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Torbanlea Picnic Races
Holiday in Hervey Bay Queensland Australia
Name: Torbanlea Picnic Races
Address: Torbanlea via Hervey Bay
Telephone: 07 41200414 or 0409 609 971
Fax: 07 4122 4734
Contact Email: edith.rutherford@apnnewspapers.com.au
Details:
Torbanlea Picnic Races
Featuring a seven race program ranging from 300m to 800m. Highlights include a local stockhorse race and ladies races, high fashion, wood chopping and tug-o-war.
Yes! They are racing…
Best race day by a country mile!
Pencil Saturday October 15 2011 in your diary now…
Torbanlea Picnic Races are a must see in the region’s annual event calendar. The race track at Torbanlea was first created in 1890 as a half mile track that had no rails, and dodged trees and stumps along the way. Twenty years on it was extended to five furlongs, and in 1946 finally extended to six furlongs.
By 1951 the race day had dwindled, with no more racing at Torbanlea until the late 1970’s. Local support recreated the picnic races, firstly with the local Lions club for a few years, and then with the Torbanlea Recreation Reserve committee who continue to run it today.
Camels raced in 2007 when Equine Influenza stopped the horses, but in 2008 the horses were back, and the event was bigger and better than ever.
“We have a program that will entertain people of all ages, with good old fashioned fun,” says Bradley Roderick of the organising committee. We want everyone to have a great day, it’s the best family day out for the year.”
Seven races on the track start with the Stock Horse Open Challenge, which used to be the Coal Miners Challenge. These days, with no local coal mines, this event is open to all comers. If you’ve ever fancied winning a horse race, perhaps this one will suit you.
“We’d welcome some more comers, especially for the stock horse open. There must still be riders about the place who can handle a sprint and want a bit of excitement,” says John Charlton race steward. “This is for amateurs, not the professionals, so give us a call.”
Then there’s the 400m Maiden, 500m Open, 800m Open, Maiden 500m, Open 500m, Challenge 800m, and in between times there will be so much action trackside you will be amazed.
The John McRae Tug-O-War in teams of seven is an annual highlight, guaranteed to get the crowd roaring. The Woodchop, chainsaw and cross cut saw displays another popular highlight on the day.
There are rides, stalls, entertainment, food to choose from, and of course on site camp sites, with hot and cold showers for those who want to make a weekend of it.
The committee would like to hear from anyone who has mementoes or photos of race days of old, to celebrate Q150, and more than 120 years since the first horse race at Torbanlea
The admission is $15 for families, $5 for adults and free for children under 15 (prices as supplied – subject to change)
Edith Rutherford
Media Spokesperson
Phone 41200414 or
Mobile 0409 609 971
Fax (07)4122 4734