Dream come true at Miles Races

Racing: The Miles Races were on last weekend but it wasn't the four-legged participants that had everyone captivated.

Though the five-race program was top quality, it was the 'Beerlay' that had spectators crowding around.

The Beerlay has been held every Miles Race Meet since 2013 in honour of Kate Richards, a past resident of Miles who died in London in December 2012.

With the prize sponsored by her parents Narelle and Jim Richards, all proceeds of the Beerlay go to a cause that was close to Kate's heart - the Guide Dogs.

Mrs Richards said since 2013, the Beerlay had raised more than $1000 for the charity.

"I didn't think it would keep going for this long,” she said.

"I've never seen the ring so crowded.

"The people were about 10 deep to watch the race.”

And crowded they were, with a fantastic turnout of about 1200 people for the whole day, according to Miles Race Club president Lance Krause.

Race one was taken out by Joshua King on Edenannie, while Sheridan Tomlinson on My Happy Place nabbed race two.

The third of the day was won by Brooke Mackie on Applause a Star, while the Murilla Cup went to Sheridan Tomlinson on Dream of Ascot.

The final race of the day went to Pietro Romeo on Prior Engagement.

Local training legend Bevan Johnson got some good results too, with Pietro Romeo on Christmas Cheer coming second in race three, while Montana Savva took out second in the Murilla Cup on Money Ad, and third in race five on Thin Disguise.

Johnson was a hot topic on the day, being awarded the Miles Australia Day Senior Sports Award, which his daughter Dakota Graham accepted in his absence.

Johnson himself was away at Gladstone, where two of his horses, Top Mark and If By Chance (NZ), placed.

But back in Miles, Krause said the races were strong with good nominations, though a few pulled out to leave only five in the Murilla Cup.

"But they were five quality horses so it was a good race there,” he said.