THE highly-anticipated first round of bush racing’s Golden Triangle – the heart of bush racing in the heart of the country – is only four weeks away.

The annual picnic racing circuit linking Moree, Mallawa and Talmoi is again expected to bring big crowds from across the region to enjoy bush racing at its finest.

Moree Picnic Race Club, established in 1924, will hold its traditional six-race card, including the time-honoured Boolooroo Cup, on Saturday, May 23.

The first leg of the Golden Triangle at Moree racecourse will feature fashions-on-the-field, an evening dinner with entertainment by Split Image, a father-and-son duo – Pieter and Nicky Kruger – who recently played at Goondiwindi picnic races to a sold-out crowd.

Based in regional Queensland, Split Image play a mix of classic rock and contemporary music, and will flick on the speakers after the last race at Moree picnics is run and won.

Round one of the Triangle at Moree is sponsored by numerous local and corporate businesses, including Nutrien Ag Solutions, B&W Rural, RDO Equipment, Kenway and Clark, Graincorp and North West Marquees and Events.

Gates to the Moree picnics open at midday, with patrons encouraged to bring along a picnic lunch.

Tickets are only available online, and will go live this Friday, April 24 at Moree Picnic Races TIX.

Mallawa Picnic Race Club, established in 1930, holds round two of the Triangle on Saturday, June 6, with Talmoi Picnic Race Club – the oldest of the three clubs – racing on Saturday, June 20.

Talmoi first officially raced in 1911 on the Clifford course at Meleebee, a grazing property about 12 kilometres south of Garah.

Fashions on the field will again play a big part at Moree picnics on Saturday, May 23.

Hurricane won the inaugural Talmoi Bracelet over seven furlongs, and backed up two races later to win the four furlongs Lynworth Plate.

Moree jumped from the gates in 1924, with Diplomation winning the inaugural Boolooroo Cup.

Next month, the club enters its 102nd year to launch the 2026 Golden Triangle bush racing carnival.

Mallawa Picnic Race Club was established in 1930, with a track laid out on the property Narba, owned by the Boland family, about 70 kilometres west of Moree.

In 1953, the club relocated to Cooyal, where a unique horseshoe-shaped track with a spacious 400-metre straight was laid out.

The 2026 Golden Triangle carnival, held across four weeks at three historic racecourses, features traditional bush racing, fashions-on-the-field, plenty to do for the entire family, and evening entertainment until late.

The carnival is also an integral part of the NSW Picnic Racing Championships, with runners at all picnic race meetings across New South Wales earning points to qualify for two $50,000 finals over 1400m and 1000m later this year.

After Tomingley picnics last weekend, the Connie Greig-trained Callie Cool leads the table with 38 points, four clear of Scott Spackman’s Ozzy the Equaliser.

Watch this space for updates and articles as the Triangle draws closer.

Bush Racing’s Golden Triangle

Moree: Saturday, May 23

Online tickets for Moree: Moree Picnic Races TIX

Mallawa: Saturday, June 6

Talmoi: Saturday, June 20