The Carrick Pacing Club struck gold when it invited Melbourne Cup-winning strapper Stevie Layne to be a special guest at its harness racing Cup Day meeting last Saturday.
Payne, who has Down syndrome, won the hearts and admiration of the nation after the horse he 'looks after', Prince Of Penzance, won the 2015 Melbourne Cup.
Payne arrived at Carrick with his Melbourne Cup strappers trophy that he was pleased to show off to all who were keen to take a peek and have a photograph taken with him and his trophy.
Payne was accompanied by thoroughbred trainer Jarrod McLean who operates Stealth Lodge Racing and is the foreman for Darren Weir at his Warrnambool training complex where Prince Of Penzance is prepared.