AN estimated 2500 enthusiastic punters converged at the Innisfail Turf Club for the Australian banana industry-backed race day on the weekend.
Club president Mark Spagnolo said the turnout was even better than the previous year’s great crowd and described the atmosphere for the six race meet as “fantastic”.
Mr Spagnolo said he was very pleased that he’d received glowing reports from jockeys and trainers regarding the excellent quality of the track.
It definitely proved to be a winner for Innisfail trainer Leanne Ashford who had plenty to smile about after four of her horses previaled on the day, including a one-two finish in the open cup race with Blowin’ Your Mind winning by two lengths over Gladius.
Mr Spagnolo said the glory for Ashford was well-deserved.
“Along with her father George and partner Phillip Davies she’s been putting a lot of work in training up 15 or so horses, and that hard work has paid incredible dividends today,” he said.
For photos from the races click the image below.
The action on the track was well-balanced with the great times off it, as banana growers, packers and transporters among others united to celebrate their industry with each race on the program sponsored by a banana-related business.
“The Australian Banana Growers Council has had a close association with this particular meet for some time, but in the last two years they’ve come on-board as our major sponsor.
“The industry-associated guests they invite to come for the day, has greatly nudged our numbers up for the event, which is great for the club, and great for the growers as it provides them with a relaxed atmosphere to network and have a few laughs.
“I’d like to thank all our sponsors (also including Horticulture Innovation Australia), the public for showing such excellent support, and our live band Riff Raff who played on well after the last race concluded.”
