A smorgasbord of race action and footy will be the order of the day when the Roma Turf Club and Roma Rugby Club again join forces at Bassett Park on Saturday, June 22, for the ever popular Roma Rugby Races.
Roma Turf Club secretary Tracy Edwards said the appeal of the event, which began in 2006, comes down to the combination of rugby union and horse racing taking place on one day at one venue.
"Visitors get to enjoy a day of live sport, and the ladies get to dress up in winter fashion - it's always a treat," Ms Edwards said.
Gates will open at 9:45am for the first ladies rugby matches, with the first of the five races on the docket to be run at 12.30pm.
Seven women's rugby matches will take place throughout the day, and after the races conclude at 2.30pm, spectators will receive a double-dose of action in the 15 man rugby competition as the Roma Echidnas C Grade squad take on the Chinchilla River Rats, while the A grade side will square off against traditional rivals, the Condamine Cods, at 4pm.
Ms Edwards the action on the track should prove fierce with a total cash prize pool of $62,000 including QTIS bonuses on the line. She said nominations close with Racing Queensland on Monday, June 17.
"The races will mark the first of three meetings the Roma Turf Club has scheduled during the Winter Racing Carnival.
"The money on offer is sure to attract fields of superior thoroughbreds and will ensure great racing throughout the day."
Ms Edwards said the Fashions on the Field competition held during the Roma Rugby Races is a little more casual than usual competitions.
"The judges are looking for the lady who is dressed for a day at the rugby, making felt hats, furs, boots, and long coats the desired sartorial style for the day."
She said the entrants will be marshalled to the stage between races four and race five (between 2pm and 2.30pm) where the Best Dressed Lady will be announced.
"Roma Gas Supplies and Susie's Gifts Galore are our Fashions on the Field sponsors and will provide gifts and/or vouchers to the winner."
The fun will continue on well into the night when the curtain closes on the race and rugby action race with local band The Shot Foxes to ensure the atmosphere stays electric while playing from 6pm to 11:30pm.
Entry is $7 per person for non-members and can be paid at the gate on race day.
- For further information regarding the Roma Rugby Races please call Tracy Edwards on 0409 898 623, or visit the newly launched website