By Casey O'Connor
That’s the message from Neil (Chips) Brunckhorst, President of the Stanthorpe Jockey Club to local Stanthorpe residents, the Southern Downs community and beyond.
“There have been plenty of rumours doing the rounds that we would not be able to race because of the drought and then the fires,” Neil said this week.
“We want to reassure owners, trainers, jockeys, punters and visitors that it is not the case.
“In fact it’s totally the opposite – it’s all systems go.”
Despite the recent bushfires kissing the western perimeter of the racecourse land it thankfully did not impact the track or any of the facilities.
Although the track itself has received little rain, it looks to be in remarkably good order.
“If we could just jag a couple of showers between now and race day it (the track) will be in perfect racing condition,” an upbeat Chips said during another committee working bee last weekend.
Racegoers will immediately notice some changes to Armstrong Park this year. Earlier in the year, the Jockey Club received a $35,000 grant from the Jupiter’s Casino Community Benefit Fund (JCCBF). The Club contributed an equal amount from their own coffers to build another covered area which extends from the current undercover bar area to the building housing the Secretary’s office and the Jockeys and Stewards rooms.
The large structure will provide an under-cover betting ring and extend the covered area available to patrons in all weather conditions.
The annual Stanthorpe Cup meeting is widely regarded as one of the premier country racing events in Queensland.
In recent years, the Stanthorpe Jockey Club has invested significantly in improvements to ensure a day at Armstrong Park is a memorable experience for racegoers. This latest structure is an extension of this work.
The 2019 Stanthorpe Cup meeting is once again set down for Caulfield Cup Day – Saturday 19 October.
Patrons can book for the luncheon or reserve undercover seating in the marquee area by contacting Secretary Jill Brunckhorst (mobile 0400 361 186; email info@wineracing.org) Further information is also available on the club’s website www.wineracing.org.
The Stanthorpe race meeting is a kid-friendly environment with plenty of on-course activity for younger racegoers accompanied by an adult.
Yes, they ARE racing in Stanthorpe in 2019. So it’s time to organise that special race day outfit to impress the Fashions on the Field judges, organise your group, book your preferred seating and begin paying attention to the form guide….
