Set against a backdrop of fashion and social events, the week-long event which culminated in two days of top notch race action, reinforced the its reputation as one of North Queensland’s premier bush racing carnivals.

Over 700 people made the trip out to the races, located approximately four hours west of Townsville on the banks of the Copperfield River, near Einasleigh.

Club president David Murphy thanked all the owners, trainers and jockeys who travelled for the weekend and praised the high quality of racing on display.

“The quality of the horses this year has been really good, as shown by several close finishes, which speaks to the support we receive from the racing community,” Mr Murphy said. 

“With backing from our sponsors, we were able to offer over $143,300 in prize money plus QTIS bonuses, which attracted horses from as far as Cairns, Townsville, Tambo and Mackay,” he said.

The John Manzelmann-trained Mishani Centurion won the carnival’s premier race, the 1600m Lyndhurst Shield, by three lengths under the guidance of jockey Wanderson D’Avila. The event doubled as Round 8 of the Magic Millions Up and Coming Stayers Series, and offered over $12,000 in prize money.

Amanda Thomson was the winner of the whip, awarded by the committee to the most successful jockey of the carnival, and also took home a $1,000 cash bonus.

Many punters braved the dust and unusually warm conditions to show off their finery for the Fashions on the Field, with Friday being ‘Country Casual’-themed and ‘Derby Day’ on Saturday.

The social calendar ensured that visitors were entertained in the four days leading up to the racing, with the Westpac Agribusiness Formal Ball being a highlight. Bindi-Lee Fox was named the 2016 Belle of the Ball, and the Sally Dixon was the Matron of the Ball.

Other events included a kids’ and adults’ fancy dress night, children’s sports, a damper-making competition and an Olympic-themed meet and greet, where Cameron Cusack and his band provided the music that kept people dancing into the night.

Photos courtesy of Mike Mills Photography and Maree Marsterson Photography.