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A cast of heroes on and off the track brought ‘The Meadows’ to life last Saturday night.

Do you remember what it was like to be a kid? That age we all had heroes. Whether they be a local or national sports star, an aunty or uncle, a neighbour down the road or even a musician or band. It was awesome. Although the one ‘real hero’ we all had was a favourite superhero! Who was yours?

We asked the Melbourne Greyhounds staff which superhero they loved, and many gleefully announced the capped crusader, Batman (although some did question his superhero status). There was also plenty of love for Thor (or was that the modern Thor, Chris Hemsworth), as well as ‘The Flash‘. Yet, in all honesty, it was the rekindling of our younger years that most enjoyed reflecting on.

For the close to 200 families and children who strode into ‘The Meadows’ on April 13, many in brilliant costumes, the chance to meet their favourite superheroes was palpable. As our five fabulous characters emerged from under the grandstand shrills of delight (and some terror) swept over the ‘The Meadows’ as families mobbed their heroes for happy snaps, selfies and high fives.

Batman, Ironman, Captain Marvel, Spiderman and Captain American spent time visiting all the hot spots across the track, even making it up the stairs to the City View Bistro to thrill diners, many who were trialling the new Autumn for the first time.

“There were kids everywhere last night. It was great to see them all having a ripping time. Well done Meadows.”

Once the walk around was over, it was on with the show. A large group of families packed themselves into the Undercroft area as the fab five went to work entertaining the masses with a show full of dancing and live action fight move simulations. All superheroes had the crowd up and dancing, with Ironman showing off some exquisite robot moves to the Frozen movie hit song, ‘Let it go!’ and ‘Gangnam Style’ after Jarvis malfunctioned. Following the performance 5 lucky kids were gifted Hoyts movie passes in appreciation of their efforts to come dressed in there best superhero costume.

After the superhero’s had all flown back to their respective secret headquarters there was still plenty of fun to be had on the other outdoor activations. Kids jumped, bounced and played on the FREE giant inflatable games and, again, like at all our events, ate too much FREE popcorn and fairy floss. Many also loved wearing the capes, masks and slap bands found in the FREE ‘I Love the Dogs’ Backpacks that were handout. While another lucky five families went home with brand new Nintendo Switches after winning the prizes in the Super Prize draw.

Racing news

For those who were interested in the racing action, where the real heroes were getting about, some great racing was witnessed. (Batman agreed). Redeemer Blue for Brendan Pursell got one over kennel mate champion Moraine Suzie in 730 stayers race. While the 2022 Melbourne Cup winner Yachi Bale continued his stellar form making it 5 wins for his last 6 starts at The Meadows, this time over the 600m. And again, another Brand Pursell runner, Shrewd Sticker put in a solid run. It was the quickest run of the night, a very merit worthy 29.783 over the 525m.

A ‘super’ summer of family entertainment come to an end

Melbourne Greyhounds family nights at ‘The Meadows’ have become a big part of the racing calendar and fixture. The Superheroes Family Night was the last of four wonderful events that the MGRA have hosted across summer. These events will take a short break over the winter, but like a downed superhero will return in late spring to again thrill and entertain the younger generations – and from what we witnessed on Saturday night, the older generation too!

Did you attended and have a great experience at Saturday night. Feel free to share your experience with a comment or picture on our Facebook Superheroes Post.