A marriage proposal with a difference unfolded at Hanging Rock races on Australia Day.
The first race on the seven-event program was officially the ‘Will you marry me Renate Maiden Plate’ over 1600m.
And the first Newham resident Renate Danebergs knew she was suddenly centre stage was when the course race caller read the race name out as the field was entering the starting stalls!
“I didn’t have a clue,” Renate said when asked did she have any inkling this was planned.
Instigator of the unforgettable proposal that produced a “yes” response, confirmed over the course public address system in after-race wrap-up was David Kelso, the long-term partner of Renate.
Originally from West Brunswick, they both work for Victoria Police at headquarters in Melbourne, and decided on a treechange move to live in the Macedon Ranges just over five years ago.
They looked at various possible locations and are extremely happy to have settled on five acres within walking distance of the famous Hanging Rock.
Flexible options of road and rail (from Woodend) transportation suits them fine, and both are thrilled to be part of Macedon Ranges and recognise its drawcard attractions.
Renate enjoys being a member of Macedon Ranges Running Club, with half marathons and other distance events her speciality.
David in particular is keen on horse racing, and they quickly became members of Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club when they moved to the area.
Club president Greg Janky was one of the first to congratulate them on selecting Hanging Rock races to put them well on the road to marriage. Close family members added their congratulations and so did plenty of racegoers on what was a very special occasion for this couple.
The proposal was a well-guarded secret and it did not leak out – Renate had not looked in the race book or form guide.
The Will you marry me Renata race winner in a close finish was Seymour-trained galloper Beauweevil ($6.50 chance) ridden by Jamie Gibbons.
And anyone looking for a real omen bet would most likely have settled on Beauweevil, with the breeding being by Dundeal (NZ) from Means A Lot.
