Organisers sure turnout will improve
RACEGOERS who didn’t take a punt on the weather at the opening weekend of the Cairns Cup carnival are expected to hit the track in droves at the conclusion to the carnival next weekend.
Cairns Jockey Club’s event and marketing manager Shahnee Ricci said the wet weather on Saturday did impact the numbers through the gate which were down to 3800 on the 5000 in 2018.
“We think this weekend coming will be very successful because a lot of the people that didn’t come last weekend will come on the actual Cup Day,” she said.
Not fazed by the wet weather, Melaine Hudson and Ellie Warren travelled from Melbourne for the fourth year in a row.
They said it was the weather and the atmosphere that kept them coming back.
“It’s just a good time. Normally it’s sunny, not so much this time but … and it’s laid back as well,” Ms Warren said.
“And there is less people, Melbourne races are always busy. You don’t have to worry about dressing up as much and you can just have some fun,” Ms Hudson said.
For Chloe Gorzalka and Keryn Freeland from Canberra, the Cairns Cup was all about celebrating her 21st birthday and escaping the dreaded ACT winter weather.
“We have had a wonderful day. We have had a couple of bets and already had a win. We have had a few drinks and will have a few more,” Ms Gorzalka said.
Sporting a kilt complete with sporran, Derek Taylor certainly stood out from the crowd at Cannon Park.
The racehorse owner was in his element at the Cairns Cup on Saturday and managed to back Ruby Red Socks for a place in Race 3.
“I love horses and horse racing. I love the atmosphere and the people, it’s really good,” he said.
Looking ahead to the Cairns Cup Ms Ricci said most preparations for weekend had been made.
“We are really happy with how yesterday went but we are definitely very excited about the coming Saturday. We expect record crowds coming through,” she said.
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