The race day no one can stop talking about

I’ve been to a lot of race days in my time. I’ve also been to a lot of events that promise the atmosphere of a genuine country gathering and deliver something that feels more like a corporate function with a paddock view. But the Yass Picnic Races are the real deal. 

This year’s 125th anniversary meeting at Marchmont Racecourse was, by every measure, the best one in the event’s history. More than 2,000 people came through the gate, making it the biggest attendance in the event’s recorded history. Groups travelled from across New South Wales and Victoria. There were two boarding school social groups from Sydney, as well as our local Canberra Grammar Boarders group. A bloke flew in from the Northern Territory. Someone else celebrated a royal-themed 50th birthday in the fully catered marquee. As a loyal patron in the crowd, I can tell you the atmosphere certainly reflected the milestone.

It’s all down to the hard work of the small committee of volunteers who have – since 1901 – carried forward the spirit and traditions that make the Yass Races what they are today. I think what keeps it feeling genuinely country is something very simple: it’s one of the last BYO race meetings going. You walk through the gate with an eskie, find your spot, and spend the day exactly how you want to – cheap champagne, expensive champagne, your call – there’s no queuing for half an hour for a lukewarm beer. It also makes it affordable for everyone, which is probably why the committee has protected that model so deliberately.

The Fashions on the Field is another genuine highlight, run by one of the best in the business. Vice President Alison Jones – a highly accomplished competitor who has won at Thoroughbred Park on Melbourne Cup Day, earning herself a trip to compete at the prestigious Prix de Diane Longines in France – loves to see the event succeed every year. This year, I threw my hat in the ring and walked away with third place – can you believe it? The prize pool, entirely funded by local businesses and sponsors, runs to more than $6,000 – a true credit to Alison’s passion and to the generosity of the Yass business community. 

With six races on the card, horses from all corners of the state, and not a single incident on the day, it was nothing but a red hot success. And if you’ve never been before, I promise you it’s a day worth dusting off the old RM’s for. I think you’ll find that if the races are anything to go by, Yass is not just a great place to visit – it’s a very good place to call home.