Racegoers in fancy dress, dust and a horse named Fast Fella have ensured Birdsville has delivered on its reputation as the quintessential Australian outback race meeting.
Thousands converged on the town in the western corner of Queensland as the Simpson Desert provided a contrasting backdrop to a colourful and zany day at the famous racetrack.
They cheered for Winx almost 2000km away in Sydney and they were in full voice again a few minutes later for a bush hero when Fast Fella gave Roma trainer Craig Smith his second Birdsville Cup win.
"Winning my first one was a great thrill but this is bigger to do it twice," he said.
Bookies reported a winning day despite Fast Fella being rated one of the main chances.
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"We have to win," one bagman said. "It costs us that much in expenses to get here."
Birdsville transcends Queensland with racegoers coming from all parts of Australia.
Joining the festivities were Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace and Senator Pauline Hanson.
The dignitaries continue a 135-year pilgrimage to the racing outpost with a welcome sign that says: "Birdsville population 100, except for one weekend of the year."
Birdsville Race Club president David Brook has been involved since the 1970s, a family commitment that started in the 1880s.
The Brook name is synonymous with rural Australia and David is a co-founder and chairman of OBE Organic, the world's biggest organic beef producer.
Their properties span almost 3.5 million hectares but it is a patch in Birdsville, including the iconic Birdsville Hotel, the cattle-farming family cherishes most.
"It's the only place everyone wants to buy you a beer," David's son and club vice-president Gary says.
Gary Brook has a marketing and business degree and his challenge is to entice a younger generation of racing fan to Birdsville, described as schoolies week for grey nomads.
The vision is working - literally.
Streaming this year's races on Facebook Live engaged a new demographic, putting one of the most remote townships in Australia in technological sync with a global audience.
As the temperature crept into the 30s, merchandise stalls reported selling more stubbie holders than anything else while cowboy hats, riding boots and thongs were the most popular attire.
Yet there was a serious side to fashion.
Amid a sea of animal costumes, blokes dressed as girls and the odd sheikh, the fashions on the field winner stole the show in a classic white dress complemented with a flowered headpiece.
