PICNIC WITH STYLE… The popular Fashions on the Field attracted entries from far and wide. The category winners were (L-R) Baeden Wakefield (Stylish Man), Ashleigh Smith (Elegant Lady), Deb Parish (Millinery), Carmen and Ian Hatherly (Best Dressed Couple).
All the elements came together last Saturday to make the 2022 edition of the Parkes Picnic Races a massive success.
The weather remained dry for the hundreds of patrons who did not want to miss out on the social event of the year, while the track and grounds were in top notch condition for the day’s five-race program.
The prestigious Coradgery Cup, sponsored by the Parkes Services Club, was won by Neon Moon with jockey Tony Cavallo and trainer Dean Mirfin.
The other highlight of the day attracted a good number of entries and a huge crowd of supporters. Judges Elizabeth Packchung and Dixie Coulton, who returned for the second year in a row from Sydney, had a big task picking the winners for the popular Fashions on the Field.
This year’s Miss Priscilla, Ashleigh Smith, added another title to her name winning the Elegant Lady category, while another local Baeden Wakefield won the Stylish Man category. Deb Parish won Millinery and Best Dressed Couple went to Ian and Carmel Hatherly from Orange.
President of the Parkes and Districts Picnic Races Committee Tim Keith said the day was a major success.
“The day would not have happened without the generous support of the many sponsors who recognised the importance of the Picnic Races in Parkes’ social fabric,” said long-standing publicity officer for the Picnic Races Stafford Orange.
Johnno from the Railway Hotel said the tent trackside at the races was filled to capacity with patrons enjoying first class meals and drinks. Johnno has put out the challenge to the rest of the Parkes hoteliers to put the saddle on, tent up and get involved next year. “We need your support to keep this iconic event going for another 122 years,” he said.
Patrons young and old commented on how much they enjoyed the vibe of the races, particularly the music provided by local band Foxxy Cleopatra.
It was agreed that the organising committee had done a marvellous job with their meticulous planning, their finger on the pulse attitude, and their want to encourage and please all that is part of their DNA.
“This lovely town of Parkes needs to be very thankful for the unfailing generosity of this grand group of country folk that are the Parkes Picnic’s lifeblood,” said volunteer Mark O’Neill.
The Coradgery Cup was won by Neon Moon with jockey Tony Cavallo.