The threat of rain was not enough to stop an enthusiastic 400-strong crowd from enjoying themselves at the annual Stamford races south west of Hughenden on Saturday, where the fun continued long after the last race was run.
Race club secretary Jane McNamara said the gods had smiled on them, delivering just on 4mm either side of the race day, allowing the five race program to deliver some excellent racing.
"The rain helped lay the dust," she said. "We couldn't believe our luck with the weather."
The availability of only seven jockeys handicapped them slightly but there were still 32 acceptances and $48,500 in prizemoney given out.
Numbers were on a par with past years, which begged the question of how big the crowd could have been without rain rumours sprinkling social media.
One of the exciting formalities of the day was christening the new entertainment area, an extension of the existing shed by 16x25m, thanks to a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant.
Jane said the larger undercover area had allowed them to accommodate a variety of stalls and gave patrons more space to socialise comfortably.
She paid tribute to the 35 travellers who offered their services to get the course ready annually, coming from around Australia over many years.
"We couldn't run it without them," she said. "They just love being part of a small community."
The value the race meeting has in the community was shown by the 70 sponsors amassed for the day, including Sisters of the North and its $5000 donation.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
