Riding high in Cairns Cup style
GET READY FOR FASHION, A FLUTTER AND FINE TIME
RACEGOERS are at the ready for one of Cairns’ biggest race days as the revamped Cairns Cup comes alive on Friday.
About 1600 people are estimated to attend the carnival at Cannon Park Racecourse, up from the 1000 initially forecast.
Lina Osterman from Edmonton has two horses, North Africa and Derulo, vying for the top accolade and a share in the prize money of $85,000.
“It’s going to be a great day for us and we’re hoping one of our horses will take the cup this year,” Ms Osterman said.
“We also have a corporate table booked and mostly going for the social atmosphere.”
Ms Osterman said Cairns was “very lucky” to have such an event this year because of all the restrictions arising from the coronavirus.
“We’ll still have to be careney ful, but I think it’s also important events like this are going ahead,” she said.
“We’re happy and grateful for that.”
Another of her horses, Taveuni, trained by trainer RodMiller, ran in the Ladies Day on August 20 and won her maiden race.
Cairns Jockey Club manager John Cameron said he and his team felt privileged to be hosting races, given the situation facing other parts of the country and the world.
“Our initial aim was to get two days with 1000 people each.
“With nearly twice as many people expected for the cup, that’s about one-third of the usual people (pre-COVID) but we’re grateful for that,” he said.
“Particularly in beautiful weather.
“The track’s in magnificent condition and we’re grateful to conduct our business and employ people.
“It’s great for the community and for the industry across the state.”
Gates open at 11am and the 2100m race is set for 4.48pm.
I THINK IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT EVENTS LIKE THIS ARE GOING AHEAD LINA OSTERMAN