Punters keep Victorian economy ticking over, says IER report Fashions on the Field boosts Victoria's economy. PUNTERS snapped up 66,000 shoes and 80,000 hats or fascinators during last years Spring Racing Carnival, helping pump $620 million into Victorias economy. A new economic impact study commissioned by Racing Victoria shows that attendances across the 64-day event were better than the previous year, with almost 707,000 people flocking to racetracks in total. More than $53 million was spent on fashion during the carnival, the IER report estimates, which is the equivalent of about $140 per racegoer. About the same amount was spent on food, beverages and raceday dining. There was a big increase in the number of people who came to Victoria from interstate to enjoy the carnival, including several thousand who had an "extended stay" before or after the carnival. This helped hotels and other accommodation reap $35.5 million during the carnival. Premier Denis Napthine - who also remains Racing Minister - released the report, saying it showed the importance of a strong racing sector to Victoria's economy. He said there had been a 20 per cent increase in visitors coming to Victoria just to see the races, and there was an overall $620 million benefit to the economy. "The Spring Racing Carnival is a flagship event on both the Australian and international racing calendar," he said. Most importantly, it is a growing source of employment and economic benefit to Victoria. Last year's Melbourne Cup and racing carnival was blotted by illegal betting scandals and corruption allegations, but punters still flocked to the racetracks to see the action. Racing Victoria chief executive Bernard Saundry said integrity in racing was crucial to maintaining strong attendance and it was his top priority since taking the job several months ago. Mr Saundry said that the Spring Racing Carnival was an "iconic" even that was a great asset to Victoria. Our international audience continues to climb thanks to record levels of international participation in 2012, further promoting the state of Victoria and profile of Victorian racing on the world stage. Shoes: 66,147 Hat/fascinator: 80,547 Dress: 67,133 Jacket: 10,292 Skirt: 3287 Handbag: 32,793 Sunglasses: 16,879 Underwear: 14,875