VETERAN trainer Garry Bignell has lamented smaller-than-usual crowds at last week’s iconic Birdsville Races.
Bignell, who’s devoted a lifetime to country racing, encompassing NSW and Queensland, has been taking gallopers to Birdsville for decades and on the Birdsville Cup day program, he had success in the first event, the Brook Pastoral Handicap (800m), with Won For Vicki, ridden by Jake Pracey-Holmes.
According to Bignell, now in his early 80s, the number of racegoers this year was disappointing.
“Not near the crowd it used to be,” the highly-respected Charleville-based horseman told 4RR-FM news this morning after being asked about the attendances at Birdsville. “Young people… they wanna come for the party and that’s it. Gotta get people with horses here. That draws people here.”
Bulloo Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor Cr ‘Dogga’ Dare, a long-time supporter of the Birdsville Races, says the closure of the Birdsville Track did not help.
“If the Birdsville Track was open, there would have been probably 1000 to 1500 more,” the straight-shooting Cr Dare, a caravan park owner at Thargomindah and strong advocate for tourism in Outback Queensland, posted today on the 4RR-FM Facebook page.
On a brighter note, the Birdsville Race Club has announced that TAB is continuing as the Cup’s naming rights sponsor but the deal is only locked in for next year.
Kiwi-bred Raetihi, with apprentice Sam Pointon on board, won Saturday’s TAB Birdsville Cup, delivering success for Mackay trainer Lachie Manzelmann.
The Simpson Desert Racing Carnival wraps up with a five-race card this weekend at Bedourie.
PHOTO: Raetihi, ridden by apprentice hoop Sam Pointon, powers to victory in the TAB Birdsville Cup last Saturday.
PHOTO THANKS TO ROXY WESTON, RLR PHOTOGRAPHY.
POSTED: Wednesday, September 9, 2026