With a 'pop of colour' fashion theme adding to the sunny afternoon, Blackall started off the western Queensland spring racing carnival in fine style.
A huge crowd turned out for the annual Beef Producers Race Day hosted by the big names in the beef industry in the district - Strathmore and Forest Park Santa Gertrudis studs, Lambert Hereford and Charbrays, Bull Creek Beef, the Swan Hill Cattle Co, supported by the Blackall Livestock Agents Association and Beef Breeding Services.
The six-race program was supported by a gin cocktail bar and an Arcadian Organic beef luncheon, and attendees from all parts of Queensland, who watched Doom, raced by Donquinn Downs, managed by GW Donnellan and trained by Todd Austin at Barcaldine, win the Strathmore Blackall Cup open 1400m handicap.
The race was also a Country Cups Challenge qualifier.
The happy atmosphere created by the big crowd for the Caulfield Cup at Blackall Cup meet was in spite of events all over the central and south west - a rodeo at Barcaldine, the Flyers Ball at Longreach and the Channel Country Ladies Day at Quilpie to name a few.
The Ross Cup races at Isisford will follow this weekend, where race patrons will see a number of changes.
The old race caller's tower has been pulled down, there is new signage in the race enclosure, changes have been made to the local saddlecloths, and the licensed area has been extended to enjoy refreshing beverages.
The committee is putting $1000 on the table for jockeys and trainers as an incentive to attend the event.
There will be also $4000 in prizes up for grabs in the Fashion on the Field for those who get 'Cheeky in Checks' as well as $1000 winner-takes-it-all for the novelty steeplechase event at 5pm.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.