The race was the day’s main event and it didn’t fail to disappoint the large crowd in attendance on Cox Plate Day.

Curly Mac loomed up on the inside of long time race leader Quietude ($10) when Traecey pulled the Vanessa McLennan-trained gelding off Quietude’s  heels and it steamed to the line.

Michelle Fleming’s Idle Shiver ($7) was another one and a half lengths behind in third.

Colt Prosser’s Admiral Bluff ($8) pulled off an upset early on when he took out race one.

Sue Grills’ Justine ($1.90) was heavily backed on track, but was disappointing six-lengths last.

Bendemeer trainer Jane Clement had five-year-old mare Schmartness  primed for her tilt in Armidale on Saturday as she cruised to a five-length win in the second.

Armidale trainer Lea Selby was the sole local trainer to register a win on Saturday.

Five-year-old gelding Venera ($2.10) registered his first win in his sixth career race in the third after being strongly backed. 

Grills also made sure she wouldn’t be leaving Armidale without a winner.

Her mare Bembles ($5) raced to a length and a half win in the fourth.

Ron Buckpitt’s Suma Cum Sadie ($21) caused a huge boilover in the last of the day. The one and a half length win broke a 12-start winless streak for the veteran mare.

Armidale Jockey Club secretary Jim Dedes was delighted with the day when talking to The Express yesterday.

“It was terrific, a fantastic day of racing,” he said.

The extended dry period in Armidale has make track maintenence difficult, but hard work from Dedes and the club ensured it ran as a good three on Saturday.

“It kicked up a bit of dust early, but it still has a good covering of grass on it,” Dedes said.