AAMI Stradbroke Day the best ever
Sparkling rays of Queensland sun pierced the crisp morning air. The public lawn was already 20 people deep. Wayne made his way up to the broadcast box to call his last Stradbroke Handicap.
It was still half an hour before the first, the air was thick with excitement and anticipation; this was going to be a very special day.
Since the opening day of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival five weeks ago, the bar has continued to be raised. Hailed as Queensland’s Crowning Glory, AAMI Stradbroke Day didn’t disappoint.
Over 2,000 interstate and international visitors made up the 23,980 strong crowd, 20% more than the same day last year. Interstate stars such as Dariana, from the Bart Cummings stable shone in the Channel Seven QLD Derby, while the crowd cheered home local trainer Robert Heathcote’s Our Lukas in the XXXX Gold Handicap.
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Other interstate visitors included the very glamorous Rebecca Twigley, who is the Myer Racing Ambassador. Rebecca joined a panel of experts to judge the Myer Fashions on the Field. There were around 20 very well dressed men and 70 glamorous ladies who competed for a swag of prizes.
From across the Tasman came a very special visitor. Rough Habit won 11 Group One races in Australia and 
New Zealand, with six of them recorded in Brisbane. His wins included the Queensland Derby, two Stradbroke Handicaps, and a record three Doomben Cups. It’s no surprise that Queenslander’s see ‘Roughie’ as one of our own and cheered him on as he led the AAMI Stradbroke field onto the track. The 23 year old then stretched his legs with an exhibition canter down the home straight.
The Unitab Bet of a Lifetime saw eight finalists take to the podium to select an envelope. Seven people won the opportunity to place a $1,000 bet and Mick Noonan from Clontarf won the opportunity to put $10,000 on the nose in the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap. Unfortunately for Mick and many other punters on Saturday, he backed Melito, who ran second to the 2009 winner, Black Piranha in what was a nail biting photo finish.
Many in the industry are claiming this was the best Brisbane (Winter) Racing Carnival ever, with quality horses on the track and many new initiatives invigorating both Doomben and Eagle Farm.
We invite your feedback on the 2010 Carnival. Please feel free to email your thoughts to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Brisbane Racing Club is turning one and we want you to come and celebrate with us!
