Track revamped, ready for racing

This weekend the Laidley Cup will gallop into town, bringing country-races to Gatton

HAVE A FLUTTER: Racing returns to Burgess Park this weekend for the Laidley Cup. Picture: GLEN McCULLOUGH

THE Lockyer Race Club will host the third Laidley Cup at the Burgess Park Racecourse on Saturday.

Club president Terry Kirkman encouraged punters to head trackside and soak up the country-race meet atmosphere.

"It should be a good day's racing."

Kirkman said recent rain had revitalised the course's turf and made for good conditions.

"We did a light revamp on the track three weeks ago, and it's come back good."

The modern Laidley Cup was first held in 2016, and has quickly become a highlight of the social scene.

The 2016 event was the first time the Laidley Cup had been run since the Gatton and Laidley racing clubs amalgamated in the 1970s.

This year, seven races will be run with a total of 138 nominations received by Tuesday morning.

The main race, The Laidley Cup, has nine nominations.

Acceptances must be declared by Thursday at 10.30am, with riders declared later at 1pm.

There will be live entertainment throughout the day and Fashion on the Field competitions for women, men and children, presented by local business Harry and Miss Tiff Boutique. A canteen will also be operating, with proceeds supporting the Girl Guides.

Gates will open at 11am, with parking available on-site. Free buses are available from Mulgowie, Laidley, Plainland and Forest Hill, but bookings are essential.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults with $5 concessions, and children under 16 years old are free.

Laidley Cup Nominations:

BENICO'S PRINCE: 6-yo gelding - trained by Peter Kings

GENERAL KINGSMAN: 8-yo gelding - trained by Rochelle Smith

GIVUS A CUDDLE: 4-yo mare - trained by Ben Currie

GULLY COMMAND: 7-yo horse - trained by Ben Currie

ON DEMAND: 6-yo gelding - trained by Pat Duff

WALK TO THE BAR: 6-yo gelding - trained by Kylie Geran

RUNAWAY RULER: 7-yo gelding - trained by Peter Moncrieff

PENDIGO: 8-yo gelding - trained by Robert Lyford

HAMMERACK: 5-yo gelding - trained by Tom Dougall