Noonamah frog races draw hundreds to raise money for charity
More than 400 people have packed a bush pub in the Northern Territory to watch the "race that hops a nation".
The annual event at Noonamah, 45 kilometres south of Darwin, coincides with the Melbourne Cup features a number of novelty events - the main attraction being a frog race in which competitors are placed inside a wetted down circle and the first to cross the line outside the circle wins.
Twenty-four green tree frogs were auctioned off to keen race goers with the money raised going to Variety NT, which helps children with disabilities, serious illnesses or disadvantage.
The prized amphibian racers were kept in an air-conditioned room ahead of the demanding race due to the Top End's sweltering climate at this time of year.
The concrete track, hosed down for the comfort of the competitors, was rated as "fast".
Publican Tony Innes was happy with the turnout.
"It's a bloody oath good atmosphere ... look at the crowd that's turned up. Awesome. Hopefully go home with a dollar or two.
"It's a great fundraiser that the local people get behind every year, so that's really good.
"When we said we were coming to the frog races, they said we were mad," laughed a woman from Melbourne who asked to not be named.
The Fashion On The Field also did not disappoint, with some of the crowd even braving the heat and putting on a vest, shirt and tie.
Total money raised was $27,128, well ahead of last year's $18,000.
The race itself was a tight affair between Who Shot The Bar Maid, Brett and Chezair with Who Shot The Bar Maid crossing the line first, winning the owner $13,955.
$5,000 was given back to charity.
