THE annual Ipswich Cup race meeting has further enhanced its reputation as one of the social events of the Queensland racing season after another boom weekend.
Perfect weather drew a fashion-loving crowd of almost 14,000 to the track which has benefited from millions of dollars in enhancements over the past few years.
Ipswich Turf Club CEO, Tim Dunn, was still beaming days after the meeting as more than 12 months of planning paid off with a winning dividend.
While final figures will come through later this week it’s expected wagering on the eight-race card will eclipse all previous records with an expected $22m plus plunged on the meeting.
“The racing was great, we hardly had an issue, but the great thing was the pride all staff are feeling this week about how well the planning went,” Tim said.
“Getting ready for an Ipswich Cup takes months of preparation, we actually start work on next year’s Cup as soon as one finishes.
“We do a detailed postmortem on the event and already we have received wonderful feedback saying the staff on the day were brilliant.
“With more than 1000 employed to look after the crowd that’s great to hear.”
For the record the Annabel Neasham trained outsider Regal Lion won the Cup, while the Eyeliner sprint went to the well backed Lady of Honour ridden by Andrew Mallyon in a photo-finish. As always less than two lengths separated seven horses at the end of the feature sprint.
