Cairns Amateurs | And they’re off!
And they’re off!
Cairns Amateurs
Great excitement is in the air as the Cairns Amateurs September 8-10, known as the pinnacle Far North Queensland social event of the year, is ready to exceed its 2021 records.
Increases in numbers of visiting guests, Fashion on the Field entrants and prize money, along with the ever-popular Gala Ball, the President’s Cocktail Party and the Captain Morgan Tropical Fashion High Tea, are just some of the highlights expected at the event, which marks the Amateurs’ 64th anniversary.
“We have some very large early bookings particularly out of Victoria including a group of 60 who will be attending the President’s Cocktail Party, the Gala Ball and taking a spot in the Corporate Aviary,” said Amateurs President David Goodman. “With the borders now open we’re able to target and bring people more people to Cairns.
“In 2021 we had about 10,000 people over the two days. This year I think with the borders open we will be nudging towards 12,000.”
The Fashions on the Field event, sponsored by Cairns Central, has added a new dimension to the increasing popular competition. For the first time, winners of other Queensland Fashions on the Field competitions are invited to compete.
“This opens the event right up so there will be a winner out of all the different race carnivals,” Mr Goodman said. “Fashions on the Field is a big part of Amateurs, and the participants have always been world-class. We’ve had some winners win the Melbourne Cup Fashions on the Field event, which just goes to show we’re fairly serious contenders in that sphere.”
This year’s event, themed Racing on the Great Barrier Reef to add to the attraction of out-of-town visitors, has also seen an increase in prize money.
“Racing Queensland has increased the prize money to approximately $750,000,” Mr Goodman said. “We have horses, trainers and jockeys coming from all over Australia.”
The ANZ Cairns Amateurs Ball, a highly popular event on the Amateurs social calendar on September 9, is selling quickly with less than 80 tickets left out of 560. Themed the Greatest Showman on Earth, the black-tie gala ball features live entertainment, dancers and music as well as a three-course sit-down dinner from Ochre Restaurant and Catering, fireworks and a fundraising auction with benefits supporting Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
“We are using local dancers, entertainers and a local band for our entertainment,” Mr Goodman said. “The talent we have in the local region is just as good as anywhere and is extremely popular with our patrons.”
Special guests attending include Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, honorary Patron, Bart Sinclair OAM and Carnival Ambassador Em Scodellaro.
“Cairns Amateurs is a powerful drawcard for visitors to this region and punches well above its weight in providing great memories – not just your habitual racegoers or fashion set but anyone looking for a good time in the great outdoors,”
Mr Goodman added.
“I think what sets us apart is the social aspect. Not many racing events have the social aspect the Amateurs has, and that’s what makes it so popular.”
For more information visit www.cairnsamateurs.org.au
