It may have been four years since the last event, but the crowd still remembered the Louth Races was the place to be on 12 August. 

After a forced sabbatical, Covid and the rain subsided to bring 5000 people to Louth Race day and the week-long string of events that surround it. 

“We had people staying eight and nine days before (the races),” Louth Turf Club president Jim Strachan said. 

Despite a shortage of nominations on the race day, local station tours, the annual gold challenge, school fete, and live music nights are all featured lead up events that help draw the crowd. 

“A lot of that money that’s raised goes to the Royal Flying Doctor. We’re very passionate about the RFD out here, they do an incredible job,” Mr Strachan said.

A keen Calcutta crowd. (Louth Turf Club)

“The Calcutta was very successful. They sold over $18,500 of tickets, which I think is a record,” he said. 

While the RFD managed to get the largest piece of the pie, the local economy thrives with the annual event too. 

“Shindy’s Inn does very well, it’s a huge week for them, and the local school had a wonderful fete and very successful auction. That’s a really big fundraiser for them.”

The injection into the economy isn’t isolated to Louth either. 

“People will fuel up and get their food and drinks in Cobar and Bourke on their way out, and when the races are over they head further north and keep camping,” Mr Strachan said. 

The annual golf day is just as much a drawcard for locals. (Louth Turf Club)

On the race day itself, the sun came out for the return of the event, forcing the racing committee to advise attendees to forfeit some of their fashions on the field choices for cooler alternatives. 

Louth local Lily Hand took out the top title for fashions on the field. 

With two new track records set on the day, Mr Strachan said it was a testament to local track curator Jason Boede. 

“There is a fair bit of pressure on race clubs with their race tracks at the moment, just for work, health and safety reasons,” he said.

“Jason did an incredible job, he really did work tirelessly on it and he has been since February.”

“We’re really grateful for the support that we received, and we’re really looking forward to 2024 racing again.”