The Maxi Races committee are excited to be returning to the track this weekend after a two year standstill.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For the first time since 2018, horses will return to the bush track at Maxwelton (50 kilometres west of Richmond) for their annual event of the season on Saturday April 10.
Maxi Races has seen a string of back luck over the last few years having to continuously postpone three of the past four events.
In 2017 the races were switched to Mount Isa Race Club after officials deemed the Maxi track unsafe - a fate that befell Boulia races at Easter this year.
Then 2019 witnessed the unprecedented North West floods and 2020 was hit by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the unfortunate run of events, Maxi Races vice president Megan Easton is determined they will host a successful event in 2021.
"We haven't raced here in a number of years so everything is getting run through a fine-tooth comb," Ms Easton said.
"We've had some curve balls thrown in with COVID-19, however we have a COVID-Safe plan in place with Queensland Racing to facilitate a safe racing environment.
"Due to the event being outdoors, COVID-19 mask mandate will have limited impact on the patrons attending the event so we are looking forward to putting on a good event."
The small community of Maxwelton has a population of four people, which is predicted to swell to over 400 people just for the weekend.
READ MORE: 2018 Maxi Races gallery.
"Maxi Races is a remote country race meeting and it is about providing a family-orientated community event for the region," Ms Easton said.
"It is critical to get social events up and running again. After 2019 floods there were limited events on and it was a lot to ask of the committee to turn around and volunteer to put on the races and away from their own impacted businesses.
"Then with COVID-19, we are already remote to start with, so it's critical to get some human interaction with your peers, this event is very important for everybody."
The Maxi Races will include a five race program, with gates opening at 12 noon, first race at 1.30pm and free gate entry.
Ms Easton said the committee wanted to keep the event traditional.
"There is plenty of action on and off the track, including footraces, tug-a-war, an auction and fashions on the field," she said.
"These are all traditional events that are incorporated with our event. Having not held an event in a while we thought we would keep it simple and stick with tradition and the events everyone loves."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark https://www.northweststar.com.au/
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Google News
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
