Wearing saddle rugs-- a patchwork of gold, red and purple -- the five camels allowed themselves to be mounted and then raced the short course, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of around 700 people. One of the riders, a 71-year-old, gained particular applause. The smell of crushed green grasses and medics rose from the pounding hooves of the camels as they passed us by. It looked a bumpy ride, the jockeys clinging to anything and everything they could hang on to. Yet all reached the finishing line. Fast food and drinks added to the swirl of smells hanging in the balmy air that settled over this small town in outback Queensland. A Fashion on the Field competition brought forth many glamorous young women strutting around in high stiletto heels, slinky dresses and exotic hats -- mostly in colour combinations of black and red. Mostly though, the crowd (of all ages) dressed for comfort and the occasion wearing the more usual jeans, shirts and hats.
Prize money for the various camel races, animated bidding, a Ute Show, novelty events, dog jumping and live entertainment kept the crowd happy throughout the afternoon and evening.
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