PLENTY of heels joined the hooves as a strong crowd filtered into the Carinda Racecourse on Saturday 15 July for their annual race meeting.

In the second year since their triumphant return from Covid-19 fuelled cancellations, the sunshine set the scene for a great day of racing.

With the western picnic race season starting shakily after race track conditions saw some nearby meetings - like Marthaguy and Brewarrina - cancelled with little warning, excitement was mixed with apprehension for the Carinda Race Club as the days leading up delivered 25-30millimetres around the area.

“(The committee) worked hard to get the track ready for inspection by the stipendiary steward on Wednesday,” said Carinda Race Club secretary Camilla Lane.

“The feeling amongst all the volunteers is 'We got there!”

With the green light given three days out, the crowd numbers remained strong, beginning with Friday night’s Calcutta at the Carinda Hotel.

When the races were run the sought-after favourites barely rated a mention, left in the dust by some of the ‘cheaper’ buys of the night.

Saturday’s main event saw Coonamble trainer Colin Edgar take the Carinda Cup with thoroughbred Miss Ash Star for the Canham Family of Coonamble.

A 53 year veteran trainer, Col came off the grass last August after a two year health-related hiatus to take over the training of Miss Ash Star following the sudden passing of her previous trainer, Andrew Bayley.

"Andrew trained her initially and won one race," Mr Edgar said. "We've had another three wins so far including Carinda."

"She's a handy enough horse and placed right she'll win enough races in the bush," he said.

This was his second Carinda Cup, having snared it in 2008.

As part of a Coonamble trainers' come-back another local trainer, Cec Hodgson, also had success on Saturday. He returned to racing just last June and his win for local owners Peter Saunders, Jim Curry, Fred Masman and Chris Clemson shows he still has what it takes.

The Carinda Races are a social highlight on the region’s calendar.

Racegoers dressed to impress on Saturday, with Fashions on the Field bringing some fierce competition.

Among the local winners were Montana Donnay who picked up first place for Best Dressed Filly, next to Percy Wilson for Best Dressed Colt.

Quambone’s Katrina Shelton won Best Contemporary Outfit with a classy pants suit.

Junior entrants in the Carinda Races Fashions on the Field. IMAGE: Camilla Lane

A successful day for the hard-working Carinda Race Club.