Maxwelton Races is one of the great social occasions as they come from all parts to Maxi, a dot on the land 50km west of Richmond for a great day out.
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A race meeting that was on its last legs a few years ago has bounced back to become one of the must dos on the North Queensland social calendar.
Last year stewards abandoned the meet at the last moment – though crowds still flocked to the course of a day of fun, foot races and tug-of-war.
This year president Bill Needham said the wet weather had helped plug up some of the holes in the course though more work had to be done ongoing.
The wet weather had helped plug up some of the holes in the course
- Bill Needham
Mr Needham also entertained on the trumpet before and after each race, announcing the horses in the ring and then correct weight after the races.
Craigslea Cruz got the 2018 event off to a good start winning Race 1 the Elrose Plant Hire John Forster Patron’s Gift Open Plate over 1000m.
Shane McGovern steered the Steven Royes-trained horse to win by one and half lengths from Diurnal Tiger with Tuning finishing third.
CHECK OUT OUR PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE DAY
Race 2 was the Len Dowd and Co Electrical Carter Family QTIS BenchMark 50 Handicap over 900 metres.
Dan Ballard rode Harcourt Street for trainer Nippy Seymour and was too good for the field winning by one and a half lengths again.
Second was Crystal Bear with favourite Split the Atom back in third.
Ballard was back in the box to win Race 3 the Richmond Freight Transport Maiden Plate over 1000m.
He rode mum Denise’s horse Alienate to win by three lengths from Nitro City with Kawana Viva finishing third.
Race 4 was the Bob Clarke Memorial Class B Handicap over the longer distance of 1200m. It was a win for Kiwi horse Target Strike trained by Jay Morris with Jason Babarovich aboard beating co-favourite Lord Windermere with The King’s Magic finishing third.
The last race of the day was the Liberty Rural Maxwelton Cup and trainer Bob Burow brought the cup back to Mount Isa.
His horse Anchor Chain, ridden by Aaron Spradau, won by the Maxi trademark distance of one and a half lengths from Rebel Rover.
How Big’s The Hole finished third.
This weekend racing moves down the road to Julia Creek for the Dirt N Dust festival.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
