Sunshine Coast frocks up for Ladies Oaks race day

The Sunshine Coast Ladies Oaks race meeting at Corbould Park today will see thousands of dollars donated to a worthy local cause.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the Sunshine Coast Turf Club would donate $2 from each ticket sale to the Compass Institute, which supports young Queenslanders with a disability.

“I’m looking forward to attending this great Sunshine Coast race meeting, which has become a local fashion drawcard as well as a fantastic day of racing,” Mr Dickson said.

“The Newman Government is providing a fresh start for racing in Queensland, and continues to deliver on its election commitment to rejuvenate the industry.

“Queensland’s Winter Carnival provides a real boost for the local economy and highlights the racing industry’s vital commercial contribution to our state, as well as providing a great sporting and social occasion.

“It’s another way we’re restoring confidence and excitement in racing across Queensland.”

Mr Dickson said preparations were also in full swing for the Caloundra Cup race meeting at Corbould Park on Saturday 29 June.

“I am looking forward to Caloundra Cup race day, when racing on the Sunshine Coast takes centre stage of the winter racing carnival.

“As well as a big crowd on the day, with more than $750,000 prize money on offer, we’ll also be certain of attracting high quality fields.”

Sunshine Coast Turf Club chief executive officer Mick Sullivan said the Ladies Oaks race meeting had been growing in popularity over the years.

“It is staged to coincide with the Caloundra show day public holiday and a strong turnout is expected again this year,” Mr Sullivan said.

“This meeting gets a lot of local support and we expect as many as 8,000 people to come along on the day.

“It sets the scene for the Queensland Oaks race meeting at Eagle Farm the following day, which is one of the major meetings of the winter racing carnival.

“The fashions on the field component is just as keenly contested as the racing, and is sure to be one of the highlights of the day.”

 [ENDS] 31 May 2013         

Media contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192