The 149th Anniversary of the Mount Perry Races was held recently with Bundaberg 4WD Club members attending this once-a-year event and making a weekend out at the spectacularly located base camp at the track.
Recent rains had turned the location into a lush green haven for those wanting a great day at the races.
Unfortunately, the much-needed rainfall came a bit too heavy too soon to race day and stewards were forced to cancel the local equine events.
Mount Perry Race Club President, Gary Jensen, said that it was the first time in the events history that the local races had been cancelled the day before the event due to a waterlogged track.
On site bookies were on hand to take the eager punters hard earned cash as they bet on the away races beamed into the main betting area.
Planning for the annual occasion had to much time and effort put in by the many volunteers that make a day like this happen to be cancelled ,so the festivities scheduled were all go with the “Fashions of The Field” being one of the highlights.
The theme for this year was ‘A Touch of Rosé ‘and the high-class attire on show was a credit to all that attended. Club members Petrina Pashley and Brad Praed even managed to pick up the title of “Best Dressed Couple”.
The popular “Jocks Plate “and “Fillies Dash” had the crowd lined up along the track to get a close look at the field. Every year these events draw a multitude of entries and its great to see so many attempt to run the 100 meters.
A wet track wasn’t the reason for some of the poor performances, but highly entertaining for the onlookers.
Mark Lavender kicked off the afternoon’s musical entertainment with the crowd up on their feet to dance along to his tuneful talent into the night.
Although the horses were unable to race on the planned day the spirit of the country shone through and the go ahead was given to allow racing on the Sunday.
The Bundaberg 4WD club members had organised a drive out to a local private property on the Sunday morning and were back in time to attend the local races.
It was great to see so many people that had camped for the weekend stay on and support the race club and the trainers from far and wide put their horses through their paces.
Perfect weather, a great location and the excellent vibe of a country race day will bring people back again next year for a bigger and better event, with or without the horses, as it’s a great time.
Brad Praed
Bundaberg 4WD Club
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