Streaker amuses race crowd

KATINA CURTIS

THE 2008 Kiama Cup raised $24,000 – and a few smiles after the last race when a streaker took to the track at Kembla Grange Racecourse.

Racegoers were amused after the running of the final race when a man in his mid-20s ran naked on to the track and took a running dive over the finish line.

Security staff were quick to react, but were not quite quick enough to catch the streaker, who escaped by sprinting into the race track’s centre car park.

The unexpected “entertainment” capped off a day that race organisers labelled “an outstanding success”.

Kiama Lions Club member and Kiama Cup organiser Geoff Heinecke said the day’s highlight was the auction of silks from three times Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva and signed by Lee Freedman.

“They were sold for well over what was expected at $5500,” he said.

“We were absolutely delighted with the response from the Kiama community. The race day was an outstanding success.

“A big part of the money raised on the day is going to Kiama Surf Club in their centenary year to enhance their services to the Kiama community.”

Mr Heinecke said more than 1000 people from the Kiama Municipality attended the day, whether at the private function in the Bert Lillye lounge or beside the racecourse.

“The feature of the races this year was the number of young people who attended and definitely a majority of people were wearing hats this year,” he said.

Aleksandra Mittermayer was judged to be the best dressed in the Fashions on the Field competition and Lizzie Yuill won the best hat section.

Both won an accommodation and spa package from Gerringong’s bellachara boutique hotel, which sponsored the competition.

The main race of the day, the Kiama Cup, was won by Gypsy Gaze, who was trained at Warwick Farm by Leanne Aspros and ridden by regular Footy Show guest Alan Robinson.

Kiama Mayor Sandra McCarthy and Councillors Warren Steel and Trevor Fredericks presented the cup to the race winner.

Mr Heinecke said plans were already well in hand for next year’s Kiama Cup.

He said Kiama Lions Club was hoping to build on this year’s success.