THERE was plenty of sunshine and plenty of, well, alcohol-infused rain consumed during the running of the 64th race meet at the iconic Maxwelton Race Club, 50km west of Richmond, on Saturday, April 11.
Maxi, as it is more commonly referred to, only races once a year, on an authentic dirt track, under a shimmering blue sky.
The event that has lasted the test of time sees hundreds of people make the annual pilgrimage to experience the atmosphere unique to this particular event.
This year’s program featured packed fields in all five races with
55 nominations in total, leaving punters well satiated.
After the dust had settled, the prized Maxwelton Cup was held aloft by the duo of trainer Shryn Gabriel-Royes and jockey Tasha Chambers, who guided Smooth General to a 1.8-length win, with
Denise Ballard’s All Fives placing second, the Grant Wilestrained
Ghost Train coming in third, and Jay Morris’ Cheers Browe completing the quinella.
Click on the image below for a full photo gallery from the day.
While the races were the focal point of the day, there were also
beautiful designs on show during the fashions on the field competition; foot races down the track for the men, women and children; an epic tug-of-war competition; and a night-time auction.
Winners in the fashions on the field included overall best dressed
female Renae Kohler, overall best effort female Georgia Mintram, best-dressed couple Rex and Penny McClymont,
best-dressed male Shane Peach, best-dressed girl 10-16 years old Raven Guy and best dressed boy 10-16 years old Riley Kohler.
Ben Doyle and Jordon Keough proved to be the fleetest of foot in the men’s and ladies’ sprint races, while the Warriguls and Mighty Maxies showed their strength by prevailing in the men’s and ladies’ tug-of-war.
Race club president Bill Needham said the day had been another great success, with more than 400 people flying through
the starting gates.
“From all accounts, those that attended had a terrific day cheering on their horses, catching up with mates and brushing off the heat with ample refreshments,” Mr Needham said.
“All the hard work we’ve put into upgrading the track and facilities in recent years has really paid, as several jockeys told me that they thought it was the best track in North Queensland,
which was high praise indeed.
“I’d like to thank all the committee members, staff and sponsors
for all their hard work and support.
“The club is in an excellent position going forward, and we look forward to seeing faces new and familiar when we meet again on April 6, 2016.”
