Sale Turf Club has a proud history of racing, and during the Sale Kids Day Out, that turf was occupied by kids having fun, and eight races for everyone to enjoy.

Gates opened at the club on Sunday at 11.30am for families to congregate, with youth sports and physical activity organisation Kelly Sports providing the day’s supervised kids activities in the form of arts and crafts, physical activities and entertainment.

Sale Turf Club Chief Executive, Brad Evans told the Gippsland Times at mid-afternoon that he was pleased with how the day had gone.

Brad Evans – Sale Turf Club Chief Executive, with the date of the next race day.
Photos: Stefan Bradley

“The weather was kind and it got a bit cooler towards the middle of the day. We had over 200 kids on course,” Mr Evans said.

“The kids like to come and look at the horses in the mounting yard, with all their colours, the noise and the excitement.

A mix of sport, dance, team and fun activities on a lovely Sunday afternoon.
Kids were the star with entry to the event and free supervised activities.

“The kids received great packs from Country Racing, and (enjoyed) face painting, balloon twisting and (the) jumping castle. Kelly Sports all supported that.

“There were really good fields on a fantastic track with nice crowds supporting the event. So we’re really pleased with that, and appreciate our sponsors.”

The best view of the races.

Mr Evans said the day was also about honouring the late Peter Gray, a Sale Turf Club life member.

“We had his family on course as guests of the club, enjoying the day and just remembering Peter and recognizing his contribution to the club,” he said.

Gippsland artist Nathan Lambourn.

The Race 7 Vale Life Member Peter Gray BM64 Handicap was dedicated to Mr Gray.

Check out coverage of the races here: https://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/sport/2024/01/17/gippsland-locals-lead-at-sale-turf-club/

Mr Evans believes around 700-800 people had showed up for the event.

Sale Turf Club members Lonagan Milham and Caz Pincott were present to express their love of horses.

The crowds peaked around 2pm.

Mr Milham himself used to be a jockey but had a serious accident in 2003, suffering severe head injuries during Australia Day races at Hanging Rock, which ended his horse racing career.

“We’ve come to support the jockeys and the kids,” Mr Milham said, whose father is a local trainer.

Sale Turf Club members Lonagan Milham (left) and Caz Pincott.

Ms Pincott said the pair were regulars at the club.

“Everything run by the Sale Turf Club is amazing. It’s fantastic, we’re always here,” Ms Pincott said.

“We don’t ride horses anymore, but we’ve come to watch them. We love them.”

It was favourable weather for families to enjoy a meal and for kids to get active.