Contemporary Lady Winner Brittney Tamou and Runner Up Ureisha Hughes

THE Burdekin Race Club has reached new heights at the twenty-fifth anniversary of Burdekin Grower Race Days with racegoers streaming through the gates to create a crowd that Club President, Ricky Gudge described as “being close to a record, if it didn’t achieve a record number”.

“What a day!” Mr Gudge commented.

“Fashions were again of the highest standard with the out-of-town judges commenting on the quality in all categories that entered into the Brown Brothers competition”.

“The Next Gen Platinum marquee was a big hit, with patrons having only positive comments on all parts of what was offered”.

“Cocktails were a big winner and with the drinks being complimented with top flavours from the tapas menu, everyone was extremely happy,” Mr Gudge said.

“Word is that this marquee will require extending next year, with numerous comments of that’s where I’m going in 2024.”

The Burdekin’s horticultural growers again heavily supported the race meeting, with bins of produce generously donated by local farmers and if crowds continue to grow as they are, the Race Club may have to look at securing a few more.

The Race Club President offered a huge “Thank You” to the generous people who donated produce . . . “you made the day for many people, guaranteeing them going home a winner”.

The six-event racing program did not disappoint as well, with experienced jockey, Graham Kliese having a field day, riding four winners from his five rides, including the feature event, the Carlton United Burdekin Cup over 1830 metres, as he capped off of a prosperous day with a win on Wise Dragon, for trainer, Stephen Bush from Townsville.

Kliese started the day well riding the first three winners, including Whistle in the Burdekin Veterinary Services maiden, locally trained Rebel Lake in the Star Liquor BM50 over 1460 metres and Old School in the Lysaght BM55 over 1180 metres.

Other winners for the day were Heiswoody in the Nutrien AG Solutions Class B over 1000 metres and Golden Athena in the Battle of the Bush qualifier, which guarantees the horse a place in the final in Brisbane worth $150,000.

President Ricky Gudge was thankful to all the Race Club’s sponsors with their generosity “greatly appreciated”.

Mr Gudge also offered his sincere thanks to all the volunteers who donated time, whether it was a few hours or those people who were there for weeks setting up.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you,” he said.

“This event would not happen without you. Organising events like this day take an enormous amount of work, but the rewards of doing something like this, to see the patrons enjoying it, is very fulfilling.”

He urged anyone who would like to donate a bit of time to help with the Race Club to make contact with him.

“Who knows, you may really enjoy it,” he commented.

“Remember you don’t need to be part of the executive to have a say at the club.”

RACE DAY PRIZE WINNERS:

FASHION

Millinery Masterpiece: