On the track, the Cup race named in honour of the late Jerilderie trainer attracted a quality field and was won by Ballarat’s Melody Cunningham with Ziggi Rocks.
Jerilderie Racing Club secretary Alecia Williams said appropriately, Ziggi Rocks was ridden by jockey Jarrod Lorensini who was mentored by Mr Sweeney when he was just 14.
Off the track, tributes to Mr Sweeney and the impact his family has had on local racing continued in special presentations and in Fashions of the Field.
“Phillip's two daughters - Brooke and Sally Sweeney - were awarded his Life Membership badges posthumously,” Alecia said.
“Brooke and her fiance Mitch Fox took out Couple of the Day, with Brooke’s outfit styled in her late father’s racing colours in a beautiful tribute to him.”
The stunning outfit in blue and gold was curated to match the silks she would wear for her father when riding.
It not only turned heads, it captured hearts.
Fashions on the Field coordinator Julia O’Connell said Mitch’s perfect coordination in the same colours is what won the pair the prize.
“They were a standout couple amongst a record 20 entrants for this category,” she said.
All the other categories were also well contested, providing some great trackside entertainment for racegoers.
“It was a great event, and we had stunning weather to compliment the day,” Julia said.
“In the Little Trotters, all brave participants who got up on stage and showed off their beautiful outfits received a voucher from the Corowa Chocolate Factory.
“Miss Trendsetter was Sara Smith - a local Jerilderie girl and experienced FOF entrant - who caught the judges’ attention with her orange and gold outfit.
“Classic Lady of the Day was Amy Foley, who took the win in a beautiful lime green and pink ensemble.
“Amy is also a proud Jerilderie local working at the Jerilderie Bakery.
“Man of the Track, with his standout pink jacket and coordinated outfit, was Daniel McCallum from Tallai in Queensland. He won this category with fierce competition from 15 other gentlemen.
“In Lady of the Track, a showstopping, hand-made outfit including an artwork of a headpiece was a clear winner in this fierce contested category. Elizabeth Paterson won the sash.
“The Race Stopping Millinery Award went to Emma Clarke from Brisbane who wowed the judges with a circular headpiece perfectly coordinated with her outfit.”
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