From die-hard punters to fashionistas, the one constant at the Royal on 99 Roma Cup Races is that the cast of thousands who stream through the gates of Bassett Park for the annual meeting have a collective smile on their dial for the entire day.
Roma Turf Club president Brett Ashney said the Roma Cup meeting, taking place on Saturday, November 16, captures a worldwide audience.
"While the majority of our guests hail from the Sunshine State, we have visitors arrive from all over Australia and overseas," Mr Ashney said.
"For casual racegoers the exciting atmosphere provides perfect conditions to enjoy a great day out with friends and family, filled with laughs, drinks, the allure of the Fashions on the Field competition, and more."
"Racing fans are also well rewarded with thrilling action, and with $213,000 in total prize money up for grabs across the eight race program the action is sure to be fierce."
He said the Roma Cup is the last qualifying race for the Country Cups Challenge, raced a fortnight later in Brisbane, which further fuels the level of competition.
"The $75,000 in prize money at stake in the Roma Cup race puts the meeting in-line with typical metropolitan race meetings and is a record for prize money offered at a country race meet."
On the day, the gates at Bassett Park will open at 11am with the first race getting underway at 12pm, and Mr Ashney said the long-range forecast suggests the weather should be ideal.
"Even if we do get some rain, it'll be great for our region which sorely needs it."
Off the track, the Brisbane Riverview Hotel Fashions on the Field competition field will run the gamut of sartorial looks, from stylish and sophisticated to wild and wacky.
Mr Ashney said categories include: Contemporary; Classic; Headwear; Menswear; and Fun and Funky.
"Some of the prizes up for grabs are return airfares from Roma to Brisbane, accommodation packages from the Brisbane Riverview Hotel, RM Williams boots and a belt for the gents, clothing boutique gift cards, vouchers and goodie bags, millinery vouchers and much more."
He said judging for the fashions will begin at 2pm on the main stage with finalists and winners to be presented at approximately 3pm, likely between the third and fourth races of the day.
Beautiful grounds surround the sand racetrack at Bassett Park with all amenities provided including bar and food, an air-conditioned Members Bar and on-course TAB and Eftpos facilities. The option to camp on the grounds is also available.
Mr Ashney said the atmosphere on the day will be heightened with live music from Roma Cup veterans Route 33 and by Mick Lindsay who's returning to Roma from his national tour to entertain the crowd.
"I'd like to thank our sponsors: Royal on 99/Explorers Inn, XXXX/Lion Co, Savanna Energy, Hall Chadwick Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, Coca Cola Amatil, McInnes Wilson Lawyers, Tabcorp Holdings, Dracary's Stallion, the Brisbane Riverview Hotel and Brenorr's."
"Be sure to join us for the McDonald's Christmas Races and get your festive season celebrations off to a rousing start on Saturday, December 7."
TICKET OPTIONS APLENTY
Mr Ashney said Royal on 99 Roma Cup visitors can choose from three ticket options depending to enjoy the day.
"Gate entry is the no frills Roma Cup option which will provide visitors with entry into the park so they can enjoy the races all day and party all night," he said.
"The Track Party option is the all inclusive, one stop party venue. All drinks and food are included in the cost of this ticket from midday to 5.30 pm. You'll be situated on the inner track with access to bookies and a spectacular view of the winning straight. Once the party finishes you can then join crowd on the main concourse for entertainment into the night.
"In the Members Marquee, guests can enjoy the luxury of air conditioning, finger food, paypass at the spirit pour bar, and another excellent view of the winning straight. All the beautiful and almost beautiful people are here, as well as anyone who simply wants to beat the Roma heat."
- Tickets are now available through the Roma Turf Club website until midnight, Friday, November 15. For further information please contact the Roma Turf Club on 0409 898 623 or info@romaturfclub.org.au, and like the Facebook page for updates.