Sport
29 August, 2023
Ready, set, its time to race
JOCKEYS, trainers, punters and fashionistas will be flocking to Mareeba Turf Club this weekend for the biggest meeting in the local racing calendar.
After a successful Cairns Cup, local horse racing enthusiasts will be trackside this Saturday as some of the best in the region go head to head for the prestigious Mareeba Cup and Mareeba Bracelet.
This year, the Queensland Government team will be at the event with a film crew to capture the importance of country racing, something Mareeba Turf Club president Rex Petersen hopes locals embrace.
“We normally have a big turnout of people for the annuals, and this year, we actually have a film crew turning up to help lift the level of community racing, so that is pretty exciting,” he said.
“We will look at advertising it on our social media, and hopefully, people will think about getting in front of the camera.”
With country-style racing in the state-wide spotlight, young jockey Rachel Shred hopes to get more people involved with the overall event.
Shred’s name is well-known within the Mareeba racing scene as she steps up against the “big boys”, riding for Sharlee Hoffman, Allan Holmes and Ralph Baker.
This year, she hopes to finally grasp the Mareeba Cup and the Mareeba Bracelet, training harder than ever to meet her goal.
The annuals have a special place in the local jockey’s heart, being one of her favourite meets every year.
“It’s probably one of my favourite meets because I am from here, so I always get really exciting riding in Mareeba,” she said,
“It’s always a bonus when you ride a winner, and last time I was here, I rode a double, and that was an excellent turnout.”
In the lead-up to the meet, Shred has been on the track every day, preparing herself and the horses, conditioning for the right event.
She encourages everyone to come to the event to support not only the locals in the cup but also the fashions, food and entertainment.
“Come down and support the local turf club, there’s a band, and it’s a good social event,” she said.
“Plus, you get to see the pretty horses and have a big party.”
Gates open at 11am, with tickets available at the gate or from www.trybooking.com/CKGJX
