Cairns Amateurs Carnival supercharged for 2023

Headline photo: Paul Furse from Frontrow Foto

By Cairns Amateurs

Cairns Amateurs racegoers are in for a treat in 2023 with new venues and a cleverly revised event layout upping the style and sophistication stakes for a supercharged Sapphire Jubilee carnival.

Cairns Amateurs Carnival President David Goodman said the committee has worked hard to integrate new and existing event infrastructure at Cannon Park to deliver a more intimate and atmospheric race goer experience.

According to Mr Goodman, the changes signify a greater and more effective use of public space and most notably, take full advantage of the Cairns Jockey Club’s newly completed, fully enclosed, state-of-the-art and air-conditioned venue.

“Situated at the very heart of Cannon Park and complete with glass walls that capture all the race day action, this venue becomes home to St Hubert’s Pavilion – Amateurs’ new carnival centrepiece promising an unprecedented level of premium hospitality,” Goodman said.

Goodman said St Hubert’s Pavilion replaces what was formerly Seppelt’s Pavilion and is the catalyst for further changes that collectively bring racegoers closer together while providing greater choice, track side access and comfort thanks to more air-conditioned options.

“I am also excited to announce a big change for our members who will move from their traditional space at the 1600 metre mark to the two-storey marquee offering the enjoyment of cooling breezes and panoramic views of the racetrack and Cannon Park," he said.

“We know our members will embrace their comfortable new surroundings, while the younger Picnic on the Lawn revellers will love their new spot, closer to the action that will dot the grassed area with tables and market umbrellas for a festive feel."

The other key changes to the event layout show a move for the 1500 Club from the two-storey marquee to the CJC Pavilion while underneath, the Vodka Cruiser Festival takes over the Silks Pavilion with both events enjoying the advantage of a more centralised position and air conditioning.

Mr Goodman said in all, the changes are about enhancing the race goer experience, spelling a bright future for the Cairns Amateurs Carnival.   

From Thursday, September 7 to Saturday, September 9, the Carnival marks 65 years with its four-day Sapphire Jubilee program of fun, fashion, and racing events.

Click here to purchase tickets to Cairns Amateurs Carnival Sapphire Jubilee events.

About Cairns Amateurs Carnival

The Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club Inc was established in 1959 by the late Sir Sydney Williams OBE and Les Gallagher to introduce a coastal version of the historical Oak Park races as a way of bringing city and country people together. 

The committee of 10 members spanning representatives from outback stations and Cairns businesses, presented the first ever Cairns Amateurs Carnival on September 18 and 19 1959.

In its early days, the Cairns Amateurs ran six races on each day of the two-day program and from the very outset was held under Vice-Regal patronage, with the then Governor, Sir Henry Abel Smith. 

Jockeys were, as the Club’s name suggests, amateur riders – most of whom came from inland stations. 

Professional riders did not compete until many years later due to changes in race regulations. 

While the club expressed disappointment at the mid-1990 ruling which disallowed amateur riders from competing, the ‘amateurs’ tradition has been retained and is deeply instilled within the spirit of the club’s culture.

Today, the mission of the club is to operate a sustainable and accessible annual racing carnival showcasing the social, cultural, and commercial attributes of Cairns and the tropical north.