More than 3000 racegoers packed into Bunya Park for the 106th running of the Carlton Mid Dalby Picnic Races on Saturday.
The fabulous autumn day was a perfect backdrop for the start of the Western Downs Regional Council’s Big Skies Festival, which culminates with the Day on the Plain concert on Saturday, May 5. Dalby Amateur Picnic Race Club president Jane Edwards said the committee was overwhelmed with the popularity of this year’s event.
“It was a great success. Our all-inclusive areas including the Oakey Beef Exports Finishing Post Marquee and Brown Brothers Home Straight Lounge both sold out a couple of weeks ago, while the Windsor Watering Hole was once again very popular with the younger racegoers. The Black Toyota marquee was also at capacity on the day, so we are very happy with the how the community engaged this event,” Mrs Edwards said.
The massive seven race program saw a competitive field of horses from across the state chasing some of the $100,000 in prize money and bonuses on offer. Toowoomba based trainers Matt Kropp and Ben Currie had a great day on track.
Kropp picked up two wins and a third place with the first win coming in race one with Spirit’s Choice, a two year old filly of Spirit of Boom. Rosie Posie was his second win in the fifth race on the day. While Currie grabbed a third, two second placings and a win, with the win coming in race four with Mishani Vaidra claiming her third win from four starts.
The Dalby Shopping World Fashions on the Field proved a highlight of the day with huge numbers involved. Special guest VIP judges Dale Olsson, Sharen Kenny and Ian Witnall were given the tough assignment of choosing the most fashionable lady, gentleman and couple.
After the Fashions on the Field, BMO Calcutta and the final race, attention then turned to Brisbane Band, The Deported, who kept the crowd entertained with live music till late.
Mrs Edwards also thanked all the generous sponsors for their support, the picnic race committee and the racegoers for their patronage.
