LIAM DURKIN
HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
AN estimated crowd of 2000 people came to Glenview Park for yesterday’s Traralgon Cup.
The Latrobe Valley Racing Club pulled out all the stops to make the event as grand as it could be, in what was the first real major country racing meeting in Gippsland since the start of the pandemic.
Everything that has been missed about a day at the races came flooding back, with patrons once again able to enjoy all the aspects that make up a country racing meeting, from the marquees, to the food vans, to even the quirky little things like the instant change in feeling from when ones car goes off road and onto a grass carpark.
Most race-goers came dressed for the occasion, bringing out their best Sunday clothes, while blue skies, sunshine and a mid-20 degree day made for idyllic conditions and contributed to no shortage of couples and group photos.
Fashions on the Field was once again a high stakes affair, and the winners stopped at nothing to win the judges over.
Ladies winner Carlie Owen, who came from Cranbourne South, wore a vibrant arrangement that featured her own millinery designed piece. “I bought the skirt first and loved it because it had a bit of statement about it, nice and bright for spring, going into summer,” she said.
“It is so good to be back, it is a lovely day, I love coming to this track.”
Men’s winner Michael McAlpine travelled from Richmond, and transported back 100 years to The Roaring 20s with his outfit coming complete with a boater hat.
Something of a fashionista, the Traralgon win was the 73rd of his time competing in Fashions on the Field, and given the amount of thought that goes into McAlpine’s style, it is little wonder he has been so successful in the fashion stakes.
“Wearing something that is way too short or way too big is a no-no, it has to be fitted, everything has to be fitted, nothing too tight, nothing too baggy. I think it’s important the way a man should dress when he goes to the races,” he said.
“The no-sock thing I think has had its day. I thought it came in, it hung around longer than it should have, I’m not a fan.”
When asked if he was in favour of men with shoulder length hair, McAlpine said he had no issue provided it was tied up.
As well as fashions, the general mingling of punters was another welcome return at the track, with racegoers bumping into people they knew or had some connection with.
In the members’ room, those in attendance made the most of the opportunity to sit down and relax and enjoy the hospitality and live music on offer.
Latrobe Valley Racing Club chairperson Frank Bezzina was certainly a busy man, running around from place to place making sure everything was in order.
Somewhat ironically, not even one second seemed to pass by the time this reporter and Bezzina shook hands upon meeting each other when the chairperson’s phone rang.
With the day drawing to a close, Bezzina was able to provide a few words on how the meeting played out, and said it was indeed a terrific group effort from the club – which is made up virtually of all volunteers.
“Our voluntary committee members, everyone pulled together, worked so hard the last couple of days and a couple of us have been working the last couple of months but we couldn’t have done it by ourselves,” he said.
“The behaviour (of the crowd) was fantastic, the day has been well received … everybody is saying congratulations.
“It was fantastic, great crowd, the track held up perfectly, it was well presented, everyone was
having fun, members was packed, just as we expected, everyone came back and enjoyed themselves.”
Elegance: Women’s entries for Fashions on the Field at the Traralgon Cup. photograph liam durkin
Quartet: Grace Dixon, Casey Sams, Tom Gannon and Ruby Cairns were spotted trackside at Glenview Park. photograph liam durkin
Dressed to impress: Michael McAlpine travelled won Fashions on the Field on Traralgon Cup day, travelling all the way from Richmond to take part. photograph liam durkin
Great times: Maddy Hall, Ruby Barnes, Shannon Cameron, Tiffany Boatman, Pat O’Sullivan and Daisy Miller soack up the atmosphere of the Traralgon Cup. photograph liam durkin
Fun in the sun: Traralgon locals Lachie Erickson, Liam Thompson, Luke Read, Lachie Borman, Mia Kierath (front) Ben Anderson, Krystal Davis and Bridget Doedel enjoy the Traralgon Cup. photograph liam durkin
Who wore it best? Men’s entries for Fashions on the Field at the Traralgon Cup. photograph liam durkin
Great turnout: Racegoers flocked to Glenview Park to see the Traralgon Cup. photograph liam durkin
Great turnout: Racegoers flocked to Glenview Park to see the Traralgon Cup. photograph liam durkin
Colour: Women’s Fashions on the Field winner Karlie Owen from Cranbourne South. photograph liam durkin
Best dressed: Fashions on the Field winners on Traralgon Cup day were Karlie Owen from Cranbourne South and Michael McAlpine from Richmond. photograph liam durkin
Colour: Women’s Fashions on the Field winner Karlie Owen from Cranbourne South. photograph liam durkin
Colour: Women’s Fashions on the Field winner Karlie Owen from Cranbourne South. photograph liam durkin
Colour: Women’s Fashions on the Field winner Karlie Owen from Cranbourne South. photograph liam durkin
Spotted: Barbara Kefford and Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull on Traralgon Cup Day.
Unwinding: Taking a well-deserved break from their hectic schedules in the members function room at the Traralgon Cup are Damien Symmons, Mellisa Neill, Gary Sauvarin, Latrobe Valley Racing Club committee members Andrew Livingstone and Ian Davison and Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath. photographs liam durkin
