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Letter of the Week

Oakbank outstanding

I always knew I should’ve made the effort long ago, but after 40 years of only being there in spirit, camping at Oakbank (SA) over Easter has finally been crossed off my bucket list.
It’s very well attended by today’s standards, but the standing-room only crowds of yesteryear are gone.
Most race clubs would lament same in today’s world of multiple easy options for punters.
But if you get the chance, I’d recommend Oakbank to anyone who loves picnic racing and especially the jumpers.
Being allowed to bring your own esky makes the $30 entry very cheap.
There is at least something for most people — serious punters, busloads of partiers, the fashion conscious, and kids.
A couple of hundred families, many multi-generational, get together annually to camp the whole weekend.
On Saturday evening I and many newbies drifted towards the band and bonfire at the hillside campers’ Shillabeer Road property of Ivan.
Many others camp on other properties adjoining the track.
I hope South Australia’s racing minister Leon Bignal — and the few anti jumps protesters outside — don’t get their wish to do away with jumps racing. I’m not sure Oakbank would survive without it. The carnival definitely would be poorer without the ‘up and overs’.
Saturday’s jumping stars were Nishiazabu, and Auld Burns (Bless Nishi, he paid for my trip.)
It’s 10am Monday and inside the track is already filling up — cars, shade tents, chairs and tables popping up everywhere. Kids entertainment rides etc are setting up too.
Busloads of punters will soon follow. I am worried about missing Winning Post’s letters deadline, so today’s action will have to be predicted ... Somerland (Harry D Young) Hurdle — Roughie Agreement to at least run a place.
Great Eastern Steeple — outsider Mannertone to do similar.
If they both place, my upcoming Warrnambool Grand Annual trip will be pre-paid. Long live jumps racing, and Oakbank!

 

John Tutty
Flemington
Today's Racing
Friday 29 March
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