A proud piece of Birchip’s history now stands tall above the town, capturing the unforgettable story of local jockey Ray Neville and his remarkable Melbourne Cup victory aboard Rimfire.

In 1948, Neville was just 15 years old, with only a handful of race rides to his name, when he secured a last-minute opportunity to ride Rimfire. Starting at odds of 80 to one, he was given little chance against a field of seasoned jockeys.

What followed became one of Australian racing’s greatest upsets. Riding with composure beyond his years, Neville positioned Rimfire perfectly before surging down the straight to claim victory in a dramatic finish.

Back in Birchip, locals gathered around radios to listen as the race unfolded. When news broke that a local boy had won the nation’s biggest race, the town erupted in celebration - an unforgettable moment etched into community memory.

The story has now been brought to life on the Birchip silos through a project led by the Birchip Community Forum, first initiated by the late Joan Glen in 2023 and carried forward by her husband, Rod. It stands as both a tribute to Neville’s historic ride and a reflection of the passion and persistence of the local community.