JULIA Creek’s Sedan Dip race meeting returns this weekend after drought forced the event to be cancelled last year.
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This has forced competitors and spectators alike to wait two years between events, which originated back in 1948.
Dip race committee treasurer Tenneil Cody says the anticipation surrounding the event is awesome.
“The event is such a significant aspect of our annual calendar, so when we had to unfortunately cancel it last year, people were left devastated,” she said. “The event is very family-orientated and supports those who work out on the properties.
“The positive to come from the cancellation is that this year’s event is shaping up as one of the biggest in recent memory.”
More than 1000 first rounds runs are expected, along with 400 competitors in the camp draft.
Combine that with 40 competitors and 100 rides during both Friday and Saturday nights in the rodeo events, and Cody is excited.
“We have had a great response from the community so far, with huge numbers already nominated across different events,” she said.
“As this event isn’t aimed at professionals, it’s exciting to see competitors come in from their stations and test their skills.
“A lot of the time, the events are just extensions of what they do each day our on their stations.”
More than 600 spectators are expected through the gates. Cody is sure that there will be an event that caters to everyone’s taste buds.
“We will be holding the bush-styled races again, with 25 horses already nominated,” she said.
“All 25 will run the 200-metre distance in the heat, with the five fastest progressing to the final on Saturday afternoon.
“Then on Sunday morning, we will be holding our novelty horses events for kids, which always gets a strong response from the patrons.”
Cody emphasised that event prided itself on being an event for the whole family and would continue to be, as the event returned better than ever.