THE locals know it, but now the rest of the state knows it, too.

Pakenham Oaks Day has been named the Country Racing (Vic) Event Race Day of the Year.

Pakenham Racing Club chief executive Michael Hodge said the club was delighted to finally win the award after being a finalist for the past five years.

“It is great that we have won two prestigious awards including the Racing Club of the Year and the Event of the Year,” Mr Hodge said.

“We were up against three iconic events (in the Race Day of the Year final) which included the Warrnambool May Jumps Carnival, the Swan Hill Cup Carnival and the Sale Cup.

“To think that out of 450 meets a year held across the country, that we got the best event day – it’s wonderful.”

Mr Hodge said if this year’s bookings were anything to go by, Pakenham Oaks 2010 would be bigger and better than ever.

“The bookings are ahead of anything we’ve had in the past, and all going well it will just grow from there,” he said.

“It’s great for the Gazette, the day’s major sponsor too – a sponsor wants to work with a quality product, and this award shows that is exactly what Oaks Day is.”

He congratulated all staff on their work and said many were able to accept the award on the night.

“It takes many people to organise a day like Pakenham Oaks, and it’s nice that they have been recognised,” he said.

The Cardinia Club, which is linked to the Racing Club, was also recognised recently, being named Best Metropolitan Club at the Tabcorp Excellence Awards.

Mr Hodge said it was exciting news, considering how many clubs there were in the metropolitan region.

“It is a significant award,” he said. “It just shows how fortunate we are to have a calibre of the Cardinia Club in Pakenham.”