Lucky boots Demi home in Batavia

With a packed crowd in attendance and plenty of fun and entertainment on offer, Batavia Sprint day at the Geraldton Turf Club went off without a hitch on Sunday.

Almost, that is.

“Mauritian Magician” Laqdar “Lucky” Ramoly won the day as My Demi was first past the post, just over two weeks after being pipped to the finish line on Pinjarra Cup day.

Young Kiwi trainer Brock Lewthwaite, who played minor roles in The Hobbit before his move to WA, was overjoyed with the win.

While there’s glitz and glamour at the track on any big day, and there was a Hollywood presence this time around, the day also retained a country racing feel.

A burst water main early on threatened to put a dampener on proceedings, but local member Darren West MLC helped out with his contacts and Water Corporation technicians eventually handled the problem as local farmers brought in water for the thirsty horses.

Manager David Wrensted said the club was happy with the way the event went, with about 1300 people on course.

“We were really pleased with it,” Wrensted said.

“It started off a bit ordinary, (but) everyone was terrific.

“Local farmers came and supplied water until it (the water main) was fixed, and made sure the horses were looked after so they could all get water and have a drink.

“The crowd was really, really good, the racing was good.

“It was terrific.”