Hats (and fascinators) off to Marble Bar!
By Elise Batchelor
Last weekend’s annual Marble Bar races were a hit, drawing crowds from around the Pilbara.
The five riding events were action packed, with Peter Black riding victorious on Certain Magic in the 1600 metre, Marble Bar Newcrest Mining-Telfer Goldmine Cup.
Families, party groups, children and even babies came for the weekend, making the most of the light breeze and open spaces to enjoy the adventure.
One hot pink bunch of bridal hens were a pretty fluorescent picture in the afternoon sun too.
Kane and Kym Benson travelled from Port Hedland with their young family for the weekend, foregoing their van in favour of swags and tents.
Kym had a fabulous weekend, not only enjoying the races, but the atmosphere, the Iron Clad Hotel’s race ball and photographing all manner of well dressed guests who came for the occasion.
“It was absolutely wonderful,” she said.
“It was just that great country atmosphere: Fresh and fun.
“People were out for a good time and the crowd was one of the biggest they’ve ever had.”
She also noted that people looked the part too.
“The standard of dress was excellent.
“I would say there were more fancy hats than fascinators and quite a few outback hats.
“People really made the effort to dress up.”
A keen punter, Kym fared well on all five races too.
“I won the first two races and got places in the other three.”
Karratha resident Jo Wiseman travelled up with friends for the weekend.
“They say you have to experience everything at least once and, as the saying goes, we came, we saw, we conquered and we will definitely be going again.”
She thought the local Marble Bar hospitality was particularly great.
“Hats (and fascinators) off to the Marble Bar Caravan Park – with midnight BBQ burgers and bacon and eggs in the morning, they really know how to look after their customers.”
Jo was also impressed with the Iron Clad Hotel.
“They did a wonderful job of bringing everyone back together with entertainment all weekend,” she said.
“ I was surprised to see it still standing as we left town!”
Karratha crew lines the fence
Tags: Echo, entertainment, Karratha, News, Pilbara, pilbaranews
