A huge crowd was in for a big day at the track and they were not disappointed by a great’s day racing from the thoroughbreds before the night-time gallop against the clock.

He may have delayed the start of the race when he was difficult to load in the barriers, but the $2.20 favourite Cooee March proved his worth when he won the first race of the day.

That was the CNW The Leading Independent Benchmark 60 Handicap over 1450m, with Cooee March winning for trainer Russell Green with Steven Galvin aboard.

Equistar finished second with Video Show third.

In race two the CNW Working with the Isa Maiden Plate over 1200 metres another favourite prevailed as Dan Ballard set about retaining his champion Queensland country jockey title.

Ballard rode Herebaneek to victory for trainer Tanya Perry to victory by half a length from Bodice with Leapin’ Lena finishing third.

Race 3 was the CNW Bill Braden Memorial Class B Handicap over 1200m and apprentice jockey Rachel Shred caused a boilover when she led Tanya Parry’s Denlago to victory by five lengths from favourite Abba Original. 

Al Mah Rocket finished third.

In Race 4 the CNW Electrical Wholesale Mount Isa Open Plate over 1000m the ladies made it back to back winners as Tamara Tincknell led Damgoodchoice to victory for trainer Jay Morris ahead of Wicked Wiki with Devil’s Fire back in third place.

The final race of the day was the CNW The Proud Aussie QTIS Class 2 Handicap over 1000m.

Trainer Jay Morris made it back-to-back wins when his horse, the favourite Satan Da with Ric McMahon aboard stormed to victory by two lengths from Safdie.

Hunting raced wide and finished third.

Racing in North West Queensland returns to Mount Isa this Saturday, August 18 before heading to Camooweal for its annual meet during the Drovers Festival on August 25.