THE Seppelt Great Western Cup annual meeting went off with a bang of a different kind with up to 20 vehicles destroyed by a fire in the car park forcing jockeys, horses and patrons to evacuate on Sunday.

Hamilton resident, Jay Grace had two horses running at the event, however, neither were able to compete after the event was cancelled shortly after race one at around 1.30pm when the fire started, believed to be from a car exhaust igniting hay, however, the cause is still being investigated.

“We heard what sounded like gunshots as cars began to explode,” Mr Grace said.

“A call came over the PA and people were running to the car park to move their cars, but we decided it was too unsafe.”

Mr Grace’s vehicle was one of the vehicles destroyed in the fire.

“It’s just a car,” he said.

“Although it wasn’t overly windy, the fire jumped from the car park, presumably by embers, but was quickly extinguished by 3 -4 water bombers.”

“SES and police were already onsite which was fortunate and Pomonal and Great Western Fire Brigades were also quickly on the scene.”

It is believed no injuries were reported, other than a security guard with suspected smoke inhalation.