A day at the races

IT was a picture perfect day on Sunday – perfect for a day at the races. Plenty obviously agreed, as large crowds turned out in their summer finest to enjoy a great day of picnic racing with the return of the Mansfield Hygain Cup for 2022. A strong field of 10 competitors provided great racing and some thrilling finishes over the six races on the day. Veteran Carrum Downs trainer Ray Caldwell took out the $7000 Mansfield Cup with his five year old mare Material Mistress ridden by jockey Melinda McDonald. The cup was then presented to them by federal member for Indi Helen Haines. Local Mansfield trainer Gerald Egan scored a popular win in the last race of the day with his horse Outrich which was ridden by Raymond Douglas. Throughout the day picnickers gathered under the shady trees and in the grandstand and enjoyed the entertainment of roving performers along with the music of Rose and Scarlett Hanratty. But it was the vibrant marquee zone which seemed to be the place to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. All patrons enjoyed the pre cup activities, which included the parading of the silver cup trophy by Kylie Egan and her harness horse Ollie, accompanied by Mansfield Pony Club members Tara and Felicity Craddock. As the cup was received and placed on display by Mansfield Racing Club president Leanne Backwell, guest performer Marcelle Knapp performed the national anthem. The original 1996 Mansfield Cup winning horse Wee Jimmy then paraded in the mounting yard, wearing his same silk trophy rug, before leading the field of 10 cup competitors onto the track. Mrs Backwell deemed the day a success, but added that the spread of COVID in metro and country Victoria had provided some last minute challenges. "It has been a team effort by the MDRC committee and the picnic racing industry to make the 2022 Mansfield Hygain Cup happen," she said. "A special thank you goes out to our generous sponsors and the community groups such as the Delatite Cricket Club, the Mansfield Guides and the Mansfield Pony Club for their support." Turn to page 7 for photos on the day and all the Fashions on the Field results.

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