More than 20,000 people are expected to turn out for Queensland’s biggest racing event of the year, the AAMI Stradbroke Day.
The event, which has become the grand final of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival, will be held on Saturday, June 9 at Eagle Farm Racecourse.
The super Saturday of racing will feature the $1million Group 1 AAMI Stradbroke Handicap, Australia’s premier sprint race.
Brisbane Racing Club Chairman Kevin Dixon said he was looking forward to what is going to be an epic state of origin style clash in this year’s AAMI Stradbroke.
“The greatest races always involve great horses and so it was our vision to create the ultimate showdown of Australasia’s racing champions here in Brisbane and set a new benchmark in Australian racing,” he said.
The Brisbane Racing Club recently launched the Australasian Challenge, a new invitational scheme to attract Australasia’s best horses to the Brisbane Racing Carnival to compete against the best in their league.
Race fees and travel expenses for winning horses from select sprint races will be covered by the scheme.
Invitations to the million dollar Stradbroke have already been sent to Winterbottom Stakes winner, Ortensia, and the NZ Telegraph Stakes winner, Guiseppina.
“The Australasian Challenge will be the ultimate trifecta – the nation’s best horses, in a first class racing carnival, located in the state which has the best winter weather,” Mr Dixon said.
Other key highlights will include the carnival’s premier staying race for three-year-olds, the $500,000 Group 1 Channel Seven Queensland Derby, the middle distance Group 1 T.J. Smith for two-year-olds, as well as the Group 2 Brisbane Cup.
Following a partnership with Brisbane BMW and Westside BMW, winning horses won’t be the only ones celebrating on the day.
“Any trainer whose horse places in the top four in both the Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap will have a chance to select 1 of 50 keys which unlock a new BMW 5 Series Sedan with a retail value of $95,139 drive away,” Mr Dixon said.
“Should no trainer achieve that feat, the winning trainer of the Stradbroke Handicap will be extended that opportunity.
“We feel this is yet another opportunity to reward trainers for supporting our carnival by preparing their horses to run in our feature events.”
The Brisbane Racing Club has a number of hospitality and ticketing options on offer this year to suit all race-goers including the opening of the Homestraight Lawn for the city’s biggest picnic.
“Patrons will be able to drive their cars into the centre of the racing action and have a picnic,” Mr Dixon said.
“You can sit back and watch the best racing Australasia has to offer from the comfort of your own car.”
Alternatively, there are a number of marquees on offer including the glamorous David Jones Stewards Lawn Marquee where guests can rub shoulders with celebrities including Megan Gale, Emma Freedman and Samantha Harris and enjoy food prepared by award-winning Australian chef, Philip Johnson.
Brisbane Racing Club spokeswoman Pru Reed said red, white and black will reign supreme in the fashion stakes.
“Be sure to incorporate red, white and black in your outfit, millinery or accessories to stay true to racewear tradition on Stradbroke Day.
“Brisbane’s most prestigious raceday calls for your finest frock, millinery or suit (for men) so pull out all stops when putting together your outfit,” Mrs Reed said.
For the first time Channel Seven will cover Queensland’s premier race event between 2pm and 4pm live on the Seven network nationally.
The commentary team for Seven’s two hour telecast will feature Australia’s pre-eminent sports broadcaster, Bruce McAvaney, alongside Pat Welsh, Bart Sinclair, Wayne Wilson, Kimberley Busteed and Sofie Formica.
Gates open on AAMI Stradbroke Day at 10am with the first race scheduled for shortly after midday.
(Source: www.brisbanemarketing.com.au)
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