By Peter Douglas
YARRA Valley Racing officials have reserved special praise for the behaviour of patrons at its Melbourne Cup Day meet on Tuesday, 6 November.
About 5500 visitors packed into the spectacular country racecourse at Yarra Glen to enjoy the atmosphere, fashions, good company and fine field for the popular event.
Yarra Valley Racing chief executive officer, Brett Shambrook, said there was a special vibe throughout the day.
“We were down marginally on last year but it’s about the quality of the crowds, not quantity,” he said.
“The atmosphere of the day was great, with lots of families, lots of kids, lots of picnics.
“It was such a different demographic to what it was four or five years ago.”
Mr Shambrook said many of the family friendly activities were well-received, such as the children’s area and the performance from Babba.
“I think it’s something for the better, for the sustainability of the event,” he said.
“It’s a good platform to take the event forward that’s sustainable.”
Also capturing the imagination of patrons was the first-up Monte event, which sees horses race without their buggies.
“It’s actually something quite unique in Victoria and the crowd seemed to like it,” he said.
Mr Shambrook said the fashions on the field continued to engage the crowds, with more than 100 signing up in various categories.
The general public can still vote on their favourite entrant up until 9am this Friday, 6 November.
Simply view the Facebook page for Diva for a Day, which has uploaded images of all individual entrants.
Lyn Francis from Diva for a Day said there was a “really strong field” for men and women at the Fashions on the Field this year, and that there was a mix of big and small designers represented.
“Although several known designers were represented, it was wonderful to see smaller local boutiques, some off the rack and a couple of self-made ensembles contributing to a colourful and stylish line-up,” she said.
The winning hat on the day was made by the entrant, Rachel D’lulio, Ms Francis said, also praising the the competitors in the Junior Fashions competition.
She said the junior competition saw “some keen fashionistas walking the catwalk with confidence and dignity beyond their years”.
The entrant with the most likes will receive a Diva for a Day session, which includes a mini make-over, hairstyling and make-up; as well as $250 towards prints and products.
Visit Facebook.com/Diva.Photographer/.
