Several local businesses supported the initiative to display a pristine flag ahead of Derby Day in the Country and increase the Spring Racing Carnival atmosphere across Wycheproof ahead of a community event not held with crowds for three years.

The event returns significant economic impact to the local Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, Lions Club, Traders etc., and provides many other tourism and media accolades to Wycheproof.

As Mancel hoisted the flag into prime position, displaying fine form, he reflected on a family named “The Stoneys”, original selectors who resided in the area around his current property in the 1880s.

Local historian Alan “Prof” Milburn indicated “The Stoneys” came to Wycheproof from somewhere out Hamilton way, and the first ever race meeting was held in what is affectionately referred to as “Stoneys’ Paddock”. From all accounts,  there were side bets between owners of horses, and they would conduct races over varying distances, usually a mile, which finished in front of the Mt. Wycheproof Hotel. It’s understood there was a finishing post there, where the current Mt. Wycheproof Motel is positioned.

“Prof” is unsure what end of the town the horses actually started from, and it’s unclear whether evidence exists to clarify; however, local folklore indicates they commenced from the area of  Mancel’s property, potentially the front gate of Willandra Museum. How fitting it was then for him to be captured proudly displaying the Country Racing Victoria flag in a  precinct with potentially such significant links to the Mt. Wycheproof & District Racing Club? It was meant to be.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 3 November 2023.