By Jessica Anstice
More than 6500 racegoers flocked to Racing.com Park in Tynong for the annual Pakenham Cup on Saturday 7 December.
Even though numbers were slightly down on the previous year, the end of year event was welcomed with “perfect race day” weather and a vibrant atmosphere.
Pakenham Racing Club membership and community engagement manager Alanna Pomeroy said it was still the club’s biggest event of the year.
“The highlight of the day was definitely Etah James winning the Pakenham Cup,” Ms Pomeroy said.
“The Sportsbet kangaroo race was also exciting. For the first time we had a crowd involvement with 15 people entering the race.”
The inaugural hopping of the Sportsbet Kangaroo race wasn’t without controversy as a number of competitors were given a ‘please explain’ for their unique hopping technique.
While it wasn’t exactly the race that stopped the nation, the running of the roos was popular with spectators, but many were left asking whether the hopping humans were worthy of receiving the $2000 prize.
Hilarious vision published to social media by Sportsbet shows the race in its entirety, and we’re reluctant to report that the majority of the competitors were actually running rather than hopping.
“How many should have disqualified for running and not hopping?” Sportsbet jokingly asked.
The Gazette understands that the two competitors who hopped their way to victory – and took home a slice of the prizemoney – actually came in at the back of the field. Theirs was judged to most true technique.
The Cup brought out plenty of loud patterns, colours and style for the popular fashions on the field showcase.
Jenny Beard from Langwarrin South took out the Best Headwear category with her stunning floral blue fascinator.
The Most Fashionable Racegoer was rightly awarded to Priscilla Scanlon from Traralgon and Jayden Harrison was classed second.
Ms Scanlon strut her stuff in a gorgeous navy number, coordinated with a red clutch and matching fascinator.
Emma Scodellaro from Greenvale chose a pretty pastel grown, earning her the Most Elegant Racegoer recognition, with Bunyip local Lyndia Marson taking out second place with her pink and red combination outfit.
