Cairns Amateurs Carnival 2024 fashions on the field winners revealed amid competitive racing

From stunning race wear to lively celebrations and exciting on-track action the Cairns Amateurs Carnival has been heralded a success by all involved.

Angelique Dibella and Peter Dibella won the Best Dressed Couple at Cairns Amateurs Cup Day, the final day of the Cairns Amateurs racing carnival, held at the Cairns Jockey Club, Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

From stunning race wear to lively celebrations and exciting on-track action the Cairns Amateurs Carnival has been heralded a success by all involved.

Cairns Jockey Club president Tom Hedley labelled the carnival “very successful” from the committee’s perspective and from a punter’s angle.

“The track held up, we were happy with the grass and you could see the horses coming inside out on the final straight for come close finishes – that’s how you know you’ve got a good track,” he said.

Racing Queensland reported that while final attendance numbers were still being counted, there were over 7,500 people at the Amateurs events.

“An enormous amount of work went into this year’s Amateurs to ensure the ultimate tropical carnival was a success,” Racing Queensland senior club manager Phil Buckle said.

“It is a unique event and we’re glad the Cairns community continues to support it,” he said.

Jockey Lacey Morrison delivered an impressive performance to take out the win of the Saturday’s feature race, the Cairns Amateurs Cup.

Jockey Lacey Morrison wins the Cairns Amateurs Cup by two lengths, riding Cashin' Chex, at the Cairns Jockey Club, Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cashin’ Chex had performed well in previous races leading up to the Cairns Amateurs, leading Morrison to believe he would be “competitive against a similar field”.

“To win a feature like this was a great thrill,” she said.

“The horse was well prepared and got the luck he needed in the run to produce his best finishing effort”.

This win, coming after an eight-year hiatus and a stint as a steward, was Morrison’s biggest since her return to racing.

Cashin' Chex, ridden by jockey Lacey Morrison, wins the Cairns Amateurs Cup by two lengths, held at the Cairns Jockey Club, Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I’ve always got a kick out of winning a cup race,” she said.

Clinching the grand prize of $87,000 for trainer Drew Crouch, Cashin’ Chex outshone the hot favourite Mahagoni to win race seven.

Mr Hedley said while it appeared visitor numbers were down, he made note of the carnival spanning three days instead of two, which meant punters were spread more thinly.

Josh Mealing, Mark Stubbs, Will McLeod, Joel Campe, Zac Ballentine and Doug Ryan at Cairns Amateurs Cup Day, the final day of the Cairns Amateurs racing carnival, held at the Cairns Jockey Club, Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

A highlight for many was the Cairns Amateurs Carnival’s Fashions on the Field, featuring 100 competitors and nearly $20,000 in prizes across 10 categories.

From stunning race wear to lively celebrations, the fashion competitions across the three day event delivered unforgettable style and sophistication.

Brittney Tamou from Townsville clinched the top honour of overall Carnival Champion, with her “tropical elegance” ensemble.

Her stunning spring dress, designed by Zimmerman was complemented by a large pink feathered headpiece designed by well-known Sydney milliner, Neil Grigg.

Fashions on the Field judge Bernice Patton presents Brittany Tamou the Open Classic Ladies Race wear winner's sash at Cairns Amateurs Cup Day, the final day of the Cairns Amateurs racing carnival. Picture: Brendan Radke

Lead judge Emma Scodellaro praised the Townsville resident for her outfit choice which she described as “head to toe perfection”.

“Brittney had a look that was polished and beautifully put together, her outfit was reminiscent of the colours of the coral reef which also had a beautiful 3D element,” she said.

Ms Tamou said she had been waiting for the perfect occasion to wear the hand-dyed turkey feather headpiece, noting how lightweight and comfortable the design was.

“It really was the perfect piece for the day Cairns Amateurs Carnival and for spring,” she said.

Angelique Dibella competes in the Open Ladies Contemporary Race wear at the Cairns Amateurs Cup Day, the final day of the Cairns Amateurs racing carnival, held at the Cairns Jockey Club, Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Kymberlee Cockrem from the Atherton Tablelands and Verelle O’Shanesy from Jandowae, near Dalby, secured wins across three days of competition.

Cairns Jockey Club president, Mr Hedley had seven winners himself, including a long-priced runner that surprised him but said the bookies were mostly on the money with the odds they had offered.

“Certainly a good day for the punter, there were some big prices that came through like Race 8, $100 odds, but we did see a lot of favourites steer the front,” he said.

Originally published as Cairns Amateurs Carnival 2024 fashions on the field winners revealed amid competitive racing