Come Saturday, October 29 the St George Racecourse will be awash with glamorous black and white ensembles, as per Derby Day tradition, and organisers believe it’s a sure bet that the event will give its Melbourne rival a run for its money.
Committee member Sarah North is thrilled to offer the district a local Derby Day option, and suggests the St George locals may even out pace their city rivals.
“The dams are full, the grass is green, harvest is just around the corner and there is much to celebrate – so look out,” said Sarah.
A great day out for the whole family, gates open at 11am for a leisurely luncheon and cold drinks, including a very special Derby Day cocktail.
Who needs horses with so much off the track action, including a fashion parade featuring designs from Ivy and Love Henry modelled by a number of local Balonne fillies.
A Fashions on the Field competition will also be hotly contested, with plenty of great prizes on offer.
Sarah ensured that there would still be plenty of racing action, with ample televisions screens, bookies on-site and the all-important Calcutta on the Derby.
Hosted by the St George Jockey Club, St George Polocrosse Club and St George Pony Club, the event also features a foot race, essential for a phantom race meet.
A glaring omission from the Flemington schedule, the foot race is a country racing favourite and Sarah laughed that there was already much chatter about who would take home the title for ‘Fastest in the West’.
The fun continues well into the evening, with Toowoomba band Agent 77 kicking off at 5pm to ensure a great night of dancing under the stars.
“We are so grateful to all our generous sponsors, without whom none of this would be possible and we’re so excited for a great day of racing, glamour and fun,” Sarah said.
Entry is $15 per person with under 12 free.