And they’re off! Over 5000 punters have descended on the small Outback town of Birdsville on the edge of the Simpson Desert to enjoy the 136th edition of the Birdsville Races. The action kicked off yesterday and will continue today with headline event, the 1600 UBET Birdsville Cup, to be run this afternoon. The prize-purse of the event is $40,000 which is the largest purse in the event’s history.
Horses, trainers and jockeys from as far afield as Darwin (NT), Ballarat (VIC), Stawell (VIC), Quorn (SA), Murray Bridge (SA), Adelaide (SA), Tamworth (NSW), Wagga Wagga (NSW) and Gold Coast (QLD) flocked to Western Queensland’s richest two-day race-meet.
In addition to horse-racing, the event also boasts some colourful characters, far-out fashion and some interesting off-track events. As in previous years, Fashions on the Field was an opening day highlight, with novelty dress competitions for men, women and children. Some of yesterday’s costumes included a ‘Where’s Wally’ group, a ‘Shrek’ character, some huge 10 gallon hat-wearing cowboys and many other wild and wacky outfits.
After the racing concludes, event-goers will be treated to live music, a charity auction, live comedy and lots of other activities.
