Punters embrace glitzy shindig

TERRITORIANS enjoyed an evening of glitz and glamour beneath the stars on Saturday at the Qantas Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball.

More than 600 people got dolled up for the event on the Turf Club lawns, celebrating the beloved racing carnival which will culminate on Monday at the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival.

Cup Ambassador Lily North was thrilled to see Territorians and southern guests support the event.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” she said. “I think we’re so lucky to be in the Territory, even being able to have a ball in the first place.

“I feel very honoured as the ambassador this year to be the face of the Carnival, and I’m really looking forward to Monday, which I’m sure the rest of the Territory is as well. I’m looking forward to being on the track with everyone.”

Racegoers Alanna Oppermann and Briseis More said it was a privilege to be able to attend.

“We’ve put everything into this weekend,” Ms Oppermann said.

“I’m very excited to be at the ball because this is the premier event for Darwin,” Ms More said.

“And especially now that we can’t fly anywhere else for the time being, or we can but it’s very limited.”

Darwin Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan said the evening was a success, and added the recently declared hot spots in Queensland would not affect the upcoming Darwin Cup or Palmerston Sprint.