Crowds boosted at Port Hedland races as the community gathers to use the new and improved facilities

Race day returned to Port Hedland on Sunday as the crowds flocked to the fields and made full use of the new and upgraded facilities connected to the Turf Club. Six races took place on Sunday (July 3), with jockey Austin Galati triumphing on the Kevin Mahoney-trained Galiba over the 1300m in race one. The crowd came early to watch the races, as Port Hedland Turf Club president Tony Barron said he had noticed a bigger influx of people attending the beginning of the race season. “First four meetings we normally have about 400 people but this year we’ve had 700,” he said. “Every event has sold out, which has blown us away and been amazing. “I think Ladies’ Day will be around 1800 and Cup Day will be around 2500. “It’s an event we put on for the people of Port Hedland.” Jockey Jessica Valenti, on the Carey Martin-trained Nitro Lad, took the honours over 1400 in race two. Valenti made it back-to-back wins in race three on Finest Clobber, another 1400m event. Lion was a major sponsor for the event and executive Mark Shannon said the race day was an important way to bring Port Hedland together. “It’s important for the community because you are going to get 700 people out here on a Sunday,” he said. “It’s good for the region and getting people socialising.” Galati and trainer Mahoney again proved a winning combination in race four, with Sea Waif leading the field across the line over 1400m. The pair then went back-to-back in race five, at 1200m the day’s shortest event, with Salchino saluting the judges. Valenti took out the sixth and final race of the day on Justhandy, making it three wins for her and three for Galati on the day. The seventh race of the day had to be cancelled as four horses ran around the whole track after a false start. The next race day in Port Hedland is Ladies’ Day on July 22.