A record crowd converged on the Camperdown Racecourse to celebrate the 150th running of the Camperdown Cup on Saturday.
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Fine conditions greeted patrons who made the most of the sunshine and relaxed atmosphere trackside.
Club manager Karen Van Kempen said the milestone event drew 3200 people to the track, which was 1000 more patrons than last year.
“We’re really really happy,” Mrs Van Kempen said. “We had a record crowd and the community have got behind the club and really supported it.
“We only race once a year but it’s great to be able to showcase the town and the course.
“It’s just fantastic to put the day on for the community and for the community to support it.”
A Spanish inspired outfit took out the Fashions on the Field competition.
The winner, Sarah Bohan, said she designed the winning look around her Clare Hahn designed boater hat.
The Warrnambool resident teamed it with a red floral Spanish-inspired top which had flared sleeves and a cream mid-length skirt which she purchased locally. “It’s the first time I’ve won a sash so I’m excited,” Ms Bohan said.
“The standard was amazing. It’s good to see all the trends especially at the start of the year to know what’s going to be popular going forward. There were so many different trends. Everyone was different,” she said.
Runner-up Leah Habel, also from Warrnambool, made some last minute adjustments to her two-piece outfit on Friday night and was pleased with the outcome.
“There were so many different trends,” Ms Habel said. “Everyone was different. It could have gone to anyone up there.”
Former Camperdown resident and elite netballer Sarah Wall judged the fashions and felt the pressure to choose a winner.
“It was absolutely incredible,” Ms Wall said. “I want to spread the word that this is what goes on in Camperdown. The ladies have put so much effort into their outfits.
“I think Sarah was the best. Her outfit was so beautiful.”
The winner of the men’s fashions was awarded to Zach Dodds from Geelong.
Terang police Sergeant Danny Brown was pleased with the day’s crowd. “They’ve been very good.” he said. There’s been no reports of unruly or drunken behaviour.”
Former Scotts Creek resident Sally Crisp, who lives in Canada, caught up with friends Mandy Poustie, and Melissa Westlake with the trio enjoying a rare child-free day out.
Camperdown’s Darren Fox was at the races to celebrate a mate’s 40th birthday with his wife Sam and sons Tommy, 4, and Bailey, 5, who made the most of the free kids activities. “It’s good. It’s a good social day,” he said.
Kate Wood, from Melbourne, returned to the event with her family for the second consecutive year.
“It’s a good family-friendly environment,” Mrs Wood said. “The kids are entertained, you can watch the races. It’s a great, easy, family day out.”