Wycheproof could not have asked for more glorious weather than that which shone upon its Cup Day celebrations on Derby Day in the Country, Saturday, November 1.

Patrons could be heard exclaiming things like: “Couldn’t get a better day for it!” and “Bloody brilliant weather!” Rightly so, with clear skies, warm sunshine, and just the hint of a breeze to cool things off, it was a wonderful day to visit Wycheproof for its annual Cup Day event.

There was no room along the fence for the first of the seven race program, as enthusiastic spectators were drawn with anticipation to the track. Would their chosen horse win? Or would it be their favourite jockey? Maybe a particular trainer swayed their choice of galloper. Regardless of their reasons, those trackside all contributed that special quality that brings the romance of racing to life; even if just swept up in the excitement. As always, the thunder of hooves is best accompanied by the roar of an appreciative crowd. Those trackside at Wycheproof on Saturday understood the assignment and brought their best to the day, making country racing just about all it can be.

The racing surface was pristine! Some said it was the best they’d ever seen it, and rated a good 4, it raced well and looked about as lush as grass could look in the drier conditions of the season.

The day’s voice from on high was Ric McIntosh, calling his 21st Mt Wycheproof Cup, and many others behind the scenes contributed to the success of the day. One team of people often overlooked but an essential part of the racing process is the vet team. Two vets and two assistants acted as swabbers at the course, carrying out the tests required to keep everyone in the industry honest and boost the confidence of those placing money on these athletes.

The winner of every race is swabbed on course post-race, as well as one runner selected at the discretion of the team, tested pre-race. Urine samples are collected if possible, otherwise bloods are taken to be tested. Vets on course at Wycheproof on cup day were Graeme Walker and Jim Hancock with assistants Lisa Cartwright and Helen Benger. This team is to be commended for the work they do, though one of the less favourable jobs on course.

Three of the best

Jockey Liam Riordan had an impressive treble on the day. To start his racing card off well, he rode Durham’s Legacy into first place for the Corstens/Larkin training stable in the first race. The Elder’s Mt Wycheproof Cup made it a double for this jockey/ trainer combination with the victory of the well-backed favourite Kokoro. Liam’s third win came in the final race with Sandrine for trainer Erin Maher.

Results

The first race of the day, the Busbiz Maiden Plate was run over 1050 metres. The winner, Durham Legacy, for the Riordan/Corstens/Larkin combination, came out of the gates quickly and held a front running position until the final turn where it burst ahead of the pack and won by a comfortable 3 length margin; perhaps the addition of winkers paying off. In second place, Renege, ridden by Stephen Brown Jnr for trainer Thomas Conlan. And in third position, Manhattan Darling, ridden by Sam Kennedy for trainer Arthur Pace, with Echuca Moama in fourth.

The second race, sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions was a maiden plate over 1800 metres. The Andrew Bobbin-trained Proud Chief, ridden by Stephen Brown Jnr won by over a length to the favourite Hayai Tsuru, trained by Patrick Keane and ridden by Alana Kelly. In third place, Plastic Dreams, ridden by Chelsea Jokic with favourite Rhinestone Rory taking fourth.

The third race on the program was the Bet365 Bet Boost Maiden Plate over 1400 metres. The Patrick Kearney-trained Royal Infantry, ridden by Chelsea MacFarlane, won by a comfortable 2 and a half length margin over the heavily back favourite, Tikken, ridden by Liam Riordan. In third place, Calusa’s Fury, with Colandcarmel in fourth.

The Jan Miller Tribute race over 1400 metres was won by Brave Charm for the Yoshitomo Shima stable, ridden by Alana Kelly. The winner

challenged favourite runner Vaderlee along the outside of the straight, to take the win by a neck. In second place was Vaderlee, ridden by Sheridan Clarke, two lengths ahead of third and fourth place getter, Explicable and Dark Lager, respectively.

Warning

The stewards reported that prior to the Hayden Kelly & Family 1800 metre distance race, winner Greatestofease was unruly in the mounting yard and the Garret Lynch stable was issued a warning for her behaviour. On the track however, Greatestofease settled fourth back in the pack, and got up on the inside just before the turn for home, finding the lead with 200 metres to go. In second place, Dusty’s Deel, ridden by Sheridan Clarke, with Brassi Road in third and the favourite Pendante taking fourth place. Margins were close to half a length between each placegetter, with three quarters of a length separating first and second place.

The Cup

The feature of the day was the Elders Mt Wycheproof Cup run over the testing 1800 metre distance. Favourite punters would have been happy with the outcome of the well-backed Kokoro in first place. Sat a few lengths back from the front runners to challenge on the home turn, holding on to that lead to the post to win by three quarters of a length. In second place, Bellakai, trained by Helen Burns and ridden by Chelsea MacFarlane; Rasputina, half a length back, took third place, ridden by Sam Kennedy, with a very close challenge by Maktoob in fourth.

The final race of the day, the McLennan Bulk Fuel (Bm52) 1050 metre sprint Sandrine came out hard and fast, challenging the front runner Island Rock at the home turn and taking a narrow lead; holding on, it passed the post less than half a length ahead of Stirrup, ridden by Sheridan Clarke. Very closely behind in third place, War Of Wisdom, ridden by Alana Kelly did well to recover ground from the rear of the pack, with Flying Straz taking fourth.

The kids

The only race left on the cards was the kids’ race, which is always met with enthusiasm by the younger racegoers, while their parents and carers look on, with a knowing smile as they burn off all the excess energy of the day. The exquisite condition of the track would have tempted many to tickle their toes in the grass, thus ending a relaxed day of country racing in the most joyful way possible – full of family fun.

Well done to the Mt Wycheproof and District Racing Club and its many staff and volunteers who put together another successful Derby Day in the Country event. If you haven’t already checked out this incredible local race meeting, be sure to mark it on the calendar as “not to missed in 2026”.

The race that stops the nation

Stumpy’s selections for the Melbourne Cup race running today at 3 p.m.: Presage Nocturne, Chevalier Rose, Absurde, Half Yours.

See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
Related story: Wyche Cup Day’s winning style.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 4 November 2025.