Thousands pour through the gates to witness history as Albany’s first slot race hailed a major success

Albany’s first venture into slot racing has been hailed a success after thousands flocked to Percy Spencer Racecourse on Sunday to witness the inaugural Bluff Knoll. Country WA’s richest race, with more than $350,000 in prizemoney on offer, attracted a superb 12-horse field but it was the RAM Racing Syndicate that was jumping for joy after their runner Gemma’s Son won the feature race. Made up of about 50 mates mostly from WA amateur footy clubs, the group’s slot race success followed their $4m win in The Quokka at Ascot in April last year. As Gemma’s Son burst clear in the final stages, about 30 syndicate members could be spotted among the swarm of punters trackside, dressed mostly in black cowboy outfits and yelling with jubilation. “It’s an amazing feeling, especially to do it with the group of people that we’ve got,” RAM Racing Syndicate member Stuart Campbell said. “We’ve been down here a couple of days and the hospitality has been magnificent — to cap it off with a win is an amazing experience. “We love it, the concept (of slot races) and to have a horse racing in this calibre of races, you don’t have to be an owner, you don’t have to do the hard yards, you are just straight in. “When it kept drifting, we kept betting so we had a decent lick and we’ll get rid of it around town tonight I’m sure.” The first instalment of the Bluff Knoll was greeted by lovely weather and an enthusiastic crowd who sang along to the chorus of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough before the running of the feature race. Marquees were packed as racegoers enjoyed the hospitality while those soaking up the sun outside were treated to live music throughout the day. Albany Racing Club general manager Mark Bayliss estimated about 2000 people were on course. “It was a fantastic day and no real major hiccups,” he said. “There were a lot of racing enthusiasts on course and a lot of people came away and said they enjoyed the day. “RAM Racing winning is great for the Bluff Knoll, given how big the group is and how much they put back into racing. “It was a huge success and I’m sure it will only get bigger next year.”