The affable trainer has been a fixture at Wodonga for more than half a century and was added to a rich list of inductees yesterday.

She started riding trackwork when just 15 and has trained for 50 years.

Aalbers, 72, said it came as a huge shock.

“They told me they were going to do it about a fortnight ago and I was very surprised,” she said.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be a life member alongside some of the incredible people who are already on the list.”

Aalbers said there were some perks in life membership.

“I get into the races for free and I’m hoping they put aside two bottles of Ricadonna at every meeting,” she joked.

Aalbers had three starters yesterday.

“I only have four in work now but they are $2000 horses, we don’t have the expensive ones but we do all right,” she said.

“A couple of months ago we won six races in a fortnight.

“But this is great — I don’t think I have seen a bigger crowd at Wodonga.”

Cox choked back tears after Minnie Downs handed him his first Wodonga Cup success without his father and long-time mentor, Ollie, by his side.

Racegoers have made the most of a new public holiday, with crowd numbers doubling at yesterday’s Wodonga Gold Cup.

A man has been hospitalised after being headbutted in a fight at the Birallee Tavern. The man was believed to have come from the races.

Wodonga Gold Cup day is fast proving to be a nightmare for Albury trainer Brett Cavanough.

"I'm a bit like the Albury Football Club. You lose two but you just go and find another two to replace them." 

Wilscott finally delivered on his promise in landing the feature sprint on Wodonga Gold Cup Day for premier trainer Brian Cox.

“Hopefully the drought is well and truly over."

Veteran horsewoman Liz Aalbers has been made a life member of the Wodonga Turf Club.