RIVER RUNS WILD
Punters have fun at Adelaide River Races
WINS, grins, and tins were all the go at the Adelaide River Races as crowds celebrated one of the premier events on the small town’s calendar.
Whether attendees were there for social purposes, or serious business only, all 2200 racegoers contributed to the quintessential bush race atmosphere on Saturday.
The event attracted visitors from all corners of the country, such as punter Michael O’Leary, from Mt Gambier in South Australia.
“We came up here for the races and are here for a couple of weeks to get up out of the cold,” he said.
“We just got here, and we love it – how good is it?”
The event had no shortage of Akubras and impressive dresswear.
Fashions on the Field and Best Hat winner Kyrra-Lee Pimblett spent a month designing and creating her winning hat.
“This year’s theme was Aphrodite’s Amazon. Every year I get more creative; next year will be even bigger and better,” said Ms Pimblett.
Spectator Lily Mogg voted for Ms Pimblett because “she just looked the best, her headpiece was out of control”.
Excited horse owner Warren Pedderson had a successful day, coming home with two wins with his horse Familja and jockey Wayne Davis.
“This is a special day, the Adelaide River Races, absolutely a special day. Look at the atmosphere of the place,” Pedderson said.
Tanya Stock, from Humpty Doo, came to the races to get dressed up and support local businesses.
“Slow and steady always wins the race. We pick the slow because slow always wins,” said Ms Stock.
Adelaide River Show Society president Jackie Rixon was delighted with the turnout of the day and thanked the crowds for their support.