More than 100 ticket holders and a host of volunteers gathered for the annual Melbourne Cup Charity Luncheon at the Kerang racecourse on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the Kerang Rotary Club, together with the turf club.
Over the last three years the lunch has raised $20,000 for community causes, including district nurses, girl guides, the men’s shed, the cemetery trust and Northern District Community Health programs.
This year funds will be donated to the new Gannawarra Veterans Assistance Centre.
Set up by the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club, in partnership with the Kerang and District RSL, to offer support to veterans and their family members, the centre will officially open on Remembrance Day.
Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of socialising and sweeps.
A post-Cup novelty race drew crowds onto the grass, as competitors took to the track with their very tame horses.
Five hobby horses were in the race to win a $50 petrol voucher, but young jockey Aryka Kinsey-Smith was the one to blitz her opponents.
Afterwards, an array of prizes were awarded to attendees who put their best fashion foot forward.
Lady of the Day went to Lyn Hood, Gentleman of the Day was awarded to Dick Ellis, while Edie Wandin was crowned the Queen of the Day.
Beautiful headwear was also recognised, with Laura Bremner receiving the title of Best Fascinator, Lee Maclean was awarded Best Hat, and Belinda Batchelor was branded Miss Modern.
Rotary Club president Sid Hutchinson said the event was a success.
“It went off well,” he said.
“Everyone really enjoyed themselves and were happy with the day.”
Mr Hutchinson said organisers were yet to balance the books but were confident it had raised in excess of $3000 for the cause.
