The old adage goes that a sleep deprived person needs to lay in bed and count sheep to eventually fall asleep at night.

Big bonuses and bragging rights are on the line for Barcaldine bush trainer Todd Austin at this September’s 140th-anniversary edition of the $42,000 Birdsville Races.

Barcaldine hoop Brooke Richardson has branded Echo Point the best galloper she has ridden in her time in the Central West.