Quill, The Buloke Times

On Sunday, November 16, Donald and District Racing Club hosted its annual Cup Day celebrations in challenging four-seasons-in-one-day conditions.

The only consistency in the weather was the blustery wind, persisting all day and forcing umbrellas closed over members’ boxes, lest more than manes and tails be flying over the track.

Despite the wind and rain later on in the day, a supportive crowd arrived dressed in their finest in cup day fashion, or otherwise comfortably cosy for the conditions. Many were celebrating end-of-year work or club parties, some were there for a family day out, others were there with celebrating firmly in mind; no matter their motivation or attire, all were welcomed to another fantastic day of spring racing in the country.

The club’s grounds and surrounds were all beautifully presented for the feature meeting of the year, and with the “Views” dining packages booked out well before the event, the clubrooms were clamouring with racegoers taking advantage of the widespan windows offering panoramic views of the action on the track, as well as the fashions on the field competition hosted on the lawn. With warm shelter from the topsy turvy weather outside, a fully serviced bar and deluxe dining options, patrons who experienced this package were comfortably catered for throughout the entire day.

Later, as the rain set in for the running of the feature race, many were still drawn outside to watch the action on the track, crammed into the covered viewing area or the walkway to avoid a chilly shower. The thunder of the horses’ feet as they descended upon the finish line, extracted a roar of support from onlookers, this year in a first-time Donald Cup win for Harry Coffey on Dark Journey.

Fashions on the Field

The weather held out for the Fashions on the Field parade, which had strong competition, some ladies travelling fair distances for their chance to win the coveted top prize to the value of $3795, and the runner-up prize, both sponsored by Mackay’s Family Jewellers.

The standard is always exquisite for Donald’s Fashions on the Field, and the spring racing fashions on show were as much of a feature as the racing itself. With a modernised take on traditional racing attire, ladies and gentlemen almost look as they have been transported in time from historical days of racing.

Feathers seemed to be favoured this year to set off fancy frocks and fascinators fluttering in the wind, catching in the sunshine and really bringing a strong sense of elegance to the day, while blokes and kids caught a bit of the fever too, dressed to impress in their prospective classes.

Judges were given the difficult task of deciding the winners of the Fashions on the Field competition. The junior, teen and gentleman classes were judged first, with Little Miss taken out by Taylor Davey and Little Mister won by Marley Cockerell.

Miss Teen sponsored by Mackays Family Jewellers, was taken away by Donald’s very own Charlee Jardine wearing a floral dress splashed with blue and hot pink colours, while Mensland’s gentleman of the day was won by Graham Walter from Safety Beach.

Gentleman of the Day was won by Graham Walter from Safety Beach. Graham wore a brown suit with sky blue and orange tie, matching blue shirt, and orange floral sprig and blue ribbon rose pin to really accentuate his chosen colours.

The Clothes Bin Millinery of the Day was won by Teagan Hall from Bendigo with a dark teal hat to match her ankle length gown, its wide brim made with feathers and the band detailed with striking peacock ocelli.

Bev’s Baubles Mature Lady of the Day was won by Eliza Fraser from Minimay in a stylish ensemble, featuring a knee-length, royal blue skirt paired with a fitted, peplum-top blouse adorned with a busy white pattern. Her outfit is completed by a striking blue and white fascinator hat, which adds a touch of elegance to her overall look. She carried a sleek, white clutch purse, white heels and gold accessories added a subtle hint of glamour to her overall appearance. The combination of these elements created a polished, put-together look that is perfect for spring racing.

Runner-up Lady of the Day was awarded to Kelly Carty from Bendigo, whose ensemble was a masterclass in understated elegance. The pink dress boasted a captivating floral motif, with delicate blooms scattered across the fabric. The puffy sleeves added a touch of whimsy, while the cold-shoulder detail injected a hint of modernity. The white hat, adorned with a bright yellow flower, while the lavender clutch purse subtly complements the floral print within the dress. Overall, the outfit exudes refined, feminine charm, making it a tough decider for judges on the day.

Lady of the Day

Lady of the Day was taken out by Belinda Nurse from Horsham who wore a vibrant and stylish representation of springtime elegance. The white dress, adorned with a lively yellow floral pattern, was a perfect canvas for the season’s bright colours. The dress’s A-line silhouette and short sleeves created a flattering, feminine shape, while the yellow fascinator hat added a playful touch. The gold accessories, including the clutch, shoes, and jewellery, injected a sense of sophistication and glamour. The overall look was a beautiful blend of whimsy and refinement, making it a standout for judges and awarding Belinda with the gorgeous diamond pendant necklace valued at $3795.

On-course facilities

Thirsts were sated by the on-course bar facilities, or coffee from Skye Abbott’s van for those who prefer a caffeine kick, while bellies were filled at the Lions barbecue, or with dim sims and hotdogs from the Kinder Kiosk. The bookies’ shed was a steady rumble of activity all day long, with TAB services back on course for the big day.

Kids ran riot on the lawn in the sunshine, while adults kicked back listening to the soothing sounds from Jeff Woodward and Darren Wardle, playing classic hits between races. Maree from Witchetty Face Painting had a line of children waiting to have their faces decorated with all sorts of colourful creations.

Cold rain

The sky opening up with a cold rain was enough to induce an exodus of people finding shelter undercover, while some departed the event early with the chilly change of temperature, the die-hards remained trackside, in full support of the champions bringing everything to the post. Though the track surface may have been dampened, spectators’ spirits weren’t, and racing for Donald and District’s annual cup day celebrations continued unfettered to the finish.

Despite the wild weather, the club had a wonderful day and was thrilled with 1,224 people in attendance.

Well done to all involved in another successful day of racing, particularly to those volunteers and staff who work behind-the-scenes in bringing an event of this magnitude to fruition.

With only one more race meeting schedule for Donald on Tuesday, December 2, the community looks forward to the new year and new calendar of racing events at Donald in 2026, beginning on Saturday, May 2.

Fixing fascinators firmly

One could never say a lady comes unprepared, especially in the windy conditions of Sunday. A less than anticipated number of hats and fascinators were lost, suggesting more preparation than you might think.

It starts at home, before the starting light for the first race even flashes. In front of a dress mirror, room like a bombshell, make-up strewn everywhere… but isn’t she a sight! Dressed to perfection, flawless face, and only adding the final touches when she calls out, “Could you come give me a hand?”

Enter the Aussie bloke, way out of his depth, being handed a hairbrush, or straightening iron, bobby pins, or a variety of possibilities never seen near a toolbox. And he willingly helps, God love him!

For Kaz Clapham, the Donald Cup is a local opportunity to dress to the nines, each year with a beautiful and creative ensemble to challenge the judges of the Fashions on the Field competition. Prior to leaving for the races, she asked her dad for help fixing her fascinator, making sure it was firm enough to survive the strong wind. He perhaps undertook the assignment a little too seriously (suggesting staples to start with) or maybe he was a little awkward with a bobby pins; Kaz wondered if her headpiece would have to be surgically removed following the event. No skin was broken, though, and her fascinator did not move in the slightest. Job’s right!

See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 21 November 2025.