Low numbers and steeple falls at Oakbank this Easter Monday hardly dampened the mood of the family-friendly event

The sparse grandstand at the Oakbank Easter race meeting on Monday fuelled trackside talk that on Monday’s event is running on borrowed time.

The sparse grandstand at the Oakbank Easter race meeting on Monday fuelled trackside talk that on Monday’s event is running on borrowed time.

Flashback to 2009 and the crowds for the second day of racing for the popular annual meeting where well into the thousands – a far cry from Monday’s modest attendance.

But Oakbank chairman Barney Gask, buoyant after Saturday’s crowd of 20,000, remained optimistic, saying the second day of the carnival is being phased into a family day.

In Race 1 in front of some empty stands, "Azurite" wins the Kloses/Melt Benchmark 82 Handicap. Picture: Dean Martin

He said Monday’s crowd was expected after the amount of hype they had been pumped into Saturday’s event.

“We almost pushed (Monday) into this, because of what we did with the Saturday’s racing,” said Mr Gask.

“Moving the Great Eastern from Monday to Saturday, we’re always going to end up losing the major race from this day.” The official crowd figure is yet to be released.

The crowd at the 2009 Oakbank Easter Monday race.

Aaron Hill, from Morphett Vale, who has been attending the Oakbank carnival with his family for more than 30 years, said he enjoys the quieter Monday atmosphere.

But he does admit the “very poor turn out” on Monday must be of some concern for the race club. “It’s not as good as it used to be but it’s still a good day … the kids’ zone is much better this year,” Mr Hill said.

As well as racing, family friendly activities included rock climbing and face painting for the kids. Ian Fox, 58, has been attending the Oakbank carnival since he was 15 and has fond memories of attending the day with his parents.

Regular Oakbank race goer, Ian "Foxy" Fox picked the winner of Race 1, which inspired him to do his version of the "River Dance". Picture: Dean Martin

“I have been a frequent visitor of Oakbank … I like the country picnic atmosphere, while fox trotting around the racetrack, and of course watching the horses.” He was sporting a race-themed button up shirt, Easter bunny ears and fox themed socks, put together by “horse racing’s Pierre Cardin, aka Lowes”.

On Monday, a fall in the steeple race was the only on-track concern. But the horse Ours and jockey, Lee Horner, escaped unscathed. Mr Gask said the best possible measures are in place to ensure the horses are fit and ready for jumping.

“Horses don’t get to these races, to hurdle races or steeple races, unless they’ve been through a fairly stringent process that’s analysed by vets, and jumps experts as well as trainers and jockeys,” Mr Gask said.

“There’s also making sure that we set it up the best way possible so we’re always looking at the hurdles, the brush fences, just trying to do what we can that’s within our power to make it as safe as we can.”