One of Beaudesert’s biggest events on the social calendar brought people from far and wide to enjoy the colour and action of Derby Day.
More than 1000 people made their way to Beaudesert Race Club to watch the races and spend the day with family and friends.
With the event’s theme of Black and White, ladies wore their most elegant black and white dresses with intricate hats while men suited up with suspenders or ties.
Entrants for the 2016 Fashions on the Field paraded along the catwalk – including some who showcased their dance skills – and contested the title.
The fashionable winners who made a big impression on the judges were Rebecca Reilly, of Beaudesert, Ray Lencz, of Coopers Plains, and Monique Hartney, of Beaudesert.
Organiser Lisa Hartney said Derby Day was a special social day for the Beaudesert community.
“It’s great to see the event grow each year and it’s always nice to see everyone having a good time,” she said.
Funds raised on the day went towards improving the Beaudesert Race Club’s training facilities as well as Variety Queensland.
Beaudesert jockey Allannah Badger placed first in the Mega Quality Fuel race with the horse Mount Perry.
“I did a few jumps with him for the first time today,” Badger said.
She said she was happy to have won and felt an instant connection with Mount Perry.
“I had a really good feeling before the race,” she said.
“We got on well straight away.”
Organiser of the fundraiser for Variety Annabelle Lewis said it was great to see the community supporting the charity.
“Last year, I went on what is called the Variety explorer to travel around with the charity and I saw firsthand what they did for the children,” she said.
“It’s a great charity and this was the perfect day to (fund raise for) it.”
Ms Lewis said the 80 supporters had a wonderful time in the fundraiser marquee, helping to raise $7000 for the cause.
Geoff Lewis thanked Beaudesert siblings Rob and Ellen Richardson for sponsoring the event.
“They are one of Beaudesert’s most charitable families and it was great to see them supporting Variety,” he said.
Jocelyn Garcia
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
