By Rockhampton Jockey Club CEO Ian Mill
Me again readers and as usual welcome back.
Today, Saturday June 17, is going to be a big day out at our Callaghan Park racetrack with the staging of the 21st Rockhampton Girls Grammar School race day.
All 21 “firsts’’ are specially celebrated and for certain that is the case on this occasion.
Really looking forward to the top-class racing on the track and the feel-good atmosphere around the crowd.
The theme to dress, in mind with the Roaring Twenties should ensure that there will be very interesting fashions trackside.
It’s never too late as they say, so if you have nothing planned then pop on over to Callaghan Park this afternoon to be part of the action.
During the week my team at Callaghan Park received some exciting news.
In fact, Wednesday evening was a celebration of excellence in the 2023 Wedding Industry Awards for the Capricorn Coast and Central Queensland.
The announcement of winners and recipients was made by Virtual Event.
Yes, by now you have probably already guessed it that Callaghan Park has been awarded winner of the Wedding Venue Function Centre.
Readers to say that all the team out here at Callaghan Park and all associated are chuffed is an understatement.
A very big thanks to everyone, especially the judges at the Wedding Industry Awards.
So, if you are planning a wedding or a special event get in contact with the team at Callaghan Park and call to make your special day even more memorable.
We cater for all gatherings and social events.
From The Members function facility which allows spectacular views of the racecourse under brilliant lighting it creates a unique atmosphere.
As well, of course there are no parking problems awaiting your guests at the racecourse venue which is another big plus.
Recognition says it all and this we have achieved by being the recipients of this prestigious award.
Our contact number for information on the venue is the Rockhampton Jockey Club telephone number 49 374000.
Speaking of social gatherings, it is appropriate to go over again the events and packages on offer during the upcoming Rockhampton Winter Racing Carnival.
Taking a line off our race caller Russel Leonard of “spin it again Sam” at the risk of you the readers thinking Ian has already told us about all the events, I will spin the record again.
There is always the chance that for some reason a regular reader of my column may have missed it or of course a new reader would not have previously read the item.
That is the basis on which I write the column.
The RJC’s major entertainment function will be the Rockhampton Cup Calcutta Luncheon in the Members Lounge at Callaghan Park with special guests Alan Jones and comedian Vince Sorrenti.
It will commence at 12 noon to be seated at 12.30pm on Thursday, July 6.
Tickets will include a three- course luncheon plus a beverage package.
Dress standards will apply with gentlemen in collared shirt and slacks, while a coat and tie is optional.
Strictly no denim, polos or T-shirts with ladies to wear smart attire.
Tickets are priced at $225 for RJC members and $250 for non-members.
The Calcutta Luncheon is regarded as the premier Winter Racing Carnival event.
The Calcutta itself is a must attend as Russell Leonard auctions off the Cup runners in inimitable style.
So, readers go online to the RJC/Callaghan Park sites and Facebook page, and you will get the mail on how to book.
Please do so quickly if you plan on attending.
We at the RJC believe it is a real coup to have Alan Jones AO in attendance and he will be our ambassador over the two days of brilliant racing.
Best remind you of those crucial race dates again.
Friday, July 7 sees the running of the Rockhampton Newmarket Handicap (1300m) with $100,000 prize money.
The club backs-up the following day, Saturday, July 8 with the $150,000 Rockhampton Cup (1600m).
Over those two days approximately $930,000 in prize money is on the table.
With bonus QTIS prize money and then trophies taken into account, around $1 million dollars value all told is on offer.
Now of course we know it factually that the RJC Winter Racing Carnival is just not for the thoroughbreds and racing stakeholders but if I may coin a phrase also for the human “stayers and players”.
Going along those lines may I thoroughly recommend to you to be part of the Rockhampton Cup Chairman’s Luncheon?
Hello, naturally this will be convened in the Callaghan Park Members lounge on Saturday, July 8 from 12 noon on Rockhampton Cup Day.
Allow me readers to read from our advertising notice on this event.
“Enjoy all the excitement of the prestigious Rocky Cup in the Members Lounge. The Chairman’s Lunch Ticket includes a three-course lunch served as feasting style share platters to the table, plus a beverage package”.
Ticket prices are for members $225 and non-members $250.
I would like to invite you all to kick-on at the Rocky Cup After Party with The Dawn and The Sax Band.
Wait readers there is more.
Another package option for you to consider on Rockhampton Cup Day is The Precinct at Rocky Cup in the Amateurs lounge.
Tickets are packaged at $90 for members and $99 for non-members.
The price includes gate entry to Callaghan Park, as well as reserved seating in the air-conditioned Amateurs Lounge.
As well you will receive a complimentary glass of beer or wine upon arrival.
I just must tell you about the selection of nibblies on offer which if I say so myself are very inviting.
Read on as I have from the menu.
Wild Mushroom Arancini with Tomato Sugo and Truffle Aioli.
Duck Spring Roll with 5 Spiced Plum Sauce.
Crispy Pork Belly with Chilli Caramel and Pineapple Salsa.
Not forgetting Salt and Pepper Calamari, Fries and Lime Aioli.
As well, there will be a cash bar in operation.
Look you will just have to excuse me for a few minutes readers as that was so mouth watering I just have to go and get myself a little snack!
Back again.
Ah that’s better, I feel OK now after a coffee with cheese and crackers.
I should have just kept on writing as I am off track now.
Get it readers – off track – Callaghan Park – OK not funny?
Finally, the last package option for Saturday, July 8 is for THE PADDOCK AT ROCKY CUP: THE BETTING RING.
For $50 ticketing you get gate entry, a complimentary beverage on arrival and cocktail style seating.
Once again, the invitation is to kick on at the Rocky Cup After Party.
Of course, I must not forget to inform you readers that if you jump the queue and book now online the entry price on Cup Day is $20.00
At the Callaghan Park gates on Cup Day entry is priced at $25.00.
Reiterating, all the details are available on the Rockhampton Jockey Club or Callaghan Park Website or Facebook pages.
Next week I will enlighten you all about the categories of the Fashions On The Field.
Of course, not to forget, leading up to the principal days of the Carnival we race at Callaghan Park on Friday, June 23 and Sunday, June 25.
They are the two big days formerly held by Rockhampton’s Tattersall’s Racing Club.
If you would like a day out in the country for a race meeting and fancy a drive, the Springsure St Patrick’s Day Race Club is racing tomorrow (Sunday, June 18).
The annual St Patrick’s Day races were washed out in March and reconvened to tomorrow.
Big fields with an early start of 12 noon and similarly an early finish at 3pm.
Finally, here are the race dates for the Mackay Turf Club in coming weeks leading up to its Winter Carnival highlights.
Mackay race next Thursday, June 22; Saturday, July 1 (Lightning Hcp Day); Friday, July 14 (Newmarket Day) culminating with the $150,000 Mackay Cup (2000m) on Saturday, July 22.
Then of course all roads lead up north for the Townsville and Cairns Carnivals.
In the meantime, my path leads back to my office desk for much more to perform.
Until next week readers,
Yours In Racing – Ian Mill.