Spring racing: Pakenham galloper Rhinoceros wins Dunkeld Cup

The spring carnival country racing action headed to Dunkeld for the running of the cup. See all the pictures on and off the track.

Rhinoceros appreciated the drop in class to score a thrilling win in the $50,000 Dunkeld Cup (1800m) on Saturday.

The six-year-old gelding had not saluted since last year’s Peninsula Cup victory at Mornington almost 12 months ago for Pakenham-based husband and wife training duo, David and Emma-Lee Browne.

Rhinoceros finished down the track in his defence of the Peninsula Cup last start before the successful hit-and-run mission to Dunkeld where he grabbed another well-fancied runner, Friday At Five, on the line.

More than 7000 people braved the mid-30s heat to attend the Dunkeld Cup meeting where Linda Meech began the day in great style with wins in the first two races aboard Du Clisson and Machinegunrhon.

Rhinoceros, ridden by Jack Hill, took out the Dunkeld Cup. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Linda Meech won on Machinegunrhon at the Dunkeld Cup meeting.

Bailey Ryan and Holly Langley from Hamilton.

Belinda Nurse, Angela Watson, Sally Ellis, Vicki Yann-Mintern, all from Horsham at the Dunkeld Cup.

Crissy George and Danni Marray from Ballarat.

Kelly Elliott and Mel Russell, Horsham, Amelia Fawcett, Williamstown and India Warren, Horsham at Dunkleld Cup.

Winning jockey Jack Hill and winning trainer Emma-Lee Browne after taking the Dunkeld Cup with Rhinoceros.

Best dressed classic racewear winner, Melanie Wade from Horsham.

Fashions on the Field best suited classic racewear winner, Graham Walter, from Mornington Peninsula and best dressed classic race wear winner, Melanie Wade, from Horsham.

Fashions on the field millinery award winner, Zorza Goodman from Cannons Creek.

Henry Nash, from Orange, Sam Steiger, from Holbrook and Charlie Calvert from Darlington enjoying the Dunkeld Cup

Monique Dowling from Ararat and Tessa O'Callaghan from Stawell at the Dunkeld Cup.

Part of the 7000-plus crowd at the Dunkeld Cup.

Fashion on the field contestant Amy-Kate Kuhn from Mt Gambier.