RACING was back in fine style at the Leeton Jockey Club on Saturday with a strong crowd and fields turning out.
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The Leeton club took on the meeting after the Carrathool Races were cancelled last month and punters, trainers and jockeys were not left disappointed as a result.
A non-TAB meeting meant horses from across the state travelled to attend and they were pleased with what they saw, according to Leeton Jockey Club president Grant Fitzsimon.
"Being a non-TAB meeting we did attract a lot of horses from all over as they are the ones who rely on these types of meetings ... they might be just below the top standard, so these races are their bread and butter," he said.
"They were all very appreciative of us taking this meeting on.
"It was a great day out. I think we had a crowd of about 400 people there and they were treated to some great racing."
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Taking out the main race on the day - the Prolop Tree Removal Open Handicap - was Tocatchacod ridden by Josh Richards and trained by Scott Spackman.
"That horse it raced the previous Saturday at the Country Championships in Wagga and was really close there," Fitzsimon said.
"That was its fourth start at Leeton for its second win and a couple of places, so it likes the track.
"The trainer (Spackman) supports our race meetings very well and Josh Richards is Peter Clancy's apprentice, so there's Leeton ties in there."
Fitzsimon said the meeting had received plenty of good feedback.
He had several reports of owners stabling their horses for the evening and spending time in Leeton because they "liked the look of the town" and wanted to see what was on offer.
"It's all really great for our economy, so we're really pleased people like it here, they like our facilities and are happy to spend time here and come back as well," Fitzsimon said.
The club's attention will now turn to the Leeton Cup, which is being held earlier this year on April 17 in the hope of attracting better weather and even more punters.
Keep up-to-date with the club and the upcoming Leeton Cup on its Facebook page.
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