The Wycheproof community can stand tall after completing a trifecta of large-scale events over recent months concluding with the presentation of the Elders Mt. Wycheproof Cup Day last Saturday, which drew an attendance of over 3,000 people.

Following on from the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour and the Riordan King and Queen of the Mountain, the collective effort of many was once again on display as a triumphant Derby Day in the Country brought patrons from across the state to the small Mallee township.

President of the Mt. Wycheproof and District Racing Club, Kevin Thompson, said it had been a very successful day, with trainers, owners and jockeys rating the track as “outstanding” and the general range of feedback being very positive. The Cup win by Austy Coffey-trained “Bannerton” had also added a local flavour. 

“Our Cup Day has changed over the years” said Kevin “and with more work involved now, I’d like to acknowledge our committee – and the community, who are often called on at the last minute – for the marvellous job they have done. They have been outstanding. We are also appreciative of the support provided by the Buloke Shire.”   

The mood of friendliness and connection with family is one of the main drawcards of the race day, bringing people back time and time again, and 2024 was no different as the packed trackside sprang to life for this highlight of the social and sporting calendar.

Family Fixture
For Patty and Keith Jones, race day has long been a fixture in their lives – “for 50 years at least!” laughed Patty. Having progressed from chicken and champagne in the car park, the family – which now includes grandchildren ranging in age from babies to a 28 year-old – has a regular marquee, and Wyche. race day is a time for everyone to catch up. 

Daughter, Michelle Gujer, said, “We don’t always get together for Christmas, but race day seems to draw the family back, and we have a really good time getting together. This event also puts something back into the community, which is good.”

Amongst their party was extended family member Judith Glazner (Larkin) whose affiliation to the event holds a special significance. Judith’s work as nurse at the Royal Children’s Hospital brought her into the orbit of a very young Harry Coffey following his diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

“I’ve known Harry since he was a baby,” said Judith, “and was part of the team working with him until he moved on to adult care.” The now Caulfield Cup winning jockey and his family, including parents Austy and Maree, have been an integral part of the Wycheproof Races, and Harry’s six race winning streak at the 2016 event has become part of the Club’s folklore.

More Relaxed
Having grown in stature over the years, Wycheproof Derby Day in the Country now seems to provide a refreshing and more relaxed alternative to the city-based racing carnival, with some punters rating it higher than its Melbourne counterpart. The cost, and a slower pace are the main reasons, plus the more intimate setting is also attractive. 

Many attendees travelled long distances to be a part of the day, with comments repeatedly focusing on the enjoyment and how much people were “loving it!” Travelling from locations such as Mornington, Bacchus Marsh, Ocean Grove, Jan Juc, Melbourne, Horsham, Swan Hill, Bendigo, Ballarat, as well as surrounding local towns reveals the favourable drawing power of Derby Day beyond the metropolitan fringe.

With at least two bucks groups making the races their weekend get-away, some of the more rowdy elements of years gone by were less overt (at least early in the day!); 25 Ballarat boys and 21 Bendigo lads were making the most of their pre-nuptial celebrations, revelling in the atmosphere and somewhat surprised by the large crowd – “I thought there would have only been about 100 people here!” said one. The fashion statements of the past which saw men in nun’s outfits and squeezed into race day dresses have largely been replaced with smart, casual race wear, although a couple of clown outfits made the cut in this year’s crowd.

Fashions 
Fashions on the Field entrants again provided a high point of the day, with elegant outfits and ensembles capturing a relaxed “country style”. While the monochrome shades of Derby Day were more obvious during the formal judging, florals, pastels and long floating garments were more prevalent trackside. Less of the stylised sophisticates, and more of the comfortable, but chic dressing did not detract from the sense of occasion on the day.

Presented by Swan Hill Women in Racing, the Fashions categories included Most Elegant Lady of the Day (winner, Carly Crouch, from Stawell); Most Stylish Millinery (winner, Rubi Crouch, of Stawell, Carly’s daughter); Best Dressed Gent of the Day (winner Steve Jewson, of Jan Juc), and Best Dressed Junior Racegoers (winners, 2.5 year-old, Benjamin Phelan and 5 year-old, Adeline Brennan). The event was judged by Narelle Makepeace, Maree Coffey and Jade Benham, MP.

Proving that fashion doesn’t have to be costly, prize-winning outfits and even stand-out garments around the concourse revealed that digging deep into the wardrobe brings its own rewards. Best Dressed Gent and Most Elegant Lady both found their ensembles “in the cupboard” (“mine’s been in the cupboard forever” said Carly Crouch), while on course, Cythia Durie’s eye-catching dress, hat and bag were another closet resurrection. 

Around the distinctive white marquee “city” – stretching north almost to the end of the track – off-course entertainment by the Bendigo musical duo “Snake & Rooster” catered for the adults, while face-painting, games and a jumping castle kept the little ones out of mischief. Food vans and close-at-hand amenities ensured that all aspects of the day were addressed, with easy access to the racing just a few steps away. 

Catering
Food catering by local, Donna Pelligrino’s “Tuscan on Calder” (pre-ordered hampers) and the magnificent spread by the East Wimmera Health Service ladies at the golf house were also in demand – the latter being highly praised by the stewards and race callers.

In the build up to the running of the $30,000 Elders Mt. Wycheproof Cup, The Voice contestant, Elias Lanyon took to the course to sing the national anthem before the starters took to the field.

Race day has been an enduring part of the Wycheproof calendar, and the evolution and growth of the event is a testament to the Racing Club committee and members, along with the unstinting support of the wider community. As the facilities have developed, as new directions have been embraced and as racing personalities have been nurtured within its framework, this event is surely deserving of its iconic status.