Sport
23 August, 2024
Magic of Cairns Cup
CLEAR skies and sunshine generated a good crowd for the opening weekend of Cairns Jockey Club’s Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Carnival.
Preparations are underway to ensure tomorrow’s cup day hits all the high notes to close the 2024 carnival in style.
Cairns Jockey Club general manager Cameron Riches said 3000 racegoers converged on Cannon Park last weekend, with a further 4000 to 5000 anticipated through the gate this Saturday.
“Looking ahead to Saturday, we have four carnival venues already sold out, with the remaining two events – Silks by Canadian Club and Gordons Pink Gin Garden Party – with limited tickets up for grabs,” he said.
“Once again, there is transport service to and from Cannon Park, with an after-party for those who would like to wait a while,” Mr Riches said.
Cairns Jockey Club will warm up the track ahead of Saturday’s finale with a sportsman luncheon and calcutta today.
The lunch features:
Australian racing identity, Damien Oliver, an icon of Australian horse racing and a hall of famer with 129 group 1 wins
Robert Thompson, the record-breaking jockey with 4447 career victories, including six at the Cairns Cup
Josh Dugan, a stalwart of the NRL with 215 games, 12 State of Origin appearances for NSW and multiple test matches
James Segeyaro is renowned for his dynamic play in 155 NRL games and for representing Papua New Guinea in six test matches.
Saturday’s Red Beret Cairns Cup Carnival will feature another eight-race program with a share of $430,000 in prize money.
Mr Riches said the Cairns Cup’s capacity field of 14 contenders had already recorded 23 nominations, making it one of the strongest in the cup’s history.
He said there was strong representation from on-course Cairns trainers, with nominations from trainers Trevor Rowe, Alywn Bailey, and Stephen Massingham, as well as Townsville Cup winner and Mackay Cup runner-up Warp Speed.
Red Beret Cairns Cup Carnival 2024 Ambassador, Fashions-on-the-Field judge and racing expert Dannielle Atkinson will frock up to preview this Saturday’s fixture to the media. “In my role as ambassador, I was lucky enough to judge Myer Style Stakes’ Fashions-on-the-Field on the weekend (Newmarket Ladies’ Day) and present the winner of the Cairns Newmarket,” she said.
“I love combining two of my passions into one and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Cairns Jockey Club to find ways to expand and bring more interest to their race days.
No doubt adding to this weekend’s excitement will be cheering on her father, Mark Atkinson’s nomination in the cup – Vivenzo.
In 2024, the Myer Cairns Style Stakes have been themed to inspire an even higher standard of entries, with last weekend’s springtime theme hitting high floral notes with fashion contenders and judges alike.
This weekend’s theme, A Vintage Affair, breaks away from the springtime theme with a more whimsical note to end the fashion competition of the two-day carnival. Another five hotly contested categories will be up for grabs for a share in approximately $15,000 in prizes.
Tomorrow competition includes stylish lady of the day, classic lady of the day, stylish gentleman of the day, couple of the day, and the millinery award.
A free bus service operates to and from Lake Street, Cairns CBD, making getting to and from the track more accessible than ever.
The last race will be followed by an after-party, with entertainment by Careless.
Up to 100 horses will compete today, thanks to the involvement of 40 individual trainers and approximately 30 jockeys.
In 2023 about 8000 racegoers attended the carnival with this year set to equal attendance.als in the hospitality/function areas.
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