And they’re off! As horses thunder over a score of courses around the country, locals and out-of-towners  alike  jostle for the best view of their pick of the day. A rank outsider can storm home first, the favourite can come in last and often no one really minds. Instead, it’s all about the occasion, the atmosphere and the thrill of the unknown.

                        While the Melbourne Cup and Golden Slipper in Sydney top the stakes for kudos, glamour and dollar,  small country  race meets that have taken place around Australia since the mid-19th century often offer far more fun.

President: Geoff Swann 0428458246                       Secretary: Janine Murphy 0427360709