One word: Hot!
Although not all bad. The unusually hot waether kept many punters away and this ultimately delivered a day of easy access, short lines and a great vibe that was enjoyed by all that made the decision to turn up on the day.
The GA area was remarkably spacious as crowd numbers where down by around 50% allowing just about everyone to find shade and a cold drink without having to line up. The casually dressed crowd enjoyed the passing parade and some gteat entertainment both on and off the course.
Over in Tentland the marquees did their thing with mixed results…
MRQ was again the standout. This small, elegant and stylish villa promised a day above the others and charged accordingly. Happily, this reviewer (and most of the happy punters inside) agreed that it was money wel spent. Not even the exceptionally hot day got the best of the organisers as a large number of fans and air conditioners made this marquee the coolest on course - comfortable even.
The food was served cocktail style and was of an acceptble quality and this year there was enough. The booze was done well, with the quality of the actual beverages and the wait staff delivering service as good as anywhere on course.
MRQ PLATINUM was fabulous. The french champagne served all day, best seats in the house, limo transfers and butler service make this enclave simply the best place to spend new years day in Perth. $500 a ticket is a big ask and MRQ Platinum delivered by the case.
The Rockin Horse in its first year didn’t sell enough tickets, so did a deal to put all of its guests into MRQ. Most where happy although some complained about the lack of rock and roll tunes playing all day - fair enough. The Rockin Horse will be back in 2010 and will do well now that punters know a bit more about what it can deliver.
The Loungeroom. Huge, hot and fun. Although air conditioned the super hot day was hotter than the hard working monster air conditioning systen could handle and this made the circus tent a little uncomfortable. This said, most where impressed by the entertainment and the sheer scale of what goes on inside the tent. Food and drink service where handled reasonably well and the toilets where ample and well maintained.
I was impressed to find out that Chris and Jan really do take notice of their guests feedback and are acting on it! The Loungeroom is planning a whole new look for 2010 with a different structure,updated entertainment format and a return to its spirual home - trackside, on the main straight.
Smirnoff. Well dont really no what to say about this venue. After a shocking 2008, punters steared clear of here in droves with the 2009 attendance being perhaps a third of wh it used to be. Probably because of this they struggled with scale and although they did everything they really didn’t do anything well. - a neutral rating, just.
So thats my thoughts on 2009, all things considered the organises did a pretty good job and should be commended for at least making a big effort to keep punters cool on what was the second hottest NYD on record.
