DESPITE the sweltering weather conditions, hundreds continued to flock to the annual Coonawarra Vignerons Cup yesterday, enjoying a day at the races while indulging in an array of the region’s delicious wines.
Penola Racing Club sectary Jim May said despite scorching temperatures, the event flowed smoothly and received great community support.
“The early start to the racing worked well, as temperatures in the late afternoon reached around 41C,” Mr May said.
The event only experienced a small power difficulty, which was fixed in fifteen minutes due to a technician on standby adjusting the generator.
“All horses handled the heat well following the addition of misters in their stalls,” Mr May said.
The annual Fashions on the Field event was conducted in the Vignerons Marque this year, with judge Kate Hastings having the difficult job of finding striking outfits amoung the crowd.
Winner of best millinery went to Bridget Aldridge, who purchased her dress from Mangos, Mount Gambier, and her striking hat from Miss Moo Millinery.
“My outfit was a work in progress, and I had been researching trends which had been featured at races such as the Melbourne Cup,” Ms Aldridge said.
Best dressed female went to Alicia Mancuso with best dressed male awarded to Simon White.
“All in all it was a successful event despite numbers predicted to be down from last year, but that will be expected with the extreme heat,” Mr May said.
Mr May was pleased with attendees behavior at the event, who happily enjoyed the day without any disturbances.
