Col Hodges honoured for 50 years of calling

Under steamy conditions Her Excellency was happy to walk among the 743 odd crowd and to have some "selfies" with patrons who were enjoying one of the district's most important community annual events at its picturesque and well-managed location.

The day was also a celebration for a well-known veteran bush race-commentator.

Colin Hodges OAM, was honoured with a large photo collage at the Calcutta, which was presented to him for his 50 years of race-calling in the western district's region from the Condobolin Picnic Race Club.

With his amazing memory, Colin kept the gathering entertained with many humorous tales from his years of race-calling, as well as a phantom Cup call naming numerous past Condobolin Cup winners as well as past winning participants.

Colin is still happy to travel the hundreds of kilometres each week to carry out his active job, the following day heading to Orange for the role.

But it was the races that took centre-stage with gelding Nevada Sunrise taking the major event the Inland Petroleum Condobolin Picnic Cup, for Dubbo trainer and part-owner Peter Reynolds, and Wellington based rider Michael Johnston.

This was a last chance for the four-year-old by Fighting Sun.

"If he didn't do anything this time, we were going to sack him," said Dubbo part-owner Graham Shaw.

Nyngan conditioner, Garry Bignell scored a successful double after Oxygen Man (by Akeed Mofeed) and Another Plan (Trusting) won the first two races.

Narromine based, Ricky Blewitt won the last race aboard the Kieren Hazelton, Gilgandra, trained Ben Shoof (Helmet).