I made a late decision to head to Shepparton on New Years Eve for the final day of the Victorian Track Carnivals. I arrived at the track with Jarrod Moroni and Andrew Mason at 10am, assuming that racing started at 12 as the program had indicated, only to find that my first event would by at 4pm, with a twilight session scheduled for 7pm! After helping to assemble three 100-piece marquees for the officials (an emotionally challenging task) we decided to head into Shepparton to find something to pass the time. Ideas were thrown about until the decision was made to raid the local surf shop for some swimming attire. About $150 later we were on our way to a less than inviting water hole, and straight back to the velodrome where we sunbaked track-side until total dehydration set in.
To discuss racing in short…I ran third in a 9 lap motor pace, had an easy ride behind Nettie to win the Godfrey Family Omnium elimination, claimed second in the Keirin and managed second in a 12 lap graded points score…a difficult task when some are given a 10 point buffer! My proudest moment came in the 2000m handicap, starting as back marker off 10m with Nettie. Numbers were down so a straight final was run, and after winning my only handicap in Leongatha 5 years ago off 160m, I have finally taken line honours! Nettie got one back on me in the final scratch race that even a photo finish camera couldn’t split! Before racing concluded we had packed up camp in preparation for a quick departure, allowing New Years celebrations to start on the drive home =) I now look forward to starting the Jayco Bay Classic with some form tomorrow, albeit with a mighty headache...Results: Bendigo Track Carnival
Results: Shepparton Track Carnival
* Images courtesy of Fyxomatosis Photography