On-course wagering turnover was up 23 per cent at this year’s Park Douglas Printing Mildura Pacing Cup meeting on Saturday night.
Overall $142,872 was held on-course this year compared to $116,030 at the corresponding meeting last year.
The on-course TAB held $119,837 this year, compared to $105,707 last year, while on-course bookmakers held $23,035 compared to $10,323 last year.
Off-course holdings with the TAB remained close to last year at $543,000, down slightly on last year’s $550,000.
“It was a wonderful carnival. We’re very thrilled in how the whole thing went,” Mildura Secretary/Manager Mark Kemp explained.
“We had huge numbers the whole week because of the racing on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The boat cruise on Friday night was booked out well in advance. The golf day was a success, the whole thing was wonderful.
“I think from what I’ve seen we’re the No.1 result for the season in terms of country cups for on-course holdings, so we’re rapt with that.”
In excess of 2000 people attended the annual feature meeting, including about 500 who enjoyed a dining package in one of three available venues.
The local economy receives a massive boon throughout the week due to the Mildura trots carnival, with all accommodation houses basically booked out and hotels, cafes and other business houses significantly frequented.
“All the feedback I’ve received from people has been positive and a lot of the visitors from Wagga and Port Pirie and other places they’re all going to come back in bigger numbers next year,” Kemp said.
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