Racegoers arrived at the Ballarat Cup on Saturday optimistic about the weather despite the prediction of thunderstorms.
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But while it was blue skies early and the mercury reached 29 degrees at 1pm, strong winds and dark clouds threatened a change.
By 1.30pm, the thunderstorm had hit with torrential rain causing patrons to run for shelter, while lighting delayed race start times.
But Ballarat Turf Club chief executive officer Lachlan McKenzie said the day had still been a great success.
This is Ballarat socially at its finest, even with four seasons in a day... it hasn't dulled spirits at all."
- Ballarat Turf Club chief executive officer Lachlan McKenzie
“Attendance was very strong,” he said.
“I’d say not quite as big as last year with 13,000 (people), but we were almost on track for a record crowd.”
Mr McKenzie said the number of hospitality packages sold was similar to last year, while walk ups were going “really well” until the storm arrived and slowed the pace.
He estimated at least 10,000 people had walked through the gates for the Ballarat Cup, resulting in what he believed would have been the second strongest crowd.
It comes after a bumper 2016 meet, where the blue skies and sunshine were credited as key factors to record numbers.
Mr McKenzie said he was once again impressed with the great crowd behaviour and festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
"This is Ballarat socially at its finest, even with four seasons in a day – the heat, the rain and storms – it hasn't dulled spirits at all," Mr McKenzie said.
“Everyone was well behaved in the marquees – when I spoke with police, they told me there had been no incidents whatsoever.
“The Hot House was full of 18 to 25 year olds having a great time, there have been no issues.”
A highlight for Mr McKenzie was the Ballarat connection with the winner of the main event of the day, Grand Dreamer.
Trainer Robert Smerdon grew up as a member of one of Ballarat’s best known racing families and still has a major presence with a Ballarat stable.
“It’s not only a great day for our club, it’s a great day for Ballarat,” Mr McKenzie said.
Meanwhile, Medical Edge team members at the first aid tent said they had been kept quiet throughout the day, providing racegoers with just band-aids, sunscreen and shelter from the rain.
TAC also provided free breath testing for punters on their way out of the venue.
Ballarat Police were unable to comment on crowd behaviour when contacted.