General News
15 November, 2025
Lots of punting in paradise
WITH the festive season approaching at a rapid rate of knots, things are starting to ramp up on people’s social calendars.
The last week has been a great example, firstly with the ‘race that stops the nation’ followed by the race that doesn’t quite have such an impact but at least trebles the population of Cooktown. Of course, I am talking about the Cooktown Cup.
Once again, I had the privilege of hosting the Tin Shed Melbourne Cup Day, which offered a great lunch, plus numerous prizes which included the best dressed and best fascinator. All of this was enjoyed by a large gathering on the main deck, entertained by music from local muso Lucia.
Come the end of the week, as in previous years, large numbers made the trek north for the 151st Cooktown Cup. Visitors came from the Douglas Shire, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Tablelands, plus further afield, many of whom made the historic town home for the weekend.
A special feature of a road trip to Cooktown is the true ‘Outback Australia’ feel, together with the opportunity to stop off at some great venues, such as the historic Lion’s Den for some refreshments and social banter.
Unlike Flemington’s Saturday race event, hit by a deluge of rain, the sunshine and slight breeze made Cooktown Racecourse, as usual, a fantastic location for the big day. As always, the hospitality of the locals and the Cooktown Amateur Turf Club was outstanding.
Large groups soon settled in under the shaded areas, enjoying nibbles throughout the afternoon. Six local races provided eager punters with a full day of racing, together with other country-wide racing events on view from the big screens.
Cooktown races wouldn’t be the same without ‘fashions on the field’ and as usual there was a superb turnout in the various categories.
Last year, the Cooktown Cup race was won in a record time by locally owned Choir Boy, winning by an amazing 11 lengths. With last year’s cup winner unavailable to run this year, due to a virus, regular competitor Vincenzo crossed the line first, ridden superbly by jockey Lauren Guernier.
At the end of the day, not to be shown up, some of the two-legged guests demonstrated their running skills with a children’s and adult’s ‘dash for cash’ sprint along 100m of the home straight.
Those with enough energy then danced into the night or ventured back into town to enjoy further hospitality from the locals and admire the stunning sight of a Cooktown sunset.
As always, we must congratulate the Cooktown Amateur Turf Club for putting on a safe and entertaining weekend, with special thanks going to the volunteers that make the weekend’s success possible.
I’m off to check out my betting slip and hopefully count my winnings, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
