Itz Lily snares the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup in a fairytale final race

The sun was shining, the drinks were flowing and the masks were showing at Coffs Harbour’s biggest race meet of the year.

Sunny skies and a bright green track awaited the thousands who descended on Coffs Harbour racecourse for the biggest race day of the year.

Brushing aside concerns over attending such a large event as the pandemic raged in Greater Sydney, 2500 punters welcomed back the Coffs Harbour Cup Carnival after its cancellation last year.

While fashions on the field made a triumphant return, the most worn accessory at this year’s event was the surgical mask, which was made mandatory by Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

Friends Anthony Clinch, Tony Fitzpatrick and Ian Rees made the trip down from Wooli, keen to soak up the action in the beautiful winter weather.

Mr Fitzpatrick said they had also really enjoyed the Grafton Cup and they liked to support the local events.

“It’s been a great day, it’s really well organised,” Mr Fitzpatrick said. “We’re very lucky compared to other areas.”

But it was the the Kris Lees trained mare Itz Lily that took out the main event – the $150,000 Carlton Dry Coffs Harbour Cup.

The six-year-old daughter of Snitzel came from worse than midfield to snare a powerful win. Her eighth career win at her 28th start crashed her through the half a million dollar prize money barrier, the chestnut mare now grossing $505,300 for her owners.

Alysha Collett was at her best too producing a sustained run down the middle of the track. Kris Lees said the talented Collett was in charge and he allowed her to ride her own race.

“She rides well, real well,” Kris Lees said after the win.

“She has a real affinity with this horse. I allowed her to ride her own race.”

It proved another perfect combination.

“I’ve had four rides for four wins on her,” Alysha Collett said after the Cup win.

“She made is easy for me.”

Kris Lees said today’s Coffs Cup might be a swansong for Itz Lily.

“There’s not much of her,” he said.

“She’s a really tough mare but she will more than likely go to stud now.”