RV FEATURE
1990 : BIRDSVILLE RACE CLUB IS NAMED
The central body responsible for the Birdsville Races renamed the Diamantina Amateur Race Club to its current name , the Birdsville Race Club – a name they hope will continue long into the future .
1992 : A RACE STARTER WHO WON ’ T STOP
In 1992 , Larry Lewis , a firefighter from Dalby , walked into Birdsville and became the longstanding starter of the Birdsville Races . Now , more than a quarter of a century later , Larry has started 28 Birdsville Cups .
“ Birdsville Race Club President David Brook was asking the senior steward at the time who he ’ d recommend , and I ’ d started one or two country meets , so got the nod ,” recalls Larry . “ I ’ ve been coming back ever since – have barely missed one for 30 years . My main concern is just keeping everyone safe . That can mean our own racing club volunteers , the jockeys and the horses too .”
2018 : Bumper crowds watch the races . ( Pic : Salty Dingo .)
1993 : THE OLDEST JOCKEY
In 1993 , the now legendary bush jockey , 69-year-old Keith Ballard , began a multi-decade affinity between his family and the outback carnival that continues today . He is now Australia ’ s oldest jockey and is planning to ride again in this September ’ s Birdsville Cup .
Keith , who has raced for over 50 years , has ridden in more than 15 Birdsville Races , as recently as 2019 . He took out the Birdsville Cup in 2009 on Equitant .
2001 : FIRST FEMALE TRAINER TO WIN
In 2001 , Tanya Parry became the first female trainer to win the Birdsville Cup , paving the way for a slew of female successes at the races since . Tanya remains a trainer today and has fielded horses in the Birdsville Races as recently as 2019 .
66 \