Sport
10 May, 2022
Mareeba set for never before seen race day
MAREEBA is set to witness a never before seen race day as the Mareeba Turf Club presents their new 150 Race Day, an exclusive and ambitious event replicating some of the country’s most prestigious races.
MAREEBA is set to witness a never before seen race day as the Mareeba Turf Club presents their new 150 Race Day, an exclusive and ambitious event replicating some of the country’s most prestigious races.
The day was coined 150 Race Day after other club’s traditions of 100 Race Days featuring corporate marques, private bookmakers, private bars and even exclusive interviews with jockeys and trainers. Kicking off this Saturday from 11am, the day will also see a Battle of the Bush qualifier and Fashions from Afar competition.
Mareeba Turf Club president Alex Malliff is excited to bring the unique and special race day to the grounds at Mareeba for the first time.
“We are trying to think outside the square as a club so we are going to try and put on something that Mareeba has not really ever had before – a glamour day at the races,” he said. “The corporate marquee, the fine wines, the nice race day attire, something a little bit special that the racegoers in the country don’t really get to be a part of.”
St Stephen’s Catholic College will be helping out on the day in the corporate marquees serving food provided by Catering with Class. “It also coincides with our Battle of the Bush qualifying heat, so we have added $10,000 worth of prize money as a club to attract better horses,” Mr Malliff said. The Battle of the Bush is an annual racing competition that travels to regional and rural racing clubs across Queensland in 16 qualifying rounds, this year the final culminates at Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday at Eagle Farm in June.
Mareeba’s heat will feature a 1123m open plate race and is the sixth qualifying round set for this year’s competition. If your horse is registered with the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme, there is a chance to win some major prize money.
“If you have got a registered horse it is up to $25,000 worth of prize money, first place prize money I think we worked it out to be around $16,000 if you’re not registered,” Mr Malliff said. “You can still come and race if you do not have a registered horse.”
There will be just as much action off the track this year with the 150 Race Day also playing host to the Fashions from Afar competition which accompanies this year’s Battle of the Bush tour.
Gates open at 11am this Saturday with a $15 general entry fee. For more info, visit the club’s Facebook page.
