The six-race program treated spectators to a spectacular first place finish in every event with the leading horse in each race striding out well in front of the competitors.

It was also a day of success for female jockeys.

While there were no wins for Highlands trainer Sarah Murray-Leslie, she was fortunate to secure two placings.

Murray-Leslie, who was the only Highlands trainer with horses competing in the popular annual race day, walked away with bragging rights for two third place finishes.

The Murray-Leslie trained, New Zealand foaled horse, Blue Fiasco ridden by Annelise King crossed the finish line in third place in the second event of the day, the Simmark Class 2 Handicap run over 1000 metres.

First place in this race was taken out by Royal Casino trained by Adam Wadick and ridden by jockey, William Pearson.

Second place was secured by Depreciation trained by Natalie Jarvis with jockey Maddison Wright.

Murray-Leslie said Blue Fiasco ran well and had an excellent race.

“Today had some tough racing,” she said. “It was really competitive here today, so the racegoers really got their money’s worth today.”

Murray-Leslie’s next success was in race four, the John Parkes Memorial Open Handicap over 1200 metres. Denim Street under the control of jockey Maddison Wright, took out third place in the event.

Race four on the program was an emotional favourite for the 2018 Bong Bong Picnic Races. It was named as a tribute to the vice- president of the club, John Parkes, who passed away on November 5, 2018.

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