Crowds spring into carnival racing at Cairns Amateurs
Bookies were on their toes, fashion boundaries were pushed and a community icon was honoured as the city sprung into carnival mode for the Cairns Amateurs – and a few first-timers got the surprise of their life.
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DESPITE border closures, officials were happy with the turnout at the Cairns Amateurs carnival thanks to the many locals who snapped up tickets.
After a massive three days, Cairns Amateurs president David Goodman said while official numbers were yet to be released, they were very happy with the turnout especially on the Saturday.
“Obviously we would have had a lot more if there weren’t those border closures,” Mr Goodman said.
“Where we had cancellations due to Covid we were very fortunate that those corporate areas were taken up by Queenslanders and locals.”
This year the set-up looked a little different due to Covid safety protocols with the bookmakers in a new location behind Fashion on the Fields and spread out in different sections.
After the Cairns Cup there were a few complaints from bookmakers as to where they were situated.
“We took on board the bookies’ feedback from Cairns Cup so we made the decision to comply with Queensland Health directions and we put them in the fashions area,” said Mr Goodman.
Bookmaker Jeff Downs said that this change still resulted in decreased foot traffic.
But he has hopes that this may change for the next Cairns Amateurs.
“Next year, hopefully we can go back where it was in the far back where everyone is able to walk in.”
But despite this Mr Downs said he saw a lot of people willing to place bets.
“They come here to have a good time. They are prepared to lose money, they have a good time and enjoy themselves,” Mr Downs said.
Many people were ready for the event to finally arrive.
Tolga resident Sarah Quinn said she had a great time.
“People in Cairns haven’t been able to have a big race day so it’s nice to see everyone coming together for a punt and spend some money locally, it is good to bring it to the Far North,” Ms Quinn said.
She was also very happy that it was not as hot as other years despite the rain barely holding off. The carnival featured many events and organisers were also happy with those turnouts.
The ANZ Moulin Rouge Amateurs ball on Friday night exceeded the expected number of 400.
Officials were also happy with the support they received from guests from other parts of Queensland including Brisbane.
SATURDAY’S HIGH FASHION
Boundaries were pushed at Cairns Amateurs on Saturday with fashion becoming very edgy as more women were wearing pants, sequins and outfits they made themselves.
Personal stylist Kerrie Carucci from Brisbane said that the fashion was different on Saturday compared to Friday.
“Saturday is where people push the boundaries, you will see pants, you will see sequins. (It) is very fun,” Ms Carucci said.
This year Fashions on the Field saw many local dresses and a lot of people creating their own style.
Ms Carucci said Covid was a major part of this shift.
“Normally girls will buy online but now there is a bit shift to support local dress makers,” Ms Carucci said.
“People have also started dabbling in sewing from Covid and people are exploring a bit more of their creativity.”
This was the case for the winner of the open men’s racewear Tim Marsh from Cairns. He created both his trousers and the vest himself.
Mr Marsh said that he has really seen men’s fashion improve over the years after competing in the event a few times.
This year neutral colours were in with lots of linen and cream colours.
“Men are taking more of an interest in what they are wearing,” Mr Marsh said.
The ladies competition also had a lot of creativity with the winner of the contemporary racewear competition Amanda Manson impressing with a pineapple purse.
“Today we had the chance to get the pop of spring and bring a bit of fun into it,” Ms Manson said.
Ms Manson had a big week after organising four outfits for three days worth of events.
CARNIVAL HONOURS AN ICON
A COMMUNITY icon was honoured with several accolades at the Cairns Amateurs carnival.
Cairns real estate icon Ross Moller died suddenly in January. He had a long history with the event.
This year, the Tropical Veranda was renamed the Ross Moller Memorial Veranda and there was a special race named in his honour with a trophy minted for his memorial.
Throughout the weekend Mr Moller was mentioned through various presentations at the Ball, the President’s cocktail party and on the racetrack.
Sarah Coll from Cairns came specifically to the races as a thank-you to all he had done in the community.
“I came this year to honour him and his legacy because he contributed so much,” Ms Coll said. “He was a quiet contributor, he had his real estate agency and he was a very involved mentor. He was a very solid, supportive gentleman for the races.”
FIRST-TIMERS ON TRACK FOR FUN AT AMATEURS
THERE were a lot of firsts at Cairns Amateurs this weekend with many having never been to the track or ever laid a bet before.
Sarteg Singh from Whitfield said that he had never attended a race meeting but after dealing with Covid restrictions for the last 18 months, he decided it was time.
“It is my first horse race actually and it’s been really good,” Mr Singh said.
“I got to hang out with my friends, watching the races and having a good Saturday.”
There were many other new faces this year with many long-time Cairns residents making it their first visit.
Tayla Grossett from Westcourt said that this year was different.
Every other year she has tried to convince her friends to go but they were never interested. This year was the right time as she had friends who were very keen.
“I wanted to get dressed up and have a bet. I have never bet on horses before,” Ms Grossett said.
Amid the trackside glamour, Ms Grossett said the atmosphere at Cannon Park allowed her to forget about the Covid pandemic for a while.
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