Mason was co-sponsoring the race with the Wilkins family in a tribute to his old mate, Bernie Wilkins, who had passed away after going to the races a couple of years ago.

When Mason arrived at the track he could not believe what he was hearing.

"I heard the call from the car park and the caller (Tim Moses) said 'I think Saturlina had won'. I just couldn't believe it. I co-sponsored the race because Bernie was a fabulous bloke and a great mate," he said.

"This is just amazing. It's great to be here celebrating the win and remembering Bernie."

Mason had just returned from playing cricket in Wellington's first grade competition.

Saturlina ($8) was always in the mix for the Cup and posed a significant threat to the hot favourite, the Garry Lunn-trained Strong ($2.50), to win right on the line in a stirring finish. Uaroo ran third.

Strong was heavily backed and was also heavily supported at the Wellington Bowling Club Calcutta on Friday.

Jockey Tim Phillips said Saturlina gave him the perfect ride.

"She settled well and put us in the best position to win. I was in the box seat to win. I knew she was full of running near the line," he said.

Gulgong trainer Brett Thompson said he was very happy to win the race for Mason.

"Joe asked me to get a horse right for the big day so I picked Saturlina," he said.

"Mason is one of my best owners, he has part of nearly 20 horses in my stable so this is a richly deserved win for him."

Brilliant sunshine blanketed the track and a bumper crowd came dressed in colourful attire to contribute to a great day's racing, according to Wellington Racing Club president, Martin Whiteley.

Amateur jockey Ricky Blewitt grabbed a treble for the second year in a row, making Geurie one of his favourite tracks.

Barbara Long was named the Classic Lady in the Fashions on the Field, Alice Mitchell the contemporary lady of the day and Dubbo's Kristy Colliver (Best Headwear) and Phillip Wheeler (Mens Racewear) took out the fashion awards among a swag of entries.