Queensland turns it on for Melbourne Cup Day fun

From Eagle Farm to Mount Isa, revellers will flock to almost a dozen race meets across Queensland on Melbourne Cup day. SEE WHERE TO WATCH

It’s the sport of kings, Queensland style.

The race that stops the nation will bring Queensland to a virtual standstill, with the Sunshine State hosting more Melbourne Cup Day race meets than anywhere else in the country.

SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF VENUES HOSTING EVENTS, AS WELL AS QLD RACE DAYS

From Eagle Farm to Mount Isa, revellers will flock to almost a dozen race meets across Queensland, while pubs, clubs and hotel function rooms will be packed with punters for Australian horse racing’s day of days.

In Brisbane, Eagle Farm will host a full day of racing, while venues across the city are pulling out all the stops to turn hotels and restaurants into a little slice of racing revelry.

Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said there was an extraordinary spread of racing and equine entertainment throughout the state.

“It’s a testament to the strength of the Queensland product at present to be able to host 11 meetings on Melbourne Cup Day,” he said.

Georgia Payne 21, and Jade Collits 24, will saddle up for Melbourne Cup day at Howard Smith Wharves. Picture Lachie Millard

“Every year, thousands of racegoers flock to Queensland tracks, as meetings spanning the far reaches of the state play support to the race that stops a nation.

“Down south, Queensland continues to have a strong affinity with the Melbourne Cup through reigning champion Gold Trip and 2019 winner Vow And Declare, who both boast a number of owners here in the Sunshine State.”

About 8000 fans are expected at Eagle Farm on Tuesday, with corporate packages already sold out.

Pre-sales are up 10 per cent on last year and Brisbane Racing Club CEO Tony Partridge said it was shaping up to be a Melbourne Cup race day to remember.

“We look forward to welcoming racegoers and avid punters to the course to experience all the local action live and watch the race that stops the nation from our super screen,” he said.

“There’s no better place to feel closer to the action for The Cup than being trackside.”

Charleville and Mount Isa will fly the flag for bush racing, along with Kumbia which will celebrate its lone annual race day with a five-race program.

Despite having a population of just 300, the small town west of Kingaroy will welcome close to 1000 punters to the Tuesday race meet, highlighted by the Huston Motors Kumbia Cup.

The day will feature a record prize purse of $64,000, while an extra $100 is also up for grabs in a colts and fillies sprint for punters to be held after the last race.

For those not heading to a racetrack, hundreds of venues across the state will be hosting parties to follow the action.

Grace Cribb from Newstead and Leilani Kirkpatrick from Bowen Hills at The Emporium, South Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

Queensland Hotels Association CEO Bernie Hogan said Melbourne Cup would launch the festive season with a bang.

“The Melbourne Cup is just as popular as ever and many of our members across the state have been booked out well in advance.

“It continues to be one of the biggest days of the year for hospitality venues and it really serves as that start of the festive season.”

Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser said this year’s Melbourne Cup was on track to be one of the biggest days of the year.

“We are seeing are real trend now with people wanting to enjoy Melbourne Cup as a great event to share with their colleagues and friends,” he said.

“At Howard Smith Wharves, revellers can choose from a range of experiences from a casual setting with ice-cold beers overlooking the river … or treating themselves to a lavish sit-down banquets and champagne at our restaurants.

“For those wanting to kick-on, HSW will also be hosting after parties across our venues to keep the good times rolling after the race day festivities.”

At Brisbane’s South Bank, the Emporium Hotel is continuing its reputation as one of the city’s hottest Melbourne Cup Day destinations, with a sold-out lunch party in the Frangipani Ballroom, while only a handful of tickets remain for Melbourne Cup at The Terrace on the 21st floor.

On the Gold Coast, Star Casino is one of the Glitter Strip’s premier Melbourne Cup Day destinations, hosting six different functions, with three already sold out.

Remaining tickets start at $135 for the Harvest Buffet through to $195 for Isoletto Prive.

Further north, The Ville in Townsville will throw a huge Melbourne Cup Day party against the spectacular backdrop of the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island while 1300km away in Birdsville, the tiny outback outpost will come to a virtual stop while the Birdsville Community Hall hosts a race day shindig.

Originally published as Queensland turns it on for Melbourne Cup Day fun