THERE are 90 racehorses nominated to compete for more than $85,000 across the six races to be held in Cloncurry.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This includes the $19,200 offered for the winner of the Brodie and Co/ Lorraine Pastoral Company Class 3 Plate.
The 1200 metre race and the total $30,000 that comes with it attracted 18 nominations. The field limit will tighten the competition to 10 horses, not including five back-ups, given the size of the barrier.
Cloncurry and District Race Club’s sponsorship and marketing coordinator Hilary Simmons said the generous amount of prize money offered at the Cloncurry Spring Races was a way of celebrating the ending of the C150 week.
The race meeting also recognises 137 years since Cloncurry’s first horse race.
“We have gone all out to mark the occasion as it is a once in a lifetime event,” she said. “It’s a huge amount of money. It gives the local trainers a chance to compete for huge money without travelling long distances.
“We hope the prize money will attract the best racing in the region.”
The committee predicts more than 1500 people attending the races.
“And we could be pleasantly surprised too so we will see what happens,” Ms Simmons said.
“There are so many ex-residents that have come back for the whole week. There’s no accommodation left, the town is chockers and full to the brim.
“Everyone is talking about the races which excites us and there’s been a lot of talk about coming to the races to finish off the celebrations and we think it’s a great way to see out the week, and a final catch-up with friends you don’t get to see for a while.”
The Black Toyota Fashions on the Field will have seven categories. These are the contemporary lady, the classic lady, and the best dressed gentleman. The two categories of young lady and young man are for ages 12 to 17 years. The junior boy and the junior girl categories are for under 11 years.
“We always have people dressing up rivaling the likes of Flemington’s fashions on the field and we don’t expect these races to be different,” Ms Simmons said.
The Best of the West Rodeo will be held afterwards.
More than $14,000 in prize money will be available across the events of bull, bronc and bullock riding in the event sponsored by South 32.