Hold on to your hats, girls! Battling the wind, contestants for the Fashions in the Field parade competed for the Lady of the Day coveted top prize sponsored by Mackay’s Family Jewellers, valued at $3,000, attracting strong entries from all over Victoria.
Donald and District Racing Club held its annual Cup Carnival on Sunday, November 17, attended by a hearty crowd willing to brave the windy conditions of the day.
Marquees were anchored securely and other plans hastily rearranged to accommodate the conditions and the day was an undeniable success.
There was an overall sense of fun in every direction you looked; those trackside on Sunday not only braved the gusty wind, but made light of it. People made games of catching items whipped away in the breeze, then returned to their rightful owners, with a laugh and a smile, as if Mother Nature herself was providing the ice breakers.
Ladies with extravagant fascinators and millineries, held on to their headwear with fierce determination and a dedication to win the enviable Fashions in the Field prizes presented on the day; and they looked stunning as they did so.
Punters set up in the bookies’ shed, children played on the lawn and marquees sheltered individual group celebrations. Those avoiding the breeze were packed firmly inside the clubhouse, which was set up for exquisite dining packages, as well as its indoor bar area.
For each race, however, as the horses thundered down the straight, the crowd was drawn to the fence without fail; the age-old excitement shared as one as they cheered on their chosen champion.
Friday’s edition will be a full report of the trackside festivities, including winners of Fashions in the Field and other notable contributions to another successful Donald Cup Carnival.
