DIAMONDS in the equestrian and fashion stakes glistened in Dunkeld as thousands flocked to the town at the weekend.
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Horsham trainer Paul Preusker’s gelding Diamond Duke won the Dunkeld Cup in a nail-biting finish with jockey Holly McKechnie in the saddle.
Organisers estimated more than 9000 people attended the race meeting despite a day of variable weather with purple clouds circling above the Western District for most of the afternoon.
Dunkeld Racing Club manager Karen van Kempen said attendance numbers were the highest in five years with a large Melbourne contingent present for the well-regarded racing event.
Ms van Kempen said a substantial number of racegoers were in their twenties with many travelling from across the state to take part.
“We’re very happy with the numbers, it was a fantastic day,” she said.
“The 9100 to 9200 figure is not a record but it’s certainly very strong – the best in five years or so, for sure.
“The crowd was well-behaved and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves without any problems.”
Portland’s Peta Bell took out top honours in the Fashions on the Field with a cream dress and matching hat. Hundreds crowded around the enclosure to witness the haute couture spectacle with more than 70 women taking part in the senior competition.
“It’s fantastic to be a part of the day and racing is all about dressing up,” Ms Bell said. “There were some great dresses here today.”
Melbourne’s Elizabeth Hogan won second place with her cream and royal blue outfit while fellow Melburnian Souri Sengdara in navy was placed third.
One of the Fashions on the Field judges, Lindy Hirniak, said the standard of apparel was very high. The RB Sellars Warrnambool store manager said the judges were looking for entrants who had a classic style that matched with the rural racing theme.
“Elegance is what we were looking for,” Mrs Hirniak said. “That winning combination of elegance and classic country racing wear is what we had our eye on during the judging process.”
Plenty of gentlemen took part in the Fashions on the Field with Portland’s Jamesen Hunter taking out first prize. Melbourne’s Chris Burt-Allan and Warrnambool’s Lucas Hussey were also in the top three.
