TAB Touch Toodyay Picnic Races 2017

John Prater, the Toodyay Race Club chairman for 11 years, said they were very happy with the turnout on the day.

He said racing is unique in Toodyay being complemented by its beautiful landscape.

“I think racing in the Avon Valley has the most picturesque, beautiful scenery and setting for these kind of races,” said Mr Prater.

“It brings people over from the city for a day and regional people can enjoy it too.”

Elizabeth Winlo took out the Fashions on the Field Best Dressed award,Tina Wesley took out Runner Up Best Dressed and Bethany Brajkovich won Best Accessory.

The horse Master Magician won the 2017 TABtouch Toodyay Cup, spurred on by jockey Mitchell Pateman and trainer Darren Mcauliffe.

Second place was Defiancy with jockey Aaron Mitchell and trainers Daniel and Ben Pearce.

Third place was Sense of Power with jockey Allan Kennedy and trainer Adam Durrant.

Nick Simpson from the University of Western Australia Football Club won the Myles Wilson Dash for Cash for the second year in a row.

Simpson took the title from Damien Higgins, who was on a two-year winning streak for the Toodyay Football club.

The annual tradition is an 100-metre running race involving Amateur football clubs from around Western Australia, who compete for the $1000 cash prize, donated by the Wilson family. The prize was designed to encourage and support local community sporting groups.

Channel Ten News Presenter Tim Gossage was back again with his cheeky banter as he acted as presenter on the day.

This year, Community TAB agreed to match all funds raised by for not-for-profit community groups at the races.

The local groups involved included the Toodyay community including the Toodyay Bushfire Brigade, Toodyay State Emergency Services,Toodyay Karate Club and the Toodyay Cricket Club.

They raised funds by selling hotdogs and providing labour such as emptying bins throughout the day and cleaning up after the event.