The annual Coonamble Gold Cup was held on Sunday 12 October, and between the horses, the fashions on the fields, and the party clown – there was fun for everyone.
The Coonamble Jockey Club was bright with colour on Sunday, and people came from near and far to enjoy the ponies, betting and good company.
Groups travelled from Sydney and Perth and within the region to celebrate the country races with a group of 18 from Macksville making a return visit after enjoying a Gold Cup a few years ago.
Along with introducing newcomers, the race meeting brought old friends and family, and previous residents back to Coonamble.
Local trainers Ian Holland, Stuart Canham and Michael Denison showed off their Coonamble spirit and put their best mounts forward for the races.
Mr Holland entered Earlington in race four, Mr Canham raced his Star Stroke in the fifth race and Mr Denison put Running Bear in the sixth, unfortunately with no local placings this time.
There were eight races on Sunday, including the Big Dance qualifier race, the Qube Agri Coonamble Showcase Gold Cup.
Just after presentations for the winning horse and jockey, to his surprise, the former Coonamble Jockey Club President Ken Waterford was announced a member for life.
Life member and former secretary of Coonamble Jockey Club Anita Murray said Mr Waterford is “very deserving” of the award.
“He’s highly respected by many – not only in the racing industry – but by anyone who knows him,” she said.
“What he’s done over the years, and not only for the club but for the community too, I think it’s a testament to the man he is.”
Mr Waterford was president between 2017 and 2023, overseeing many physical improvements to the racecourse and bringing the Country Championships to Coonamble.
Although the ponies are a hit at the races, everyone knows what the biggest event of the day is.
The fashions on the field was a success, with the whole crowd surrounding the stage to see the patterns, frills and colours of the contestants and some categories filling the length of the stage.
Although each entrant was beautifully and vibrantly dressed, there could only be one winner for each category.
It was Elizabeth Patterson from Griffith who took home the big title of the Best Dressed Lady, wearing a purple three-dimensional floral dress with a yellow fascinator, and Jay Ewers who won Miss Coonamble in her blue spring floral gown.
Reigning men’s fashion champion went to Tyler Cleary and Craig and Carla Buckley won the best dressed couple for their matching yellow and white themed outfits.
Elka Trindall won the young girls fashion category and George Frampton won out of the young boys.
If the fashions on the field failed to blow you away, a turn in the weather may have.
Strong gusts of wind pushed through the field just before the Gold Cup race, threatening to take the top off some of the gazebos.
Patrons banded together to remove the tarps and drop umbrellas, then returned to enjoying the racing and socialising.
Apart from the late breeze, the overcast sky and mild temperature made for perfect races weather.
The wind carried the tunes of Brad Haling’s live music performance throughout the field, serenading the race goers with his bluesy harmonica and guitar.
The little ones could also enjoy the party clown, who had tricks, balloons and games to keep the kids busy while mum and dad watched the horses.
Estimates are a crowd of around 800 people.
Mr Waterford said he was honoured to receive his life membership and really enjoyed the day.
“It was a great crowd and a great atmosphere, everyone was happy to be there,” said Ken.
“It’s not only about the races, it’s somewhere to get a beer with mates or get dressed up and relax with friends.”