The Gunbower Racing Club’s annual race day was held on Saturday, but in yet another blow to the club, the 45ml of rain received on the previous Tuesday and Wednesday saw all horse racing cancelled. In a show of resilience, the club went ahead with all planned off-track events and was blown away by the support of the almost 2,000 people who still attended. 

Club president, Vicky McGillivray said the club was gearing up for its first event since 2019, with the pandemic, floods and heavy rainfall halting the last four years’ events.

In a further blow, the official call by a Country Racing Victoria steward to cancel the races was made the morning of the event as final preparations were underway and came as a surprise to club officials.

“We were devastated,” said Vicky. “We actually sat there in silence. None of us could speak. We just sat there looking at each other for 10 minutes thinking, are you serious? We were honestly devastated. I can’t describe it, it was awful.

“Our track was in beautiful condition, and that’s what made it so hard. Everyone could see how perfect it was at the home straight. There was nothing else we could do.”

Not to be defeated, all off-track events continued as planned, including bus transport, kids activities, marquees, entertainment, fashions on the field, a bookie, TAB, a tote and the big screen. 

“We had absolutely everything there that we would have for a normal race day, bar the horses. We were ready to go, and I wasn’t going to cancel it, we were in far too deep. Overall, it was actually a great day.”

With all general admission tickets to be refunded and package patrons given the option of a refund on non-attendance, Vicky said they had only three marquees and six umbrella packages cancelled, with one marquee opting to donate their general admission refund to the club, bringing tears to Vicky’s eyes.

“It was the best atmosphere in the marquee area, it was so much fun. The people who did go, went for the right reasons – they were there to have an enjoyable day,” said Vicky.

“It was so positive, I could not walk through the marquee area without someone stopping me and giving me a hug, which I thought was just the most beautiful thing. The crowds were amazing.”

The committee is looking to the 2024 event and will be planning for a solid comeback, with further drainage works to be carried out during the year. 

“We want to say how incredibly grateful we are for everyone’s support,” Vicky said. “Everyone who turned up had the best attitude and there was so much fun. And that, to me, that’s what country racing is all about.”

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 12 October 2023.