Above: Cranbournetrained horse Marju Miss, ridden by Brian Park returns to the winners stall after saluting in the Star News Group Plate. Marju Miss was the first of six favourites to win on the day. By Glen Atwell
SOARING temperatures were rebuffed with icypoles and cold Milo at the Pakenham Gazette Kid’s Day Out, held at Pakenham Racing Club on Sunday.
The eightrace card was successfully completed despite the temperature reaching 42 degrees after the race six Pakenham Gazette handicap at 3.45pm.
It was definitely a day for favourites, six of eight winning and the other two running second.
Cranbournetrained Marju Miss (TAB $2.50) had the favourite punters jumping for joy after race one, the Star News Group Plate, beating second pick Dadstar to claim her first career win.
When race two favourite Tenacious Lass ($2.90) saluted, bookmakers prepared themselves for a disastrous day, but temporary relief was found when race three oddson choice Prince Perugino was beaten by $11 long shot Gold Times to win the Gavan Bourke Handicap.
Cranbourne trained Quilter was backed from $8.10 to $5.10 before the Pakenham Gazette Handicap, while race favourite Puckygoogle firmed from $2.30 to $2.20.
Puckygoogle trainer John Leek teamed up with wife Andrea and the favourite led Quilter by a length with 200 metres to race.
But Quilter found another gear and jockey Steve Pateman steered the fiveyearold past Puckygoogle with less than 50 metres to race to win by a head.
The hot conditions made it hard for all, especially those riding.
Jockeys found it difficult to recuperate between races and, at a meeting called between club officials, stewards and the jockeys, it was agreed that an airconditioned room would be made available to jockeys to recover between races.
Club racing manager Michael Hodge said the meeting was close to being called off.
“It was a difficult day, the health of the jockeys was a concern, but we found a suitable solution,” he said.
Mr Hodge said the gusty wind and low humidity kept conditions suitable for racing and he was glad the program could be completed.
