THEY came in droves to the annual Merton Race Day despite the heat of the day which reached almost 40 degrees.

The five race card started with a six horse event commencing at 1pm.

At the same time the first of the Fashions on the Field was set to run starting with the Tiny Tots; fashions being outstanding and setting the theme for the day.

All up were 13 categories to be judged with guest judges Julie Duncan from Mansfield and Naomi Vos from the Mornington Peninsula being given some very difficult decisions to be made over the afternoon.

Every child that entered the fashions were given a gift whether they were placed or not.

This year's organiser for the fashions was Gwenda Tait with a small band of helpers for the day.

From the results it was clear that the Sullivan family from Benalla were out to win some prizes with three of the four members of the family, Lisa, Isla and Mitchell, taking out fashion categories.

Winners and categories were:

Tiny Tots 4+Under girls: Tammy Drysdale (1); Eivie (2) and Megan (3).

Tiny Tots 4+Under boys: Matthew (1); Harry (2) Hunter (3).

Young Race Goer (5–8) Girls: Isla Sullivan (1); Bridie (2).

Young Race Goer (5–8) Boys: Mitchell Sullivan (1); Corben Davies (2).

Young Race Goer (9–12) Girls: Chiara (1); Ella (2).

Teen Girls (13–15): Jess Andrews (1); Chelsea Gardeniers (2).

Teen Boys (13–17): Jude Hayse (1).

Teen Girls (16–17): Olivia Gardeniers (1); Kiarnah Cox (2).

Lady of the Day (18–40): Emma Kirkbride (1); Hope Mancer (2).

Gents: (open) Ian Mann (1); Brad Hearn (2).

Couples: Brad Hearn and Emma Kirkbride (1); Tristan Bury and Kaitlyn Simpson (2).

Lady of the Day: Lisa Sullivan (1); Louy Drysdale (2).