THE Marburg Pacing Association’s annual Christmas Race Day was a winner with the crowd.

Expert tips were shared by members of the Marburg association in the nine-race line up that attracted punters track side to back their favourites.

Excitement sparked as Santa arrived with a special gift for each child, before he entered the race track to take on the Grinch, in the annual Santa verse Grinch race.

The race is a tradition for the Marburg association, where families cheer on track side for their favourite Christmas icon to win, and after a very close race the laurels went to Santa, who was congratulated by the crowd.

Adding to the excitement of the day was a free water slide where children gathered to cool off, market stalls full of Christmas goodies and huge prizes that were awarded to the lucky winners of the Christmas raffle.