IT WAS scorching hot on Sunday, March 9, with temperatures soaring over 30 degrees celsius, but that didn’t deter racegoers from filling the Stony Creek Racing Club for the 2025 Stony Creek Cup.
While the highlight of the day was, of course, the horse racing, the event offered much more for attendees to enjoy. From food and beverages to face painting and pony rides for the kids, as well as fashions on the field and, naturally, betting, there was something for everyone.
The main event, the Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup, was the seventh and penultimate race of the day, allowing for plenty of build-up and anticipation. This captivating 2114-metre race saw five-year-old bay gelding Fam Gorman and eight-year-old bay gelding Independent Road battle it out in a thrilling neck-and-neck finish.
Ultimately, it was Fam Gorman who claimed first place, ridden by the skilled 26-year-old jockey Teo Nugent. Nugent, who had earlier won race two – the CPK McLaren MotorBody Maiden – added another victory to his name.
Independent Road, ridden by 39-year-old veteran Craig Newitt, finished in second place.
As always, Fashions on the Field added an extra sparkle to the event, with various categories to celebrate the best-dressed racegoers. These included Lady of the Day,
Gentleman of the Day, Local Lady of the Day, Local Gentleman of the Day, Most Impressive Millinery, Best Dressed Local Family, and Best Dressed Local Group.
The younger generation also had a chance to shine, with categories such as Best Dressed Young Lady Aged 14 to 17, Best Dressed Young Man Aged 14 to 17, Best Dressed Girl Aged 13 and Under, and Best Dressed Boy Aged 13 and Under.
Despite not competing in Fashions on the Field, many racegoers were still dressed to impress.
The prestigious titles of Lady of the Day and Gentleman of the Day were hotly contested. Karlie Owen was named Lady of the Day, with Owen commenting, “I try and come and support the club most years.”
The title of Gentleman of the Day went to Rob Williams, a seasoned veteran in the world of Fashions on the Field.
“It’s my first time at Stony, but I’ve competed at Woolamai, Cranbourne, Collie in Western Australia, and I’ve managed to win all of them,” Williams said.
The day also saw Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, take time out of his busy schedule to attend and sponsor the fourth race – the Danny O’Brien MP Handicap.
The race was a closely contested affair, particularly among the top three. In the end, four-year-old bay/brown mare Gracie’s Rain, ridden by 26-year-old Emily Pozman, emerged victorious.
Pozman, who won three races total for the day, including the Yewafilms Handicap and Brandt Leongatha Handicap, was certainly on a roll.
In addition to the Stony Creek Cup and Danny O’Brien handicap, the day saw a series of other exciting races, with winners emerging from a variety of competitive fields.
In Race 1, the Ladbrokes Owners Bonus Maiden, Zeusmas took home the win, followed by Slippery Rich in second place. Race 2, the CPK McLaren MotorBody Maiden, saw Indefinite cross the line first, with Rippleview Lad finishing as the runner-up. The Meeniyan Hotel Maiden, Race 3, was claimed by Amraam, with Podargoni securing second. In Race 5, the Yewafilms Handicap, Calabria Bella emerged victorious, followed by Laminar in second place. Race 6, the Dr Michael Bourke OAM Handicap, was won by Frosted Romance, with Departing Bullet finishing as the runner-up. Finally, in Race 8, the Brandt Leongatha Handicap, Frank Express claimed first place, with Mystic Vamp taking second.
Jason Benbow, CEO of the Stony Creek Racing Club, praised the event, saying, “The weather has been perfect,” and added, “We’re really grateful for all our supporters, sponsors, and obviously the patrons who have turned up today.”
The Stony Creek Cup is one of the most prestigious events on the Victorian country racing calendar. Held annually at the Stony Creek Racing Club, it attracts competitive fields, offering a prize pool of $85,000 in 2025.
