At Chinchilla in regional Queensland, the ladies are not only running the local race club, but also saving lives on the side.

For an apprentice jockey aiming to improve their riding skills and learn from those that have done it themselves in the saddle, the Thornton stable on the Gold Coast might just be one of the best going.

On Chinchilla’s historic first day of racing on the national stage, Leonard Mawn will carry the hopes of the locals aiming to grab a debut victory.

Still going as good as ever, bush racing stalwart Hanover Square is now aiming to add a Country Stampede crown to his already impressive resume.