2023 Booligal Sheep Races a huge hit

The Booligal Sheep Races relaunched with a successful event in the sleepy hamlet on the October Long Weekend. Image: Sandra Ireson.

By Krista Schade

The village of Booligal was a hive of activity on Saturday as one of the regions most unique events enjoyed a successful relaunch.

Over $20,000 has been raised in total, with plans for funds to be donated to local charities including the Royal Flying Doctors Service, used to improve local community buildings and to build a bigger and better event next year.

The races have been disrupted in the past few years, cancelled in 2019, 2020 and 2022, but the community pulled together to host a great family day this year.

The population of the sleepy hamlet exploded fourfold over the weekend, with many taking advantage of the free camping sites set up around the race course.

The annual gum boot toss competition and egg throwing challenge was held, with full catering on-site and jumping castles for the children.

‘Earn Ya Keep’ raced by Caitlyn Langley (right) was the ultimate winner of the 2023 Booligal Sheep Races. The racing sheep also posted the day’s fastest time, posting a scorching 7.4 second run. Isaac Booth was on hand to keep Earn Ya Keep contained for the official award presentations.

Image - The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade

Sheep race heats ran all afternoon, culminating in a hotly contested final run, won by Earn Ya Keep, raced by Caitlin Langley in a time of 8 seconds. Earn Ya Keep also posted the fastest time of the day – 7.4 seconds – in its heat.

Caitlin and the extended Hilder family are regular visitors to Booligal and wonderful supporters of the event.

Runner-up was The Thirsty Tru-Man Show raced by Kirsty Skene.

The auction of racing sheep, supplied by Ivan Job, enjoyed spirited bidding, to a top of $460, with over $3,000 raised in total.

Photo gallery images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade