GLAMOUR ON SHOW

IT WAS STYLE ON AND OFF TRACK AT THE CUP

CAIRNS Jockey Club managers are hinting at a brighter future for racing in the Far North after the Cairns Cup was the biggest day at Cannon Park since the start of COVID-19.

About 1600 people attended the Cairns Cup race day on Friday, with social distancing measures and a COVID-Safe plan in place to ensure everything ran smoothly.

It was a far cry from 2019’s record-setting cup day, where more than 5500 people filed through the gates, but Cairns Jockey Club manager John Cameron said he was thrilled with the outcome.

“What we’ve got now is some more confidence,” he said.

”We’ve got some really good racing coming up on Sunday November 1 and 15, for the spring carnival, and we’re confident we’ll get similar sorts of crowds for those two days.”

After a minor shower early on, it was clear skies and sunshine on the field, albeit with some strong winds.

White Rock punter Andrea Ambrosio said, despite restrictions, the event barely felt different compared with previous years.

“It was so well-organised and all went smoothly. I didn’t notice the difference,” she said.

“The main thing was that we got food delivered to our table instead of (having) a buffet.

“We’re really lucky to have been able to do this in the current climate.”

It was a solid day for fashions on the field, with Stacie Galeano claiming the coveted lady of the day title with a personally designed and locally made outfit.

The Gordonvale winner said she felt lucky to be able to attend the event, let alone win in the coveted category for the first time.

“We’ve had no events since COVID, so it was an amazing surprise to have that on top of everything,” she said.

On the racing side of things, a major highlight for the event was The Harrovian’s win in the $65,000 Newmarket event, the eighth straight win for the Cairns-owned horse at Cannon Park.

Mr Cameron said the club had been fortunate.

“We’ve been really privileged that Queensland Racing wanted to continue running it,” Mr Cameron said.

“It helps our stakeholders, the owners, trainers and all components of the industry to run.

“We’ve been able to continue throughout this process where lots of other states haven’t been able to.”

Picture: STEWART McLEAN ALL SMILES: Kate George, Madi Warnick and Rhylee Hensler epitomised tropical glamour at the Cairns Cup.

Picture: STEWART McLEAN GLAMOUR: Andrew Thornton was fashions on the field menswear winner and Stacie Galeano was lady of the day at Cairns Cup Day yesterday.

STYLE: Lucy Perry, Nicole Jarrett and Taylah Jarrett glammed up for Cairns Cup Day.

DAY OUT: Samone Venema, Rick Ray and Davina Dixon catch up at Cannon Park yesterday.

CHEERS: Kelly Hill and Andrea Ambrosio.

ALL SMILES: Jake Bayliss and Holly Bohr.