VANESSA’S THE FACE
Gleeson lives out dream with Weetwood role
RACING: It’s one of the most sought after positions of Weetwood week, and a woman with an incredible racing story will hold the honour.
Vanessa Gleeson has been announced as the Face of Weetwood 2021, with the Toowoomba mother describing it as a dream come true.
Gleeson will feature across the wide array of events throughout Weetwood week next month.
“I can’t wait to be part of such a fantastic event,” she said.
“I’ve wanted to be the
Face of Weetwood for a while now.
“I actually did apply last year, but Skye (Bogenhuber) did a tremendous job.
“It’s a huge race that’s over 130 years old.
“I really love racing and it’s great to be a part of something historic for Toowoomba.”
Chinchilla’s Gleeson Thoroughbred Connections bred star galloper Rothfire, a $10,000 purchase, has gone on to amass almost $1m in prizemoney.
It’s part of what makes Gleeson love racing so much.
“I used to ride as a child,” she said.
“My mum just sent me a picture of my diary that I had when I was nine years old and it said when I grow up I’m going to breed racehorses.
“Then I ended up marrying into a family that do breed racehorses.
“The family was so excited (with Rothfire) because they’d been doing it for such a long time and it just proves that you don’t need to pay millions
“It’s why people enjoy getting involved in racing, because everyone has the dream of owning the next champion.
“I’m from Melbourne and I got to the track a lot.
“Seeing Michelle Payne win the Melbourne Cup was absolutely fantastic.”
The Weetwood Handicap will again feature alongside the Carnival of Flowers in September, and Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Lizzy King said the move has been a success.
“It’s actually been received really well,” King said.
“I must admit Covid probably played a little part in that people were desperate to get out and enjoy something.
“It’s a beautiful time of year and a great way to highlight our stunning Garden City, and we can do that ourselves with our stunning venue.
“If we are able to provide the community with a little outlet, the opportunity to get out and get dressed up, spend time with friends and family and forget all of that stuff for a little while, that’s a wonderful thing.
“Particularly around the mental health side of things, people are ready to get out and about.
“If Weetwood is that opportunity, we’re happy to play a part.”