The threat of rain did not worry the crowds at the Wellington Boot, with the sun shining as the money rolled in.
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The favourite for the big race was Gai Waterhouse's Vonetta, at $3. Despite rumours, Ms Waterhouse herself did not turn up to the event.
The second favourite was the Canberra-trained I am Snippety, which performed with an amazing pace, to win by a six-and-a-half length lead.
Off the track, this lead to success for Charles Sturt University student Gracie Nelson who had not picked a winner all week, but whose luck on this event lead to her being named Miss Boot.
“It was a great race, I didn’t expect it to come out so far ahead,” she said.
Miss Nelson said it was hard to describe the feeling of being crowned Miss Boot.
“I feel so privileged to represent the Wellington community,” she said.
There were 14 Miss Boot entrants this year. Second place was Sarah Boland with horse number one The Battle of Evermore, followed by Brooke Thompson’s horse number six, Lightning Alert.
The competition was also tough off field in the fashions.
Rural millinery success story Jackie Emery claimed the title of best-dressed woman, over 30.
She was one of many finalists who were sporting her creations.
Judging Fashions on the Field was Sharon Lenton of Thoroughbred Events Australia with the help of Kathryn Thompson for Racing NSW.
Ms Lenton said she would always look favourably upon those who stuck to the rules of autumn wear, with the felt, fur, leather and stockings, because generally those who stuck to the rules put more effort in and their outfits stood out.
With the lovely Boot weather though, she said she was willing to be lenient.
Ms Lenton said she loved coming to the Boot and getting back to the heart of racing.
“I am sitting here having lunch and watching that. It brings you back to racing and you don’t see that in Sydney perched up in a fancy space.”