Action packed weekend forecast for annual Roma Picnic Races

Starting in 1901 as a competition between shearers, the Roma races have grown to be one of the region’s most exciting events and this weekend will be no different.

Roma Picnic Races 2021

Organisers of the Roma Picnic Races are gearing up for their 124th outing this weekend with up to 2000 guests forecasted.

Stretching back to 1901, the Roma Picnic Races were born after two shearers on the property of “Bellevue” decided to settle a dispute with a horse race.

While the race’s winner has been lost to the sands of time the competition grew over the century to become one of Roma’s biggest and most beloved events.

Held over two days the event features a six race program, live music, afternoon tea and a garden themed black tie ball.

“On Friday night we will have theBlack Tie Ball with Brisbane band ‘Vegas Please’ to entertain all night, tasty cocktails from Western Qld Spirit and canapes from local business ‘Picked Herring’,” Roma Picnic Race Club secretary Lisa Bertolotti said.

“Saturday is our race day, gates open at 11am and we kick off with the Calcutta on the main stage from 12pm, racing starts at 1.30pm and we have the Fashions on the Field from 2:30pm being MC’d by Andrea Crothers from the Today Show.

“We have the traditional picnics afternoon tea from 3.30pm in the wool court and then once the races finish the real race of the day is the Schooner Race at 5pm, where entrants can win $1000 cash.”

Ms Bertolotti said the longstanding event was a staple for the Roma community.

“Organisers are really excited about the annual races, it’s a very important event for the town, race goers come to the region for the races and go on to support local businesses, pubs, motels and retail stores,” she said.

“We typically get people come from all over Queensland and New South Wales for the event and we are expecting between 1500 and 2000.

“The committee consists of 30 active race goers of all ages from Roma’s local and rural community and we gather four times a year to organise a wonderful weekend of racing.”

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day or via the website here

Guests are encouraged to bring their cards as it is a cashless event.