Tradesmen’s favourite day at the races

JOHN Want doesn’t mind a punt at the races and is a regular face at Clarence River Jockey Club.

John Want gets ready for the tradies day at the Grafton races. Photo Adam Hourigan / The Daily Examiner. Picture: Adam Hourigan

JOHN Want doesn't mind a punt at the races and is a regular face at Clarence River Jockey Club.

Want and his father, Craig Want, will be trackside again today when they cheer the Craig Want Asbestos Removal Maiden Handicap with their workmates.

"We usually use it as a bit of a late-Christmas work party," John said.

"For the last few years we usually sponsor a race, or at least come out for the day.

"It's a good day out and usually gets a fair turn-out."

John will be watching closely and hoping to make an extra buck when the maiden handicap of the company's namesake goes around at 2.53pm.

"I like the three (Diamond Eagle) and the seven (Jet Fighter)," he says.

"I'm usually a quinella better.

"It's a maiden race so neither have won, but both started well in their trials and look to be the ones to beat."

Indeed, early betting has Diamond Eagle (Matthew McGuren, $7) in its first start and Jet Fighter (Stephen Traecey, $9) well in the mix with first emergency Cool Choice (Cyril Small, $7) the only other in single figures.

Local tradesmen will be out in force this afternoon for Tradies Race Day.

The annual event is a chance for the CRJCA to put local tradesmen who support the club in the spotlight.

But, in truth, for many it's just a good excuse to knock off early on a Friday arvo.

"It's definitely good to do a couple of hours in the morning then knock off early," he said.

The first of eight races to jump is the Tradesmen's Race Day Class 3 Handicap over 1106 metres at 1.08pm.

The Kev's Cleaning Service Open Handicap over 1106 metres feature solid performers Floral Insight and Padre Pio at 3.30pm.

Originally published as Tradesmen’s favourite day at the races