.

      On a Dream won the David Balfour Hcp while the 2yo event went to Winesearch (by Wanted) from the Tony McEvoy stable.  In the distance event Power to Possess was too strong in the final stages fighting back to defeat Danish Spy who looked sure to hit the front halfway down the straight.  Our Littletreasure provided the first of a double for the Kerri McAnulty & C Binnie stable with Pinky Tuscadero winning the last race while Mr Good Cat charged home late to defeat Mr Chard and Daytona Grey in the open sprint. 

Our Exchange made it two in a row in the 7th race while Buddy Bundy (by Al Maher) held off a determined Herenoa in the Listed Lightning Stakes (a stakes race for both 2yo and 3yos).

Between races 4 and 5 racegoers were treated to an exhibition gallop between carnival performers Richie's Vibe and Happy Trails.  Happy Trails (who should have won last years Cox Plate instead of missing out by an inch to a maiden galloper) looked to have a slight edge at the line with both gallopers keen to go faster in the workout.  Both are expected to start their spring carnival campaigns shortly.