The Great Nundle Dog Race was originally to be run on May 4, but snow and bad weather quashed that, so the dogs, and their owners, ran in the sun yesterday. The event raises nearly $20,000 for the Nundle Public School and principal Ian Worley said yesterday’s crowd was one of the biggest they had welcomed. With activities well under way at noon, the crowds were still streaming into the Hills of Gold and the dogs were out in full force.

“It’s a beautiful day with hundreds and hundreds of dogs,” Mr Worley said.

“This would be one of the bigger ones we’ve had. I think people have had that bit of extra break since Easter and now are looking for things to do while we have warm weather and before the cold sets in. It’s a really, really good day.” 

Mr Worley said numbers were not affected by the change of date, and it may have even boosted numbers.

“People really supported the day well, coming all the way from Sydney, Newcastle, Tenterfield and a lot of people from Tamworth,” he said.

 As the school’s major fundraiser, all proceeds will go to the students.

“It’s all about giving them access to all of the educational facilities they need in a small rural school,” Mr Worley said.

“This year funds will go to supporting an extra staff member and also subsidise the Canberra excursion, entry to Tamworth Eisteddfod and music teaching.