FOR the first time, young Oakbank racegoers this weekend will be given wristbands to confirm they are old enough to bet and buy alcohol.

Oakbank Racing Club chairman John Glatz said the move would help alleviate the problem of bookies and bartenders having to ask for identification.
At two booths inside the track, people can produce their identification and be given the wristband confirming they are aged more than 18.

“We still will target underage drinking and people will be warned on electronic boards about this as they enter the course,” Mr Glatz said. “We want to maintain our reputation as a safe, family event.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast fine weather for the carnival with 23C likely on Saturday and 29C on Monday.

Victorian Kylie Scott, meanwhile, says she thrives on the atmosphere and excitement of Oakbank. Her husband and jumps jockey Brett has ridden the winner of the Great Eastern Steeplechase five times.

Mrs Scott works just as hard behind the scenes to get the horses prepared.

The Scotts, based at Mornington in Victoria, help run New Zealand-based trainer John Wheeler’s Australian operation.

“I couldn’t go past the horse my husband is riding, Comand Performance, who’ll be running in the Von Doussa steeple on Saturday and the Great Eastern on Monday,” Mrs Scott said yesterday.

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