WINNO'S 'CAIRNS CALLING': PLENTY OF OFF-TRACK, PRE-RACEDAY ACTION HERE LEADING UP TO THE BIG CUP DAY

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, August 22, 2024

WINNO has landed in Cairns on assignment for HRO, covering the 2024 Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup.

This is my second time to the Cairns track, so I will be a NSW man deep in QLD country – hopefully the locals will be friendly.

Last weekend Ladies Day featured some wonderful racing on the Cairns track. This weekend’s meeting features a massive, jam packed nine race program featuring:

Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup, and the Magic Millions Daintree Guineas.

The barrier draw took place on Wednesday August 21 for the Cairns Cup.

The Ladbrokes Sportsman Luncheon is on Friday August 23 and features the NSW champions – Josh Dugan who featured at State of Origin level ... then the absolute legend and gentleman of horse racing, jockey Robert Thompson who amassed 4447 career wins and is the most winning jockey of the Cairns Cup having saluted in the race six times.

Then another champion jockey – a Victorian this time ... Damien Oliver, a Hall Of Fame jockey with the amazing record of 129 Group 1 wins. Then local home-grown hero rugby league player James Segeyaro rounds out the list of impressive guests. A player who represented Papua New Guinea and played for several NRL clubs.

The action all starts at 12 noon – book your tickets through the Club. It is one amazing line up and there will be some stories told. The event is hosted by one of the best race callers – well he has hung up his binoculars now – none other than Steve Hawkins. Barry Lea – the blistering Wallaby winger will join him in co-hosting the event

The Ladbrokes Calcutta will take place on Friday August 23 after the Luncheon. Everyone is encouraged to come along to the event – even if you do not attend the luncheon. Calcutta will commence at 5pm.

Then the massive race day is on Saturday in glorious north Queensland sunshine and warmth.

Cameron Riches, the Cairns Jockey Club General Manager, said that ticket sales for the Luncheon have been overwhelming adding, “with the event nearly sold out, I encourage people to come out for the Calcutta and enjoy the event – even just to have a beer – the event is always a great night”

He went on to remind patrons that the Club has arranged buses from the Cairns City to the track early in the morning. Then again from 4.30 pm to 8.30pm to get people to and from this massive event safely.

He was very pleased with the sales on Cairns Cup Day with some of the marquee areas sold out, “however, we still have some tickets for some of the function areas – just jump online and book before they sell out. We have plenty of general admission tickets as well – we are expecting a huge crowd”

Riches told me not to head home early as well, saying, “we have an after party from 6pm to 8pm featuring the band Careless – it will be a massive event”

What can I say – transport to and from the track – a great horse race meeting featuring the Cairns Cup and then an after party all for the cheap admission price of $40 – amazing value. The Cairns Club continues to strive for excellence for their patrons and continues to go from strength to strength.

Looks like WINNO is set for a busy time in Cairns.

Stay tuned over the next few days whilst I try to find some stories and winners for you all.

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