The biggest crowd in more than a decade rolled through the gates at Mallawa at the weekend for a race-day that was at one stage facing its fifth cancellation in 10 years after nearly 20mm of rain fell on the course-proper last Monday.

But the question on everyone’s lips was “what rain” after track and class records tumbled throughout the day on a perfect afternoon for racing.

Mallawa Picnic Race Club president Noel Dillon, who took the reins from Sam Jaquet last year, said last week’s downpour had not only freshened up the Mallawa track – it also brought relief for rural folk across the north and North West.

“Everyone is extremely happy with the day, it’s been absolutely magnificent,” Mr Dillon said.

“There’s been a great crowd and it’s been good racing.

“The track’s been fast, so we’re just absolutely thrilled, and after all the scares during the week it’s just come together very, very well,” he said.

“Greg Kachel, our race-caller, thinks it’s one of the biggest crowds he’s ever seen in all the years he’s been coming to Mallawa.”

Mr Dillon said the much-needed rain that turned to perfect weather, and the long weekend race-date, were key factors to the success of round two of bush racing’s Golden Triangle.

“Also, with that bit of rain people will start sowing this week, so they’re a bit more buoyant, very confident and just in a great frame of mind,” he said.

The club also bestowed life membership on two long-serving committee members – clerk of the scales Ross Hunt and former club president Sam Jaquet.

“Ross is clerk of the scales and he’s offered to keep doing them while ever he can, which is very much appreciated,” Mr Dillon said.

“Sam has been on the committee for 40 years and Ross for 48 years. They’ve been great stalwarts and have been very helpful during all those years.”

Former leading apprentice Luke Morgan, now riding on the picnic circuit, said the track had been turned out in great condition.

“I think it’s a very good track – a big, flat, open track – with a long straight,” said Morgan who landed two winners on Saturday including the Mallawa Cup with Linga Longa.

“The surface was really good too after that bit of rain,” he said.

Morgan shared a $500 jockeys’ challenge bonus with Alan Barton and Darryl Roberts while in a day of close competition, trainers Phillip Ayoub, Martin Fernando and Trevor Smith shared a $500 trainers’ challenge.

Round three of the Golden Triangle bush racing carnival, Talmoi picnics at Garah, will be held on Saturday, June 21.