Big Easter Saturday At Nanango

Ken and Naomi Jarvis, from Capalaba, with Matthew Endacott, centre, from Alexandra Hills, were enjoying a day out at Nanango Races

April 8, 2026

Nanango’s Easter Races were big in lots of ways … a huge crowd, big fields and a large Fashions of the Field competition.

It was especially a big day for veteran racecaller Brett Moody who made his debut call at the Nanango track.

Brett was presented with a special trophy by the Nanango Race Club marking the 50th track where he had been behind the microphone.

The trophy listed all the tracks – from Augathella to Wyandra – where Brett had worked.

He recalled that he began calling races as a teenager at his home track of Wyandra and over the years had worked in all sorts of conditions across country Queensland, including standing on a 44 gallon drum on the back of a truck.

Brett’s calls on Saturday added a light touch to Nanango’s races: “Working harder that a mozzie in a mannequin factory …”, “covering more ground than Google maps …”

It was also a big day for Gold Coast apprentice Archie McColm, 17, who clocked up two firsts … his first race ride (in Race 1) and his first race win (in Race 5)!

And it was a day to remember for everyone who was lucky enough to receive an Easter egg tossed from horseback!

NB. Fashions of the Field winners and Race Results are below.

Nanango Race Club committee member Zac Dennien presented a special trophy to racecaller Brett Moody to mark his stint at Nanango’s Easter races … his 50th race track!

The trophy which was presented to racecaller Brett Moody … the other three sides listed the 50 race tracks he had called at over the years

The Easter Bunny arrived on horseback after Race 4, much to the delight of local children

Dennise Cock, from Springwood, and Sheryl Schoenwald, Nanango, were getting into the Easter racing spirit

Krissy Jenkins and Tina Torrens were helping the Nanango Race Club by selling entries in the money board

Former Kilkivan Shire councillor Graham Knight, from Manumbar, was busily studying the form guide

South Burnett mayor Kathy Duff and Jenny Morgan, Nanango, were watching the Fashions of the Field competition

Bean Kanay, from Kingaroy, with Issy Bredhauer, from Bell

Brittni Johanson, Kingaroy; Caitlyn Carney, Murgon; Belinda Kratzmann, Kingaroy; and Martin Penny, Kumbia

Chris Peterson and Jane Taylor, from the Sunshine Coast, with Rebecca Jackson, Nanango

Nanango Race Club’s Zac Dennien, centre, with Lois and Steve Marsh, part-owners of Race 2 winner, Bulsara

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Fashions Of The Field

There was “no theme” to the fashions contests so, again, competitors could simply dress to impress!

Prizes, including Moffatdale Ridge wine and a floral arrangement from Heartfelt Ceremonies, were presented to the winner in each adult category with the runner-up receiving a chocolate bunny!

A new category at this meeting was the Group entries, with the winners presented with a $100 bar tab.

Fashions judge Andrea Douglas, from Sandstone Point, with Junior Fashions runner-up Maverick Black, 4, from Nanango; and Addilyn Thomas, 9, from Hendon

The Sally Wright Group, from the Redlands area, were named Group winners and given a $100 bar tab!

Fashions judge Brad Stephenson, from Sandstone Point, with Gentleman’s Fashion of the Field runner-up Rod Morgan, Nanango, and winner Thomas Thompson, from Cooyar

Fashion judges Andrea and Brad with Lovely Local Lady winner Belle Freeman, from Kingaroy; and runner-up Jasmine Clayton, Maidenwell

Classic Lady runner-up Barbara Thompson, Cooyar, and winner Verelle O’Shanesy, Jandowae

Contemporary Lady winner Julia Thomas, from Toowoomba, and runner-up Tash McMaster, Caloundra

Millery runner-up Jan Bulman, Warwick; and winner Sandy Holmes, Brisbane

*** * ***

Race Results

Powerful Warrior (Colleen Krahnen) and King Of Valhalla (Archie McColm) go head-to-head down the straight in Race 3

Race 1 – Walters And Sons Formwork Ratings Band 0 – 50 Handicap (1000m)
1. Madam Magpie (12) – Chloe Lowe
2. Pacific Pirate (9) – Morgan Butler
3. My Sicada (4) – Reece O’Connell
Time: 0:58.24
Margins: 2 1/4 lengths x neck

Race 2 – South Burnett Quarries Open Plate (1000m)
1. Bulsara (1) – Bailie Baker
2. Been A Secret (10) – Colleen Krahnen
3. Artopia (9) – Jess Emmerson
Time: 0:57.84
Margins: 3/4 length x 1 1/4 lengths

Race 3 – Alpine Edge QTIS Maiden Plate (sponsored by Clear Mountain Fairview) (1200m)
1. Powerful Warrior (2) – Colleen Krahnen
2. King Of Valhalla (7) – Archie McColm
3. Foxtrotting (5) – Kenji Yoshida
Time: 1:11.42
Margins: 1/2 neck x 2 lengths

Race 4 – Carrollee Hotel Benchmark 55 Handicap (1200m)
1. Bee Exact (5) – Colleen Krahnen
2. Palatial Prince (2) – Reece O’Connell
3. Craiglea Merida (9) – Hannah Richardson
Time: 1:10.06
Margins: Long head x 3 lengths

Race 5 – Nanango Medical Centre Benchmark 55 Handicap (1200m)
1. Grand Crusader (1) – Archie McColm
2. Midnight Miracle (8) – Chloe Lowe
3. Kirella Shores (10) – Morgan Butler
Time: 1:10.06
Margins: 4 1/2 lengths x 2 1/4 lengths

Race 6 – Bellbird Pastoral Company Benchmark 60 Handicap (1600m)
1. Oakfield Eagle (13) – Wayne O’Connell
2. Moonfleet (5) – Jess Emmerson
3. Alfa Dundee (14) – Paul Hamblin
Time: 1:35.73
Margins: Long neck x length