HUNDREDS of eager race-goers flocked to the 110th annual Oak Park Race Meeting held last weekend.
A week of events for the racing fraternity came to an end on Saturday with the two-day racing spectacular capping things off in true country style.
The fashions event was all about tanned legs in heels, vibrant coloured skirts on-trend ever upwards and hot headwear as the lawn and bars buzzed with good humour and crowded conversations.
Throw some money at the striding horses noising their way around the course, add some bright silks on their back, some good bubbly or other, and you had a fabulous race meet at the Oak Park Race Club.
Friday and Saturday’s racing program, run on a perfect winter surface, with a high number of field competitors and a top of a $17,000 pool in prize money to be won.
A healthy 95 nominations were received for the program including a good number of interstate and local gallopers.
Olivia Cairns trained Buckanara was the first to reach galloping glory on Friday morning, kicking off the racing program in the Banana Production/Harbourside Cold Stores Basalt Maiden Plate (1000m).
But this wasn’t Ms Cairns only triumph for the carnival taking home five wins across the two-days of racing action.
Jockey’s Braydn Swaffer and Jeffrey Felix were also standouts across the event, each conceding two winning rides.
For a full gallery of the Oak Park Races click the photo below.
Parkinson’s Queensland was the supported cause during Saturday’s race wear events with punters turning up in their brightest red ensembles.
Judges were looking for cohesive, classic winter outfits from women participating in the competition and a tailored suit for men, preferably including a hat.
Former committee members Mary Dixon and Sam Abell fit the judging criteria perfectly taking out the top prize in the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and ‘Best Dressed Gent’ divisions.
Janaye Cooper won best hat with her rounded red fascinator grabbing the eye of the judges.
Winner of the classic section, Barb Dixon, strutted her stuff in an ‘all class’ white dress topped off with some red shoes and accessories.
But, contemporary entrant Jalaine Beard was the one turning heads with her oversized gold fascinator and detailed dress leaving her a clear winner.
The stylish parade was hotly contested with hundreds of kids also joining in on the fashionable fun.
Oak Park Race Club committee hosted plenty of entertainment for race-goers across the week including the Wild West Wednesday Night Bar, Rabobank Race Ball, Cardross Calcutta’s, Children’s Dance, Westpac Agri Business Fancy Dress Party and Booth Pastoral Services Presentation Night.
The Oak Park event was declared a resounding success with patrons from Townsville, Cairns, Charters Towers and more turning out for a great weekend of racing.
