The dust didn't get in the way of people spinning yarns, having a punt or enjoying a refreshment for the 136^th annual Carrathool Races. On Saturday, they travelled from far and wide, with Kate Hammond travelling from Melbourne.

"Some of my friends come from up here. They came here last year and they said it was the one of the best country race meetings of the year," Miss Hammond said. "It's a great excuse for a catch-up."

Young's Emma Wells made the journey to join the Fashions on the Field judging panel.

Ms Well said she was looking for people who had paid close attention to current trends while also letting their personality shine through in their styling choices.

Under the shade, bookie Sam Jones has been travelling to Carrathool for 25 years when they would call the last of the 'boughshed bets'. While enjoying the day, Mr Jones said it had become tougher of late with corporate bookmakers and mobile phones putting the squeeze on smaller bookies.

It's not all horse racing, there's also the Jillaroo Sprint and Jackaroo Dash. Carrathool's Charlee Masters was looking to win for the third year in a row but was pipped at the post by Lockhart's Courtney Menzies. Hay's Liam Headon won the Jackaroo Dash.

This article first appeared in The Area News.