THE Richmond Field Days and Races for 2015 are set to be a lively occasion with over 100 exhibitors to showcase their products and services at the Richmond Turf Club on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, while an exciting selection of special events will take place over the two days also.
Richmond Field Days committee secretary Camilla Rogers said the committee was hoping for a big crowd to turn up and support the event and said she was proud of the committee’s effort in increasing the number of exhibitors compared to last year.
“Considering the tight economic conditions and the drought that continues on in the region, it’s a great testament to a lot of hard work by the committee that we were able to top last 2014’s exhibitor numbers, it’s very pleasing to see,” Mrs Rogers said
“We’ve put a lot of effort in bringing more women’s stalls to the grounds, with the big, orange Hitchley & Harrow Trailer returning for their second year and some new faces that we are looking forward to introducing to our Field Day shoppers,” she said.
Judging from the packed schedule of events and the diverse range of exhibitors that will be on-site over the two days there should be something to interest people from all walks of life.
“The Field Days has been going from strength to strength since its inception in 1985, and is the town’s biggest annual event,” she said.
Prior to the official start opening of the Field Days the Wellard Export Feeder Steer competition entrants will be brought in and pre-judged along with a full selection of local cattle at the Richmond Saleyards. Place-getters will then be penned at the grounds for visitors to inspect.
Competition organiser Luke Westaway said the event was very successful last year and he’s already received a lot of interest in this year’s event.
“The aim of the competition is to showcase the best quality export class cattle available in Richmond and surrounding areas,” Mr Westaway said.
“We are looking for 12 entrants with 15 head of Brahman or Brahman-cross feeder steers each, they’re in the 280-350kg weight class and are judged as per the specs,” he said.
“We already have seven entrants locked in, so we still have five more spots open, if you’re interested contact your local agent in Richmond or check the Field Days website.”
Wellard Export have fully sponsored the event and will be awarding prizes for three pens deemed to be of the best quality.
“We’re really grateful for the support Wellard has shown for the event.”
Winners of the competition will be announced at the Rabobank Beef Dinner on Friday night, where Wellard will pay $3/kg for the top pen, $2.75 for second and $2.55 for third place.
Gates to the MLA Richmond Field Days officially open at 9am with free entry provided for the weekend for patron’s compliments of Richmond Combined Agents.
Mrs Rogers said there will be a host of products and services being showcased by old and new exhibitors over the course of the two day event.
“There are a handful of exhibitors that have been attending the event for 30 years which demonstrates the great rapport they have built up with clients out west,” she said.
Friday’s program has also some exciting special events packed into the day.
“Macquarrie Truck and Gough Plastics have sponsored the Ringers Challenge which will have heats at 2.30pm followed by the final at 4pm. The challenge will determine the real ringers of the west.
“It’s similar to the stockman’s challenge with a few twists and turns to better suit the Richmond way.
“I don’t want to give too much away, so be there for what will no doubt be a highly entertaining affair with some great prizes including cash for the winners.”
The first day of events will culminate with the Rabobank Mitchell Grassfed Beef Dinner which will be held at 6.30pm at the Richmond Shire Hall.
“The theme for this year’s dinner focuses on aspects of the Richmond region, with the Mitchell Grassfed beef noted as being topped with some Flinders cream.
“This play on words highlights our natural grasses of the downs that do a fantastic job of finishing off cattle for butcher quality in this district.
“The stand-up grazing menu will feature what I’m sure will be top quality local beef sourced by the Richmond Butchery and we’ll also be providing pre-dinner drinks and canapés courtesy of Mackey Wales Law and a wine tasting presented by Riversands while guests enjoy a night of socialising and networking.
“Also on the night we’ll announce the winners of the Wellard Export Feeder Steer Competition and five lucky guests will $100 cash courtesy of Key Motors as a lucky door prize.”
Mrs Rogers said the night provides a great way for guests to unwind after a big first day at the field Days, while enjoying some great food and live entertainment.
Gates re-open on Saturday at 9am with exhibits staying open until the early afternoon at which point attention will shift to the track for the Richmond Races starting at 1pm.
Field Day visitors will get a chance to swap out their jeans and work shirts for suits, dresses and fabulous fascinators at the races.
The five race event is always a popular drawcard on the Western racing calendar, and this year is expected to be no different with some very tight finishes all but guaranteed. The action off the track will be just as exciting with the Fashions on the Field sponsored by Hitchley & Harrow already getting great numbers.
Fashions competitors will be competing for over $5000 in amazing prizes with categories including Classic Racewear for men and women; a Millinery Section; Trendsetter; Best Dressed Teen male or female and Junior categories as well. Nominations will be taken from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Look for the ladies in the Suncorp tent to nominate.
For something a bit different be sure to take in the RHS Stick Horse Cutting Shootout Challenge.
Watch with amusement as these skilled riders cut cattle with masterful precision on their trusty steeds, steeds that are actually brooms, mops, or whatever other long cylindrical shaped object you can find to use as your potential champion. Only your imagination can limit how you decide to create your horse.
A similar point scoring system will be used akin to real cutting horse events, but here you get bonus points for riding with style and charisma!
How it works is that you form a team of three with each team member having a run, while the other two team members are their “turn backs”.
Each run is timed with the selected cow to be worked in the middle of the arena.
Judges have stipulated that those who trot into the herd or do tail turns will be dealt with accordingly and most likely have their stick horse licences revoked.
“After the races, settle in and enjoy a great night with friends while listening to top notch live entertainment provided by Y2K.
“We’ll also have a free bus service running from Thursday evening through to early on Sunday morning, shuttling people from town to the racecourse and back again, courtesy of McArdle Concretors and Rural Supplements.”
Camilla said with so much to do and see there is no better time to come and explore Richmond, while enjoying the field days and all the great events and activities contained within.
