Families turn out for day of racing

NORTH Queensland’s biggest family racing event lived up to its billing with about 1400 people heading to the Townsville Turf Club for the event.

Townsville Turf Club chief executive officer Cassandra Cazzulino was pleased with Saturday’s crowd at the Townsville RSL 2YO Classic.

“We had a really positive turnout, the community showed up in great numbers,” Ms Cazzulino said.

Young racegoers dressed to impress for the Townsville Hospital Foundation’s Kids Fashions on the Field.

“It was difficult for judges to pick winners,” Ms Cazzulino said. “There were a lot of ladies and gents trackside who put in a lot of effort.”

Mackay filly Cyclone Topgirl ridden by jockey Nathan Day took home the $ 100,000 purse for winning the Classic.

“It was a fantastic start to the unofficial Winter Racing Carnival,” Ms Cazzulino said.

North Queensland’s Winter Racing Carnival will officially start at The Ville Resort- Casino on July 20.

The carnival will include the Townsville Jaguar Land Rover Ladies Race Day on July 21, Ubet Townsville Guineas Race Day on July 26 and The Mater Townsville Cup on July 28.

Tickets are on sale from the Townsville Turf Club’s website.

• Turn to pages 10- 11 for more photos from Saturday’s race meet.