NIGHT RIDERS
EXCLUSIVE Push for racing under lights
THE Gold Coast Turf Club could be hosting night races within two years with the backing of a new sponsor. Aquis has signed a deal with the club that will see the racecourse renamed Aquis Park.
IT hasn’t always been easy for Merrimac man Stephen Bliss to be a New South Wales fan living in Queensland.
Which made last night’s crushing State of Origin victory by his beloved Blues over the Maroons all the sweeter.
Mr Bliss, 21, has lived in Queensland for the past 13 years but said he “just couldn’t” defect to the Queensland team.
He even has an eightmonth-old son, who despite being born in the sunshine state, will be a Blues supporter.
“I was born and bred in NSW,” Mr Bliss said, adding it was in his blood.
“I’ll just tell him he was born in NSW.”
It was a rare tough night for Justin Schmidt, 20, who has been a passionate Maroons supporter for the past 18 years.
He wouldn’t have it any other way, even though he originally grew up in NSW.
“I’ve been a Maroons supporter as long as I can remember,” he said. “I get really passionate about footy.
“I love the comraderie, it’s a team sport.”
Mr Schmidt said he had even braved crowds of blue to wave the Maroons flag because a lot of his friends still supported the other side.