Mother Nature did her best to dampen Friday’s Mount Gambier Gold Cup, but racegoers were determined she would not rain on their parade.
The restriction-free event attracted about 1600 racegoers, slightly down on the number hoped for by Mount Gambier Racing Club general manager Brett Watson.
Mr Watson said a great day was had by all, despite the inclement weather, with an eight race program and plenty of festivities off the track.
“We had it all planned and ready to go and unfortunately the weather did not play kind with us, but everyone still had a great day,” Mr Watson said.
“Everyone we spoke to enjoyed themselves and that was a real positive,” Mr Watson said.
“We think we had around 1600 people, given the weather we were very happy with that.
“We had the Good Tides garden and everything but it was not going to work when the weather played its hand like that.”
Mr Watson said the Globe and Koonara marquees were also well supported.
“They were quite good, Koonara had a fantastic day, everyone in that marquee was really happy with the day, again it was just the weather that put a dampener on it,” he said.
“We also had a few private marquees with businesses and they all enjoyed the day as well.”
Mr Watson said the club had received 122 nominations for races.
“The cup was good for acceptances, but a couple of other races were down a little bit,” he said.
“The local winner of the cup was Trevor White with Clever Man going back-to-back, there was a great atmosphere with the running of the cup, a huge cheer went up as he crossed the line and it was a great ride by apprentice Zoe Lloyd.
“Six of the eight winners were locally trained horses, and seven of the eight winners were ridden by women.
“That has happened once before when they rode the whole card probably eight or nine years ago.”
Mount Gambier’s Amy-Kate Kuhn was named Local Lady of the Day in the Fashions on the Field competition, with Best Millinery Eliza Fraser, Classic Lady Isabelle Chapman, Contemporary Lady Helen Varcoe, Best Dressed Man Oathman Fazilahmed, Runner Up Best Dressed Man Rowan Thurlings and Best Dressed Couple Kelly and Brenton Waters.
Fashions on the Field judge Bri Scanlon said it was great to see so many entrants across all categories.
“The weather was not on our side but we made it work and are grateful for all those involved especially with the last minute location switch up,” she said.
“The women’s competition was extremely tough, it was fantastic to see so many incredible outfits even if it made our judging job difficult.
“I loved seeing everyone’s individual style shine through in both the traditional and contemporary racewear categories.
“Eliza’s millinery was absolutely beautiful and we appreciated the work and skill that would have gone into making such a wonderful piece, it complimented her outfit fantastically and showed knowledge of current trends.
“Helen’s contemporary take on racewear was so fresh and fun.
“I love when ladies push the boundaries and take risks when it comes to Fashions on the Field, it was great to see so many doing that this year.
“Isabelle looked absolutely gorgeous in her Classic Lady of the Day outfit.
The colours were stunning and the elegance of her outfit really stood out.
“The use of face veiling within her millinery showed her knowledge of current trends in racewear which was appreciated by all three of us judging.”
Ms Scanlon said Ms Kuhn’s style and personality shone through in her outfit.
“We loved the use of the heavier fabric to suit the weather and seasons,” she said.
“Her millinery was sweet and simple which is all you need sometimes when your fabric is a stand out on its own.
“A big thank you and congratulations must go to Abby Chapman for all of her hard work organising such a wonderful event.
“It’s not an easy job gathering prizes and sponsorship so my hat goes off to her.”
