Jody Martin has been in Holbrook for 17 years, and for not one of those years has she missed the town’s annual race meeting.
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But this year was a bit different to the norm – Mrs Martin took the title of most elegant lady with a Spice Clothing Albury dress.
“We even came the year there was no horses – it’s a great day and a great community event,” she said.
“Crowds are probably a bit down, given there’s a lot of events happening and sport out of town, but each year the quality of the dresses and hats gets even better.
“I have won a couple of nights at Quest Albury apartments, and I definitely won’t be taking my husband, because he said I wouldn’t win.”
Winner of best hat Megan Joyce, also a Holbrooker, wasn’t expecting to clinch a win either.
“My sister lent me this hat today, though I have made hats previously,” she said.
“I really enjoy coming to catch up with everyone – I have a daughter at university and she's come home for the weekend.”
The five Fashions on the Field winners shared prizes from Quest Albury, Bliss Albury, Orchard Road Albury, Back Straight Massage and Freedom Styles Holbrook.
Holbrook and District Race Club president Susie Finlay said more than 2000 people came through the gates on Saturday.
“Everyone makes an effort to come – the fashions is always a big highlight, but it’s also the main social event for Holbrook every year,” she said.
“We put a lot of work into the track and were rewarded by having very good fields.”
Ms Finlay said the club had also reinvested in maintenance.
“The grounds look fabulous – we’ve put a lot of work into it, putting in new tables and railings – we’ve worked towards putting a lot of money back into infrastructure,” she said.
“We’ve done a lot of facelifting.”
Race club committee member Tom Last said it was another great year for the event which featured a six-race program.
“Crowd numbers were better than expected, given it’s Easter and a lot of things are happening,” he said.
“We’ve got a record number of sponsors this year, fully supported by the amount of marques that have been booked.
“People have come from Gundagai, Wagga, Albury, Wangaratta.
“It’s always a great atmosphere.”
