A defining moment in Birchip’s history has been transformed into a striking new public artwork, with three large-scale silo murals commemorating local jockey Ray Neville and his famous 1948 Melbourne Cup triumph on Rimfire. The project, led by the Birchip Community Forum, was originally initiated by the late Joan Glen in 2023 and carried forward by her husband Rod Glen and a dedicated team of community volunteers. Ray Neville was just 15 years old and had limited race experience when he secured a last-minute ride on outsider Rimfire in the 1948 Melbourne Cup. Starting at odds of 80 to 1, the young apprentice stunned the racing world by guiding the horse to one of the most memorable upset victories in the event’s history. Painted by renowned silo artist Kyle Torney, the murals depict key moments from the race and its aftermath, including Neville’s jubilant expression, his return to scale on Rimfire, and congratulations from Governor-General Sir William McKell. The project received funding from Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns program, Buloke Shire Council, Cargill Cares and the Victorian Tourism and Business Innovation Grants Program, with additional support from private donors and local businesses that donated equipment, labour and expertise. The completed silo artwork stands as both a tribute to a remarkable sporting achievement and a lasting symbol of what can be accomplished when a regional community works together.
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Birchip silo art reaches finish post
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