An error in the dying seconds of the last race may have cost Bacchus Marsh the main prize, but the town was a winner as the Pony Club Association of Victoria state championships attracted a large contingent of hooves and heads last weekend.
A Bacchus Marsh rider lost crucial seconds when he drifted out of his lane and was forced to turn around just before crossing the finish line, costing the team equal first place.
Bacchus Marsh had to settle for fourth, with Benalla finishing on top. But Bacchus Marsh Pony Club president Mike Fitzpatrick said the third running of the event, involving riders like Olivia Thompson (pictured), was the best attended so far.
“It was a huge event, great for Bacchus Marsh and great for Victoria,” he said.
More than 150 horses and a few thousand people descended on the Bacchus Marsh racecourse as 204 teams competed in the dressage, the Ian Wardell memorial musical ride and the Kay Irving Memorial games competition.
