PERFECT conditions on and off the track ensured the Merton Amateur Turf Club delivered country racing at its absolute best on New Year’s Day, drawing a huge crowd to the popular meeting now in its 160th year.

Club president Jason Wheatley was ecstatic with the success of the 2025 Merton Picnic Races which heralded in the new year in a positive mood.

“The crowd is bigger than last year with people tucked in everywhere,” said Mr Wheatley.

“The condition of the track best ever."

The six-race program included horses and riders from Gippsland, Mornington, Benalla and Euroa attracting a respectable number of entries.

The first race got underway at 1.30pm with the final one run at 4.50pm with the various Merton Fashions on the Field categories sandwiched in between races.

The much sought after Merton Cup was taken out by All Too Creedy ridden by Shaun Cooper after running second in last year’s race which was won by Willetts and jockey Craig Kirkpatrick.

Mr Wheatley representing Nutrien Ag Solutions Yea, a major sponsor of the cup this year made a presentation to Colin Butler, a name well known in country racing circles who accepted on behalf of the seven owners’ syndicate and also to the winning jockey.

Seymour’s Don Dwyer trained the winning horse.

Backing up his winning rides in races one and four, Mornington-based jockey Shaun Cooper congratulated the Merton Race Club on “always doing a great job” after his cup win.

“The track is magnificent and running so good,” said Mr Cooper.

“No horse who deserved the cup more than him (All Too Creedy)."

Racegoers started arriving before the gates opened to the public at 11am to seize their favourite shady spots under the trees trackside to beat the heat of the day.

It is a popular way to relax with family and friends with either a BYO picnic or take advantage of the on course catering.

Plenty of colour was to be seen among the array of the fashion conscious racegoers while others opted for comfort and a bit of fun.

In her second year as Merton Races fashions coordinator, Sophie Bowe from Yarck was kept busy with oversight of the various categories which included the youngest racegoers through to the more mature age group.

Taking on the role of MC was Cate Salter from North Caulfield who posed questions to the entrants about their outfit choices.

Responses ranged from “bought online”, “op shop” and “grandmother’s shoes”.

Tasked with the difficult job of choosing the winners were judges Phil Buchanan and his wife Kate from Eltham, and Michelle Jurgens from Bendigo.

All fashion winners and runners up received a satin sash and generous prizes donated by sponsors.

Among the winners was Mansfield's Tynan Mims who had plenty of fan support from the crowd taking out the Gentleman Race Goer aged 13 – 25 and then runner up in the couple's category with Zeta Kelly from Swan Hill.

Also, from Mansfield Jess Andrews took out the Young Lady Race Goer Aged 15 – 25 with her pretty floral frock and matching hot pink hat.

The Bonnie Doon Football and Netball Club again provided excellent support running the bar and gate with about 20 volunteers pitching in.

The Merton Races is a family-friendly event with activities for the young ones with Kelley’s Sports providing games and giveaways inside the racecourse throughout the day.

“It was a great day all around, just wanted to say a huge thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers over the day,” said race club secretary Natalie Burton.

“Your help is appreciated,” she added.

Results for the 2025 Merton Fashions on the Field

Race Goer Tiny Girls Aged 0-8: Winner Eowyn Odgers; runner up Tawney Belle Drysdale

Special mentions: Marlee Steele and Nere Maher

Race Goer Boy Aged 0 – 12: Winner Killian Odgers; runner up Jacob McLeod

Special mentions: Emmett Chang and Sonny O’Grady

Tween Race Goer Girl Aged 9- 15: Winner Isla Sullivan; runner up Sigourney Crocker

Special mentions: Chelsea Maher and Madi Freer

Gentleman Race Goer Aged 13 – 25: Winner Tynan Mims; runner up Kieran Mount

Young Lady Race Goer Aged 15 – 25: Winner Jess Andrews; runner up Oliva Garland

Lady Race Goer of the Day Aged 25 – 40: Winner Jess Odgers; runner up Adrianne Moore

Lady Race Goer of the Day Aged 40 plus: Winner Karlie Owen; runner up Mandy Manning

Gentleman Race Goer Aged 25 plus: Winner Glenn Odgers and runner up Duncan Fedor

Couple of the Day: Jess and Glenn Odgers; runner up Tynan Mims and Zeta Kelly.