About the Picnic Races
The time-honored tradition of horse racing has a rich and colourful history in Queensland and none more so than that of the Roma Picnic Races.
It is believed that the Roma Picnic Races started after a dispute broke out in a local shearing shed on the property of “Bellevue”. In order for the locals to determine a resolution to the dispute a horse race was organised near Camp Creek.
To this day the outcome of the challenge is unknown however the race was the birth of what we now know to be the Roma Picnic Races.
Historical Facts
- Originally the Picnics were named the “Campanui Picnic Races”
- The club was officially founded in February 1901
- The first race took place on June 7th 1901 and 70 horses competed in the event
- The Picnics where held at Camp Creek and then Hargreaves Paddock on Bungil Creek before being disbanded in the 30’s
- The Picnics were reinvented after World War II and held at the grounds at Mitchell Road until moving in 1969 to the current location at Bassett Park
The Modern Roma Picnic Races
Today the Roma Picnics are renowned for more than country racing. The sport has been linked to the state’s largest and fastest growing industry, tourism. City and country folk travel from interstate and internationally to soak up the atmosphere of the Roma Picnic Races.
Often dressed to the nines in the latest season’s race fashions, the crowds come to experience the transformation of a country town into what feels like the racing capital of the nation.
An atmosphere of country sophistication means tradition stands tall at the Roma Picnics. Fashion on the field is taken extremely seriously and the time-honored ‘coat and tie’ dress standard is refreshingly maintained. An Annual Black Tie Ball is held on the night before the race meet to kick start the weekend.
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