The annual Coonamble Gold Cup was held on Sunday 12 October, and between the horses, the fashions on the fields, and the party clown - there was fun for everyone.

The Coonamble Jockey Club was bright with colour on Sunday, and people came from near and far to enjoy the ponies, betting and good company.

Groups travelled from Sydney and Perth and within the region to celebrate the country races with a group of 18 from Macksville making a return visit after enjoying a Gold Cup a few years ago.

Along with introducing newcomers, the race meeting brought old friends and family, and previous residents back to Coonamble.

There were eight races on Sunday, including the Big Dance qualifier race, the Qube Agri Coonamble Showcase Gold Cup.

Although the ponies are a hit at the races, everyone knows what the biggest event of the day is.

George Frampton and Elka Trindall were the Junior Fashions winners. [IMAGE: Kelsi Davis]

The fashions on the field was a success, with the whole crowd surrounding the stage to see the patterns frills and colours of the contestants and some categories filling the length of the stage.

Each entrant was beautifully and vibrantly dressed, but there could only be one winner for each category.

It was Elizabeth Paterson from Griffith who took home the big title of Best Dressed Lady, wearing a purple three-dimensional floral dress with a yellow fascinator, and Jay Ewers who won Miss Coonamble in her blue spring floral gown.

Reigning men's fashion champion went to Tyler Cleary, while Craig and Carla Buckley won the best dressed couple for their matching yellow and white themed outfits.

Local Elka Trindall won the young girls fashion parade and George Frampton won out of the young boys.

If the fashions on the field failed to blow you away, a turn in the weather may have.

Strong gusts of wind pushed through the field, taking the top off some of the gazebos.

Race-goers help remove the tart from marquees after strong winds blew them over. [IMAGE: Kelsi Davis]

Just before the Gold Cup race, patrons banded together to remove the tarps and drop umbrellas, then returned to their socialising.

Apart from the breeze, the overcast sky and mild temperature made the perfect races weather.

The wind carried the tune of Brad Hailing's live music performance throughout the field, serenading the race goers with his harmonica and guitar.

The little ones could also enjoy the party clown, who had tricks, balloons and games to keep the kids busy while mum and dad watched the horses.

Former president gains life membership

Ken Waterford was president for about six years at the Coonamble Jockey Club. [IMAGE: Kelsi Davis]

To his surprise, the former Coonamble Jockey Club President Ken Waterford was announced a member for life.

Life member and former secretary for the Coonamble Jockey Club, Anita Muray said Mr Waterford is "very deserving" of the award.

"He's highly respected by many - not only in the racing industry - but by anyone who knows him," she said.

"What he's done over the years, and not only for the club but for the community too, I think it's a testament to the man he is."

Mr Waterford was president between 2017 and 2023, overseeing many physical improvements and bringing the Country Championships to Coonamble.