TRACKSIDE IS THE ONLY PLACE TO BE
FASHIONABLE: Shayne Howard is looking forward to enjoying the Melbourne Cup at Cluden Park racecourse. IT might be more than 2000km to Flemington racecourse but Melbourne Cup fever has well and truly arrived in Townsville.
The race that stops the nation will also cause Townsville to pause as venues around the city prepare for Australia’s greatest race.
Townsville Turf Club chief executive officer Cassandra Cazzulino is gearing up for a big day at Cluden Park today, with more than 1000 patrons expected to attend.
She encouraged people who want to see “live horses” to join the festivities with the Townsville Turf Club.
The gates will open at 10.30am and patrons will be entertained by five local races.
Bookmakers will be on hand for punters looking to have a flutter and Ms Cazzulino said the club had organised live music after race four.
“We’re encouraging punters to enjoy a great day out and then stay on,” she said.
“Sunset here is amazing, it’s beautiful and it’s green. It really puts on a nice show in the afternoon.
“Having the real life racing is a great opportunity for us to get people in the mix of the excitement of racing.
“Melbourne Cup is always excel- lent to get everyday people to the track.”
Melbourne Cup Day is a chance for residents to try on dapper suits and extravagant fascinators and Ms Cazzulino said the club would be picking ladies out to receive bouquets of flowers.
“Fashions on the day are always a big highlight,” she said.
There will be food vans track, including Chillyjam, Kitchen and Crepes to Go.
Other venues planning events today include The Wild Goose Brews & Chews’ Melbourne Cup Garden Party, The Pier’s Lillet Flower Garden Melbourne Cup Luncheon, Rotary Club of Townsville Saints Turf & Tea event and Donna Bionda’s at the Bitchin luncheon. The North Queensland Club is also hosting an event which includes live race coverage on three screens, entertainment and sweeps.
Townsville Chamber of Commerce spokesman Marie- Claude Brown said the Melbourne Cup was an important event in the Australian calendar and many people prepared well in advance for the event.
“It will be a boost both to retailers and the restaurants and caterers in Townsville,” Ms Brown said.
“It might not be great for the productivity in the office and workplace from 2pm but it’s a celebration for the city and the region. It’s a moment for people to celebrate with colleagues and rejoice in the middle of what continues to be a challenging time.”