Chance to join in party
Tickets still available
TICKETS are still available for “party central” on the southern end of the Cairns racecourse.
The Vodka Cruiser Lawn Party is one of the few popular spots left for race-day revellers wanting more than a general walk-in ticket.
The marquee, which costs $75 per person per day, is decked out with live music, private bars, bookies and big screen TV for “like-minded fillies and colts”.
Organisers are expecting participants to come from as far as Victoria and inject millions into the local economy.
Chief executive Graham Thornton said the committee had done “some pretty bold things” to attract people to the Far North.
“We now see premium beverages, glassware, marquees and all that,” he said.
“We had to grow with the times to make sure you are meeting people’s expectations.
“Cairns Amateurs has become an excuse for people to come along and be entertained.
“The whole region is letting its hair down.”
A ladies and corporate race day will be held at the Woree racecourse today, followed by the ANZ Cairns Amateurs Ball.
The main event, the Cairns Amateurs Cup Day, will be held at Cannon Park Racecourse tomorrow.
The annual racing carnival has grown from “strength to strength” in the past few years and has now attracted jockeys and horses from southern states. “We got southern riders trying to poach off our cup up here. The competition is going to be fierce,” Mr Thornton said. “We are still trying to keep those core values of bringing people into the region and certainly showcasing the region itself.”
The Yellowglen House also has spots remaining at $270 per person.
Off the track, the Far North’s stylish fraternity will battle it out for Fashions on the Field honours.
Mr Thornton said this weekend would be a big boon for the region. Visit www.cairnsamateurs.org.au