And we’re off for Mackay Turf Club’s TAB Amateurs Race Day! Seven races and plenty of smiling faces on the track in Ooralea for the first premier race of the year – and the potential pay day.
The warmup day of racing set the tone for the rest of the year: it’s all about the thrill of live local racing, fashions on the field, glamour, good food and entertainment for the thousands who enjoyed the day.
Trackside: Race One was the AUSPEED TUNING Class 3, 1300 metres kicking off at 12:49pm on the main track. Turf conditions were good all-day round, although there had been heavy dews on the nights before.
First winner of the day was jockey Wanderson D’Avila riding Age of Innocence. Innocence was the clear winner for the first race, claiming a cool $9,450. Innocence was followed by Starhattan in second and Sabor in third.
Race Two was claimed by Machinate in the 1300 metres Wendelborn Family Maiden Handicap. Jockey Nathan Day pipped London Bell in second and Shaluna in third for $10,500 in prize money.
Conditions remained good for the 1100 metres Happy Birthday Danielle QTIS Three-Year-Old Maiden Handicap. Cacao, ridden again by Nathan Day, was the winner with a $10,500 prize over Super Vogue and Big Rocket.
Let’s Torque A Deel ridden by Ms Jade Doolan was Race Four’s 2600 metres winner for $9,450, cruising past Naomi and Potawatomi.
Race Five was claimed by Villa Villekulla – Wanderson D’Avila in the saddle once more – with a mammoth $16,000 prize claimed. Master Jamie in second and Planet Warrior in third, ridden by Nathan Day, were close behind.
The 1800 metre Race Six was, again, won by Nathan Day, this time riding Quality Asset and picking up the biggest win of the day: a $16,800 prize. Stars Don’t Rust and Akatino were nipping at the heels, but sadly could not capitalise.
The finale for the Turf Club’s Amateur event was Race Seven, won by the impressive Wanderson D’Avila on Kasinova Kid. Starsonic – ridden by Nathan Day – was close behind but was unable to make it his fourth win.
Quite a few New Zealand horses were featured throughout the race day, and Race Six even hosted Akatino – our third-place getter and a German raised mare.
Fashions on the Field was as popular as ever for attendees who frocked and suited up in their best Sunday dress, taking home prizes in the afternoon.
Next up on the calendar for the Turf Club is the mid-week race day on June 23, and the Mackay Cup is looming large on Saturday, July 23.
It was a massive weekend – both in attendance and prize money – for the Mackay Turf Club’s Amateur Race Day
Plenty of happy faces came out to enjoy the event, courtesy of TAB
Fashion on the Field was ever popular with some fine frocks and fancy hats out in force
Boys in their Sunday best made the most of the day
Volunteers and trainers were eager for the first big race-day of the season for the local club
Laughs a-plenty in the photo-booth at the Turf Club
