Iconic Birdsville Races begin after rain delay

The iconic Birdsville Races have begun, after they were postponed when the central west Queensland town was hit with a third of its annual rainfall in a day.

The annual two-day meeting had been in danger of being washed out after it was postponed from its original Friday and Saturday schedule.

The rain also flooded the renowned Birdsville Pub, and staff responded by hosting a ‘beer regatta’.

Roads were temporarily closed due to the record rainfalls.

However, a "Super Sunday" of racing today got the all-clear as sunny skies aided the clean-up of the water logged track.

Punters still flocked to a phantom meeting at the track yesterday, which included a Fashion on the Fields competition.

A revised meeting with 11 races will run today, after the track was deemed safe.

Birdsville has a population of 115 people, but hosts more than 7000 visitors over the popular race weekend.