Snappys hit the track for the annual Berry Springs Tavern croc races

Get Your Croc Out, Croc of Ship and Soft Croc were just some of the snappy contenders in the seventh annual Berry Springs Tavern race day. PHOTOS, VIDEO

Forget the steeds – it is the iconic saltwater crocodile that gets Territorians riled up on Australia’s biggest race day.

The Berry Springs Tavern held its seventh annual crocodile races on Tuesday, with a bunch of speedy baby salties taking to the 28m track.

Berry Springs Tavern owner Ian Sloan said the annual event is the richest and longest crocodile race in the world.

“It’s also the only place in the world where you can watch saltwater crocodiles racing,” Mr Sloan said.

“We just drop them on the ground at the start line and hope that they run in a straight direction towards the finish line.

“In the first race we had three run straight and three run backwards.

“It’s like herding cats, but generally they’re pretty good.

“They’ve been training hard all year, sometimes the pressure just gets to them and they run backwards.”

Mr Sloan said the crowd of about 450 people was a mix of locals and visitors, with just as many fascinators as fishing shirts to be found.

One lucky punter, Tracy McMorrow, took out a wad of cash for picking the winner of the second race.

“I didn’t even count the money – I just grabbed it,” Ms McMorrow said.

“I’m up from Melbourne and absolutely loving it.

“You can’t find this anywhere else, it’s a great atmosphere.”

All six contenders – Croc of Ship, Croc Head, My Tiny Croc, Get Your Croc Out, Croc Sucker and Soft Croc – measured 1.2 to 1.3 metres long.

While the Crocodylus Park recruits were the star of the show, the day also featured a ‘Fashions in the Bush’ event and live screenings of the Melbourne Cup.

ALL THE PICS

Adam Griffith and Leah Sloane at the 2022 Berry Springs croc races. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Croc wrangler Payton Prosser and Tracy McMorrow, the winner of the second race with Croc-a-shit at the 2022 Berry Springs croc races. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Leah Sloane with Croc-a-shit at the 2022 Berry Springs croc races. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Laylah English at the 2022 Berry Springs croc races. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Credwyn Dearly, Lee Burgess, Caitlyn Newton and Kaz Langdgebe watching the cup at Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Jordan Gartshore with ‘Soft Croc’ at the Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Eva and Aaron Bonacia at the Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Jordan Gartshore with ‘Soft Croc’ at the Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Sue Cross, Ashleigh Williams and Lance Fountain At Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Adam and Raquell Carter Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

From L Credwyn Dearly, Lee Burgess, Caitlyn Newton and Kaz Langdgebe watching the cup at Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Ange Crearly, Kerry McLean and Tracey McIntyre Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Leah Stone and Payton Prosser Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Charlie Goodrem following the action at Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Tracey McMorrow a winner Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Berry Springs Croc Races celebrating the Melbourne Cup Picture: Glenn Campbell

Originally published as Snappys hit the track for the annual Berry Springs Tavern croc races