A record crowd made their way through the gates of the Blackall racecourse on Saturday, 19 October for the Barcoo Amateur Race Club’s Beef Producers Race Day.
Families, friends, and racing enthusiasts gathered under the bright sun to enjoy a day filled with exciting races, food, and entertainment.
Barcoo Amateur Race Club secretary Jaimee Lee Prow said that the support on the day was fantastic, with the club welcoming a record crowd for the occasion.
“It was fantastic,” she said.
“It was a record crowd – between 800 and 1000.
“We didn’t have a count, but we know it is the biggest race crowd that we have ever had in Blackall.”
“The weather was hot, but everyone still made the most of the day.”
Ms Prow said that the club was very pleased with the outcome, with people of all ages coming out to enjoy the afternoon of country racing.
“It was really great to see everyone,” she said.
“You couldn’t say there was one age demographic – it was supported generationally which was absolutely fantastic.
“We are so pleased with the outcome.”
The Fashions of the Field was a hit as well, with a local running away with the afternoon’s major prize.
“It was a very good Fashions on the Field,” Ms Prow said.
“A local, Zoe Johnson, took out Lady of the Day which was fantastic to see.”
Ms Prow said that the region’s Beef Producers were amazed at last weekend’s success and have already started talking about next year’s meeting.
“They are already talking about next year and boosting their sponsorship as well which is fantastic,” she said.
“We had all of the local big beef players in the region come on the day – it was a great day out.”
It was the penultimate race meeting for the club in 2024, with one more meeting towards the end of November for the region’s racing enthusiasts.
We have our final race meeting on Saturday, 23 November,” Ms Prow said.
“It is laid back and we still get a pretty good crowd and people love it.
“It is our Beach Race Day, and we are looking forward to it.”
Racing in the region will head to Barcaldine on Saturday, 2 November for the club’s annual Derby Day race meeting.
