Locals prosper at the Rock

(Above) Override, ridden by Chris Nicoll claimed a win in Race 1 for new local trainer, Brent Stanley. 

(Below) Nicoll also rode Crystal Reef to victory in race 3, again for the Stanley stable. 

Photos: Chris Fleming

Kylie Kitchen

The New Year's Day race event at Hanging Rock was prosperous for two Kyneton trainers.

New trainer, Brent Stanley kicked off his winning streak in Race 1, the Team Staffing Solutions 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m $8,000) with Override, ridden by Chris Nicoll.

Stanley's second win came in Race 3, the NMIT 0-68 HANDICAP (1000m $8,000) with Crystal Reef, another at the hands of jockey, Chris Nicoll. 

"For Brent Stanley to have his first two starters at the rock and have two winners is a fantastic effort. He's had an outstanding start to his career," Kyneton & Hanging Rock Racing Club CEO, Mark Graham said.

Runner-up to Stanley in Race 3 was another Kyneton trainer, Neil Dyer, with Belle Diva, ridden by Ben Knobel.

Returning trainer, Mick Sell had his winning moment in Race 4, the Sportsbet.com.au Top Tote Plus 0-62 Handicap (2400m $8,000) with Dance Crew, ridden by jockey, Luke Londregan. 

Sell then had a runner-up in Race 5 (Glen Erin Group Maiden Plate (1800m $8,000) with Coin Toss.

"It was nice to see Dance Crew make it for Mick Sell," Mr Graham said.

Sell was absent from the meeting due to an illness in the family.

"There was a big cheer that went up when Dance Crew won. To see one win for the family was uplifting for those who know (Sell)," Mr Graham said.

There was a strong crowd to celebrate the local victories, with attendance numbers between 5,000 and 5,500.

"It was an absolutely outstanding crowd considering the issues we've had in previous years," Mr Graham said.

"That attendance highlights just what regard racing at Hanging Rock has in the wider community."

Last year's Australia Day meeting was abandoned after a horse with jockey almost fell in the first race due to a large cavity in the track.

Kangaroos intruded on the Australia Day meeting the year before, forcing all races to be scratched.

The track was in top condition this time around, Mr Graham said.

"Reports on the condition of the track from jockeys ranged from, 'in great order', to, 'outstanding'," he said.

Mr Graham praised the behaviour of attendees on Tuesday.

There were no arrests or evictions on the day.

"To have that many people in your venue for the day and have outstanding crowd behaviour was such a positive for us," Mr Graham said.

(Above) Race-goers were relaxed for the New Year's Day races. 

(Below) A good crowd of more than 5000 turned out to the popular Hanging Rock event. 

Photos: Chris Fleming