The local horse racing might have been called off, but the spring racing spirit was alive and well in Deniliquin on Saturday.
Heavy rain on Thursday night made the track unsafe for racing, leading to a decision on Friday afternoon to host a ‘phantom’ race meet.
All the trackside entertainment went ahead as planned, and the Deniliquin Racing Club were pleased to see a grateful community still turned out in droves for a wonderful day.
Committee member Col McMahon said all marquee bookings were retained despite an offer for refunds, and others came through the gates searching for a fun afternoon.
“The sponsors all continued their support, all the marquee events went ahead and everyone had a great day”, Mr McMahon said.
“We provided extra music on the lawns in front of the marquees to provide more entertainment.
“We had already booked cover-band Fallout, featuring Bek Mills and Anthony Reeves, and we added live music from Zara Lindeman and Zech Walters.
“While we were disappointed we could not go ahead with local racing, it was still a great day.”
A highlight of the event was the Fashions on the Field competitions, which were hotly contested.
“There were a lot of participants in each section, so much so the judges had a bit of a hard time making their decisions,” Mr McMahon said.
Lady of the Day winner was Simone Penglase from Tullakool/Barham, who wowed in a stunning black and white dress that featured a mix of spots and stripes.
A white collar, white bow at the front, and pearl-scattered black hat took her look to the next level of chic.
Runner-up was Deniliquin’s own Monique Gordon from Deniliquin, who brought her A-game in a dazzling blue, silver, and gold cocktail dress, paired with a striking blue headpiece and glittery gold accessories.
Contemporary Lady of the Day was Deni’s Ashlea McDoneld, who looked breathtaking in her flowing blue dress with white spots, vibrant red hat and matching red shoes.
Runner-up was Diane Robinson from Koondrook who turned heads in a stunning multicoloured orange dress, with orange hat, bag, shoes, and accessories.
Gentleman of the Day went to Toby Fraelink from Melbourne who was the picture of country elegance in his blue suit jacket paired with a blue and white striped shirt, paisley tie, cream pants, brown boots, and black hat.
Runner-up was Henry Dow, who kept things casual yet stylish with his green slacks and a fun, colourful shirt.
Other Fashions on the Field winners are as follows:
Couple of the Day - Darren Mitchell and Angie Lewis-Kelly, 1; Chloe Gleeson and Josh Brooks, 2.
Millinery - Alicia Williams, 1; Wendy Nethercote, 2.
Senior Girls - Stella McBurnie, 1; Lily Warren, 2.
Senior Boys - Landon Flisher, 1.
Junior Girls - Sylvie Berry, 1; Millie Leech, 2.
Junior Boys - Harvey Campbell, 1; George Pisasale, 2.
The club raffle was well-supported, which was easy with two great prizes up for grabs.
The Dahlsens Mitre 10 wheelbarrow filled with beer was won by Lucas Rowbury of Black Rock.
The second prize, a $250 voucher for Deniliquin’s White Lion Hotel, was won by Sam Marshall of Echuca.