On a typically hot and dusty Carrathool day, more than 1000 people streamed through the gates, dressed in everything from silk pyjamas to three-piece suits.

2012 was a make-or-break year for the race club, after the last three scheduled events were washed out.

And it was a rare celebration for the tiny community of Carrathool, still recovering from a decade of drought and an exodus of close to half its population.

A relieved Carrathool Jockey Club president Mick Armstrong summed up the feelings of many, saying "it's great to be back".

"It would've been nice to see even more people here but we're very happy," Mr Armstrong said.

"It's good to see some money come back into the club after missing the last few meetings."

The Carrathool Cup was taken out narrowly by Wagga-trained galloper Ambergris, who prevailed in a driving finish from Hawkshaw.

Fashions on the Field and the frenetic Jackeroo and Jilleroo sprint again proved popular events.

Many patrons partied into the night, entertained by country singer and former Goolgowi boy Doug McIntyre before kicking on to the newly rebuilt Carrathool Hotel.

“It would’ve been nice to see even more

people here but we’re very happy,” Mr Armstrong said.

“It’s good to see some money come back into the club

after missing the last few meetings.”

The Carrathool Cup was taken out narrowly by Wagga trained galloper Ambergris, who prevailed

in a driving finish from Hawkshaw.

Fashions on the Field and the frenetic Jackeroo and

Jilleroo sprint again proved popular events.

Many patrons partied into the night, entertained by country singer and former Goolgowi boy Doug McIntyre

before kicking on to the newly rebuilt Carrathool Hotel.