THE WEATHER absolutely turned one on for the first Boxing Day races in Newcastle since last year's COVID-19 outbreak.
Whether there for the fillies, the fun or the fashion, punters turned up in droves to place their bets and sink a cold one with mates.
Newcastle Jockey Club (NJC) president Duane Dowell said they expected about 4000 to 5000 through the gates.
"It's a bit of an iconic day," he said.
"I think Christmas Day is more about families and Boxing Day is about getting out with your mates, and what a great place to come and enjoy a day out to celebrate with your friends."
Jordy Padmos and Julian Bishop. Picture by Peter LorimerJada Maloney, Bella McShane, Sophie Woodforth, Monique McDonald, Neve McDonald, Taylah Moore, Sophie Vest and Sheree Crow. Picture by Peter LorimerJohn and Michele Connors and Sharon and Justin Bryde. Picture by Peter LorimerHarrison Johnson and Kaitlyn O'Connor. Picture by Peter LorimerA big crowd dressed up for the Boxing Day meeting at Newcastle. Picture by Peter LorimerAva Osland and Metiesha Brien. Picture by Peter LorimerDane Lawther and Abbie Johns. Picture by Peter LorimerStrapper Sarah Currie prepares True Valentine for the first on the card at Newcastle. Picture by Peter LorimerPowerful Peg scores in the first race on the card. Picture by Peter LorimerCrowds enjoyed the sunshine at the races. Picture by Peter LorimerMary Miljkovic and Jackie Razmovski get in the spirit of the day. Picture by Peter LorimerCrowds lined up to watch the horses warm up. Picture by Peter LorimerJulian Bishop, Jordy Padmos and Ollie Richards. Picture by Peter LorimerThe DJ rocks the crowd at the Boxing Day races. Picture by Peter LorimerLaura Rumble and Sophie Hunter. Picture by Peter LorimerThere was plenty of great food on offer at the Boxing Day races. Picture by Peter LorimerA Freedman Charge waits patiently in the stall for the first race at Newcastle. Picture by Peter LorimerAll the action and color from the Newcastle Boxing Day meeting. Picture by Peter LorimerCrowds sought the shade at the races. Picture by Peter LorimerCrowds enjoyed a drink outside at Broadmeadow Racecourse. Picture by Peter LorimerA horse enjoying a rinse at the races. Picture by Peter LorimerPowerful Peg scores in the first race on the card. Picture by Peter LorimerHorses prepare to race at the Boxing Day meet. Picture by Peter LorimerPunters flocked through the gates on Monday. Picture by Peter LorimerIt was a busy day at the Boxing Day Races. Picture by Peter Lorimer
Among the crowds sipping champagne trackside were Mary Miljkovic and Jackie Razmovski.
"We came for the atmosphere, it's been on my bucket list 100 per cent," Mrs Miljkovic said.
"My husband has horses and we're always at the races but I've never been to the Boxing Day races.
"He does the bets, so what's his is mine - but otherwise it's all about looking at the form guide and the names."
The races were headlined by DJ Little Fritter on Monday.
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