Racegoers from around the North West will descend on Cloncurry and District Race Club this weekend for the first race meeting of 2019.
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Saturday March 23 will showcase the Bell Rural Contracting Weather Together Races with gates opening at 11.30am.
Racegoers can expect some hotly contested racing action with 34 horses nominated from Mount Isa to Julia Creek for the five scheduled races.
The event last year drew an estimated crowd of 300 people but CDRC sponsorship and marketing coordinator Hilary Keyes said thanks to sponsors they hoped to draw more attendees with free entry.
"This is usually our Luau Races but we have changed the name of the race meeting to Weather Together in light of the recent flood devastation in the area," Mrs Keyes said.
"We've had generous donations from sponsors and different businesses across the state therefore we are able to give free entry for the races, and hope that people around the region will come together and forget about the floods for a few hours and just enjoy a day out.
"I think being the first big social event it will draw a crowd, especially anyone new in town or on cattle stations around the region. Its a good chance to come in and meet new people."
While the name of the races has changed the theme hasn't, Mrs Keyes calling for everyone to come dressed in their best Hawaiian attire.
"This is a great family event and will include the Black Toyota Fashions on the Field," she said.
"To be eligible to enter you must be dressed in the Hawaiian theme.
"Categories include: Contemporary lady, Classic Lady, Best dressed Gentleman, Millinery, Best Dressed Couple, Young Lady and Young Gentleman (12-17yo), Junior Girls and Junior Boys (11 and under).
"However there are also two novelty categories for this race meeting. So if anyone goes all out and comes dressed as a pineapple, banana or hula girl they will be recognised for it."
Kids fashions will be held between races three and four and the adults will be between races four and five.
The first race Bell Rural Contracting Open Handicap 1200m will start at 1pm.
Followed by the IOR Petroleum Class 4 Plate 1000m, K & R Contracting Class 1 Handicap 1200m, Glencore's Ernest Henry Mining Class B Handicap 1000m and the KJW Contracting Maiden Plate 1200m.
Live entertainment from Mount Isa band Cheese Trio will kick off at 3pm until 7pm.
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