Illawarra apprentice Brock Ryan has praised Racing NSW and the Illawarra Turf Club after a successful inaugural running of The Gong on Saturday.
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A crowd of just over 6000 turned out at Kembla Grange for the event, with Mister Sea Wolf taking out the main race.
Ryan was on board Jonker for The Gong, which ultimately finished 11th and he said it was great to see so many fans turn out.
"It's been good, the crowd's right in it," Ryan said. "I've been an apprentice here for four-five years, I've never seen a crowd like this. It's a good atmosphere and everyone's embracing it."
Ryan added that he hopes Saturday's meeting is the start of a racing resurgence in the Illawarra.
"You only have to look at the fields today, they're big fields, all the good trainers, all the good jockeys.
"The prize money's outstanding, it gives horses a good chance at this time of year to pick up good prize money coming out of the spring carnival.
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