MOREE picnic races – round one of bush racing’s Golden Triangle – was held on Saturday under perfect autumn weather before a big crowd.

Despite the dry conditions and fuel price hikes, about 700 patrons went through the turnstiles.

More than 500 staying for the night function, with entertainment by father-and-son duo, Split Image, from Goondiwindi.

Moree Picnic Race Club president Sandy Bailey said the weather was perfect, despite the lack of much-needed rain.

“We had a really good crowd, with just over 700 people through the gate,” Bailey said.

“There was a bit over 1000 people at our centenary meeting a couple of years ago but we expected this year’s numbers to come back a bit, because many people aren’t travelling as much with the way the fuel prices are at the moment.

“The year has been very dry as well, although there is some rain forecast for this week,” he said.

Fashions-on-the-field, sponsored by Beauty Matters, Assef’s, Plaine, Matilda and Louise, My Store, Hardman’s, Phoebe’s, Fork and Spade Nursery, Delicious Ness, Sumae Studio, Stephen Sparke Jewellers, Loded Strength and Conditioning, Dipper’s, Yaama Ganu, Amaroo Tavern and Tourism Moree, was keenly contested.

Categories included Best Dressed Couple, Best Locally Dressed Gentleman, Best Locally Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gentleman and Best Dressed Lady.

The big crowd cheered home locally-owned gelding Thiem, a popular winner of the 1400m B&W Rural Boolooroo Cup.

“All the races were keenly contested and the Boolooroo Cup  was a cracker. It was good to see Thiem win for local connections,” Bailey said.

“It was a good day all round, and the night function was great.

“The band, from Goondiwindi, did a really good job and most people who came to the races, kicked on through the night. Everyone let their hair down and were well-behaved,” he said.

Again, Moree and district businesses supported the race-day with sponsorship.

“The Moree community is just so giving, and we again got plenty of sponsors, even though it’s a dry year” Bailey said.

Picnic racing now turns to Mallawa on Saturday, June 6 for round two of bush racing’s Golden Triangle.

Six races are scheduled, including the 1000m Mallawa Bracelet and 1400m Mallawa Cup.

With up to 50mm of rain forecast for the region this week, Mallawa Picnic Race Club will have the unique, horseshoe-shaped track in perfect condition.

“If that rain does come this week, it should be perfect for Mallawa,” Bailey said.

Talmoi Picnic Race Club rounds out the Golden Triangle at Garah on Saturday, June 20.

Bush Racing’s Golden Triangle

Mallawa: Saturday, June 6. Updates at Mallawa Facebook Page

Online tickets for Mallawa: Mallawa Picnic Races TIX

Talmoi: Saturday, June 20. Updates at Talmoi Facebook Page