Sunday morning presented less than ideal weather for the Donald Cup Carnival, with event staff setting up in cold, rainy and very windy conditions. As if on cue for the first race, however, the sun came out to warm the day, with only the strong breeze persisting.

Organisers were thrilled with the community’s support and the great attendance under challenging conditions. Strong winds are likely to drive one to insanity, but the crowd at the course showed its spirit and took it all as part of the fun of the day. There were hats and fascinators flying everywhere (and at one point I saw a tenner fly past me, which is a story of its own later on), it was with smiles and laughter as belongings were returned to rightful owners, creating a rather friendly atmosphere. 

Inside the main club building, the indoor bar produced a steady rumble of noise from patrons throughout the day, and the dining section, immaculately presented, provided a sit down area to view the racetrack from the wide expansive window while enjoying a fully catered meal. 

Marquees outside hosted individual group gatherings such as the Donald Primary School’s Class of 2004 reunion, following the 150th anniversary the day before.  The cup provided the perfect location for this group to catch up, reuniting from all over Australia to reminisce on childhood days. 

Other groups celebrated workplace or sporting club end-of-year parties, while others just showed up for the day’s entertainment and the action on the track; no matter their reason for attending, they all had a great day out at Donald. 

Fashions in the Field 
The beauty of country cups is you can dress up if you want to, or don’t – it is entirely up to you. Some in attendance are only there for the day out, dressed casually and comfortably, others make the most of a day at the races, aiming for a coveted Fashions in the Field prize. 

Judges had an unenviable job deciding who would take home the enviable prizes for the Fashions in the Field competition. With a top prize value of $3000, sponsored by Mackays Family Jeweller, Donald’s Fashions in Field attracts strong competition from all over Victoria and beyond. MC Casey Bruce interviewed contestants on the runway as judges Briga Flieder and Jane Carrigg made their decisions. 

Little Miss was won by Sansa Ruthen from Ballan wearing a pastel pink floral dress with a straw hat covered in colourful flowers. Donald’s John Staples won Little Mister in a tan shirt, black bowtie and matching bowler hat. These two took home a Kids $20 voucher and a country racing kids pack for looking their absolute cutest. 

Charlton’s Holmes-Brown siblings went all out in support of their brother, Donald track manager Lachlan. Mackays Jewellers Miss Teen was won by Anika Homes-Brown in a short floral sundress with capped sleeves, while brother Fletcher was awarded the Donald Mens-land Gentleman of the Day wearing a pale green sports jacket over dark pants, brown tie and matching newsboy hat. 

Lady of the Day travelled all the way from Barham NSW. Alicia Williams wore a fuscia pink pencil dress, with a high neck, puffed sleeves and large floral motiffs. She wore a matching fuscia pilbox hat with a large and striking bow accented with pastel pink; her clutch bag and shoes in the same pastel colour to bring together a bright post-modern look. This elegant ensemble was certainly a standout in the crowd as well as on the runway on the day and well-deserving of the coveted Mackays Jeweller-sponsored prize to the value of $3000. 

Runner-up Lady of the Day, Belinda Nurse, was resplendant in an apricot a-line dress with white floral design, white accessories and accents. She wore a matching juliet-style hat with white highlights and carried an oyster clutch.

After having to be convinced to enter the contest, Mature Lady of the Day winner Angela Arnott from Ballan was thrilled to be awarded with her Bev’s Baubles gift basket for her long flowing, long-sleeved ivory dress with pale blue and yellow floral print, white fascinator and accessories. 

The Clothes Bin Millinery of the Day was awarded to Eliza Fraser from Minimay with her wide-brimmed mushroom hat, topped with fluttery feathers to match her bright blue dress, and wide waist-line belt; white accents and accessories were a striking addition. Runner-up, Rhiannon Chalmers, also from Barham NSW, wore a striking fascinator with bright yellow highlights to match the floral print on her emerald green dress. 

Regardless of who took home a prize, every person who stepped up on the runway was a winner, not just against their nerves, but still looking so fantastic under such windy conditions was a feat in itself; well done!

Trackside Entertainment 
Darren Wardle was set up with his guitar and microphone under the race callers box, providing a musical atmosphere to the day. His set list always pleases the crowd with easy-listening hits you can sing and dance along to, it really set the mood for the day. 

For the littlest racegoers, the Donald and District Pony Club was approached to assist with the children’s entertainment. However, with members not artistic enough to provide a face-painting service, temporary tattoos became all the rage amongst kids (and a few adults) at this year’s Cup. Colouring sheets and a saddle on which to play “pretend I’m a jockey” also kept the youngsters occupied, all with a horsey theme relevant to both the day and the Pony Club. 

Country race meetings provide a great opportunity for local clubs to engage with the community and help achieve fundraising goals, from the Kinder Kiosk and the Lions barbecue selling hot food and drinks, to the Pony Club’s involvement this year, it is evident the Donald and District Racing Club gives back to its community through the ongoing collaboration with local groups and businesses. 

And its annual Cup event as always attracted a simarly supportive crowd, having fun in the windy conditions, taking the opportunity to get dolled up and enjoy a day out together in the sun. Donald and District Racing Club should be commended for hosting this fantastic day out, each year it is a resounding success!

The Flying Tenner 
Towards the end of the day, I was enjoying a catch-up with Graham Shilton who was volunteering at the Lions barbecue, and despite thoroughly enjoying the conversation, I rudely interrupted him mid-sentence as a ten dollar note whipped past us in the wind, faster than a racehorse! 

I pointed and exclaimed, “Hey Graham, that was a tenner!” He saw it too and was off like a fox after it; I had not expected this reaction, it would take more than ten dollars to make ME run that fast. 

The fellow who had lost the currency had given it up as a lost cause, that is, until he saw Graham take chase, then the race was on. It was the only race I was going to bet on that day and my money was on our local cyclist, not the note’s owner wearing thongs and running with a beer can (not to mention the starting distance handicap). 

It was a victorious moment even for those watching when Graham snatched the flimsy note from the wind’s clutches after his epic run. The fellow who lost the money to start with thought so too, and refused when it was returned to him, saying, “I think you earned that, mate!” 

Graham couldn't accept it though, just being part of the chase seemed to be enough for him, so it was decided to donate it to the Lions Club; the fastest tenner in the region, wrangled by one of our very own – perhaps it should have been framed? Well done Graham for adding to the day’s windy adventures with your surprising burst of speed.