Mt Magnet Races a hot ticket on cold day

Cally Dupe and Lara JensenCountryman
Camera IconMt Magnet sisters Thelma Kelly, Ronella Kelly, Kathy Kelly, Cecilia Kelly and Colleen Kelly. Credit: Lara Jensen

One of WA’s most historic country race meets attracted a record crowd on Saturday, with 650 people flocking to Mt Magnet Racecourse to watch Ballidu Bomber win the Mt Magnet Cup.

The nine-year-old gelding streaked home to win the 1800m Ramelius Resources Mt Magnet Cup. He was ridden by Kewshaw Dhurun and trained by Natalie Burke.

North West Central MLA Vince Catania judged the fashions on the field, with Isabelle Scott awarded Best Dressed Senior, Liam Johns Awarded Best Dressed Gent, and Best Dressed Lady awarded to Sarah Butler.

Mr Johns’ creative outfit featured crocheted pants made by his wife, Penny, who wore a matching crochet dress and told the crowd she told her husband that if she had to muster cattle with her husband for 10 weeks, then she could pick his races outfit.

Dozens gathered for the annual two-up after the last race, which was organised by Challa0 Station pastoralist Ashley Dowden and Yoweragabbie Station pastoralist Jorgen Jensen.

Read more...

Mt Magnet Race Club president Debbie Dowden said she was “extremely happy with the crowd, considering the inclement weather”.

“It was really cold and really windy, which tested everyone on the day,” she said.

“It was 19C, which is really cold for Mt Magnet. Considering it was so cold, a lot of people put in a lot of effort.

“There were a few less big hats than usual because of the wind.”

Ms Dowden attributed the record crowd to the cancellation of the popular Landor and Meekatharra races.

“We have a very strong committee here and we would never have been forgiven if we had cancelled it,” she said.

It was a brilliant day for everyone involved.”

Camera IconBest Dressed Gent winner Liam with his wife Penny Johns of Munarra Station, at Meekathara, in their matching crochet outfits made by Penny. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconMt Magnet sisters Thelma Kelly, Ronella Kelly, Kathy Kelly, Cecilia Kelly and Colleen Kelly. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconMount Magnet Race Club volunteers. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconPaynes Find Tavern staff travelled across to the Mount Magnet Race Course to lend the Mount Magnet Race Club Committee a hand. Pictured are Eva Putzka, Kathrin Otto, Claire Goodge and Annie Kuenzel. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconHenry Jones, of Boogardie Station at Mount Magnet, with Jon Flockton, of Bunbury. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconTwo-up at Mt Magnet. Credit: Lara Jensen/Lara Jensen
Camera IconMount Magnet Cup winner Ballidu Bomber is riden to the finish line by jockey Keshaw Dhurun. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconBack row: Matilda Kellock, 7, Chelsea Moses, 6, Charlotte Kellock, 5, Aiden Kellock, 9. Front: Luxton Moses, 3, Alice Homewood, 3, and Mirabelle Kellock, 3. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconGemma Coles, Maree Hawkins, and Toni Hill, all from Mount Magnet. Credit: Lara Jensen
Camera IconMount Magnet Races Fashions on the Field judge North West Central MLA Vince Catania with Best Dressed Senior Isabelle Scott, Best Dressed Gent Liam Johns and Best Dressed Lady to Sarah Butler. Credit: Lara Jensen

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails