Cairns Amateurs delivers the crown jewels with 2023 sparkling sapphire line-up

Cairns Amateurs will return later this year with a mammoth program celebrating 65 years of horse racing and fashion, Far North Queensland style.

Cairns Amateurs will return later this year with a mammoth program celebrating 65 years of horse racing and fashion.

The carnival is held every September at Cannon Park and attracts thousands of racegoers.

In unveiling the Carnival’s 65th blue sapphire theme this week, Cairns Amateurs president David Goodman said the “jewel of racing spring festival” was expected to hit all the right notes with punters, fashionistas, and visitors.

Hollie Huddleston and Ash Clapham back a winner at Cairns Amateurs Ladies Day, held at Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We have created the sparkling, blue sapphire theme to be the rich thread that connects each iconic event into one spectacular program including this year’s marquee highlight and crowning glory, the Sapphire Ball, a night celebrating stage and screen,” Mr Goodman said.

Stellar Cairns couple Alexis and Pasco Rogato are the exemplar of style for this year’s waterfront Sapphire Ball the highlight marquee event of Cairns Amateurs Carnival’s Sapphire Jubilee marking 65 years. Photo: Romy Photography

“Increasing in popularity with each year and culminating in a record attendance of almost 600 guests in 2022, the ball is popular for its much-anticipated theme, magical under-the-stars setting on Cairns’ waterfront, quality entertainment, food, fireworks and more.

“Of all the events we present, the ball is reserved a special place in our hearts, and I think by its very essence captures the Cairns Amateurs spirit perfectly.”

Last year’s event injected $3.5 million into the Cairns’ economy with 6441 carnival-goers and 8598 visitor nights.

The 2022 winner of Ladies Day Open Classic Fashions on the Field, Brittney Tamou. Photo: Wendell Teodoro

Mr Goodman said the 2023 event would be event bigger, targeting visitors from across Far North Queensland, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Goodman said further details would be announced for the event, held from September 7-9, in coming months.

“Be it 1959 or 2023 it is the combination of city and country, racing and fashion, black tie and spring colour that come together for three days every spring to give Amateurs the star quality it deserves,” he said.

Originally published as Cairns Amateurs delivers the crown jewels with 2023 sparkling sapphire line-up