RACEGOERS were all smiles this year, excited to be out in the sunshine with a glass of champagne, as they watched the horses at the Mildura Cup carnival.
Horse owner Melanie Wade said after two pandemic years and not being able to travel from Horsham, it was great to experience the carnival again.
"It's fantastic to be back," she said. "What a great excuse to dress up, have a bet on the races, catch up with friends and have a cheeky wine."
Spending the day with friends was among most people's highlight for the day, with Matthew Piscioneri calling it "happy days" to be "enjoying country racing with mates again".
Racegoer Mark Goss, who travelled up from Melbourne, said that it was the "vibe and atmosphere" of country races that encouraged him to come.
