Entertainment
14 April, 2024
Tickets for Amateurs on sale soon as work ramps up
TICKETS for this year’s newly managed Cairns Amateurs are due to go on sale in coming weeks for the September event.
A new steering committee has taken over Amateurs from the Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club and the Cairns Jockey Club (CJC) is to run the operational aspects of the racing carnival.
Jockey club general manager Cameron Riches said work had ramped up to ensure that tickets were on sale in coming weeks for all race day function areas and exciting off-course events.
He said the club had also finalised an intellectual property license agreement with Racing Queensland to operate the carnival.
“The Cairns Amateurs Carnival has been iconic within the region and the CJC is committed to continuing the legacy that has been built over the last 65 years,” Mr Riches said.
“With the expertise that the new steering committee members bring, coupled with the knowledge and experience gained from successful Cairns Cup carnivals, I can see this partnership delivering a fantastic 2024 Cairns Amateurs Carnival.”
Racing Queensland chief executive officer Jason Scott said Amateurs was “more than just a race meeting, it’s a celebration of everything that is great about Far North Queensland”.
“With the new steering committee meeting for the first time last month, including representation from the club, there was already strong ties with the CJC but today’s (Monday) announcement strengthens that relationship,” he said.
“We’re committed to a successful future for the Cairns Amateurs and we look forward to the CJC delivering on the operational aspects of this year’s carnival.”
CJC president Tom Hedley said it was vital that such an important event was preserved for the Cairns region and the racing community.
“For owners, trainers, jockeys and all industry participants these two race days are highlights of the racing calendar and have always attracted large numbers,” he said.
“The Amateurs race days provide a huge boost for the Far North Queensland racing industry and the CJC are delighted to be able to assist and play a role in preserving this carnival.”
Steering committee chairwoman Jacinta Reddan said “the collaboration draws upon both the CJC’s expertise in delivering two important race days while combining with the social events which are synonymous with the Cairns Amateurs. It is a real win-win”.
“The new steering committee brings together a diverse range of experience and connections which will ensure that the Cairns Amateurs continues to thrive,” she said.
“The partnership with the CJC is a perfect combination of expertise to deliver another winning Cairns Amateurs.”
