Everyone a winner
By LINDA SOUTER
THE 2006 Jupiters Townsville Cup was a clear winner for the record crowd who poured into Cluden Park for a day of food, fashion and a flutter on the horses.
The odd glass of bubbly was also consumed by racegoers throughout the long afternoon on the warmest day this winter.
The nine bars were flat out all day, selling 30,000 cans of beer and 1700 bottles of champagne.
Townsville Turf Club CEO Michael Charge said alcohol and bottled water reinforcements had to be brought in mid-afternoon when the bars began to run dry.
Mr Charge said final numbers had not been confirmed but it was estimated a record crowd of more than 15,000 people attended.
Feedback from racegoers had been very positive. "I haven't heard one bad comment," Mr Charge said. "It was a really happy and vibrant crowd."
Adding to the festive feel was the race day ritual of dusting off the glad rags and getting dressed up to the nines.
From floral pattern suits to cocktail dresses and feathery hats. it seemed everyone at this year's cup had a fashion statement to make.
Regular Cup goer Candice Pitt from Hermit Park said the fashion stakes had stepped up a notch in 2006.
"It's amazing, everyone has made an effort this year," Ms Pitt said at the course. "It really is a fashion extravaganza.
"But what surprises me the most is the number of men who have made the effort this year. Even on this hot day many men are wearing suits."
Some men went to more effort than others.
Daniel Cranston, 20, from Mt Louisa, made his own suit from scrap material specially for the day and only finished it an hour before arriving at Cluden.
He said he used spray-on glue to keep it together.
"Look, it's already starting to fall apart," Mr Cranston said. "Luckily I bought a heap of safety pins just in case."
Workmates Gary Barton, Laurie Lobie and Dave Briggs wore brightly coloured designer suits with matching hats sent over from the UK.
"We wanted to do something different," Mr Briggs said.
Michael Horton, 24, from South Townsville, said he had dressed up to impress the ladies.
"The most beautiful women in North Queensland are here today," he said.
"I don't know anything about horses but the Cup is the best social event in Townsville."
But the Townsville Cup is not just about fashion, there was some serious gambling going on with the betting ring buzzing all day.
Trish Bellaro from Townsville said she loved the thrill of having a punt.
"I'm having a great time," she said "I lost $15 early but I recouped $20 so that's not too bad. I only like betting on the local races so I can see the horses run."
Although the 2006 Townsville Cup was a huge success, Mr Charge said planning would begin shortly to address ever-growing crowd issues.
"Because the crowd keeps growing every year, you always have to keep looking at improving the way things are done. But over-all I was ecstatic with the way the day went. Bring on the 2007 Townsville Cup I say." |
