Close to 3000 spectators passed through the gates of the Burdekin Race Club on Saturday which helped turn the 18th Burdekin Growers Race Day meeting into a smashing success on and off the track.
On the track it was the Stephen Potiris trained Junee Boy won the C.U.B. Burdekin Cup Open Handicap by a length over Aldren.
This was the second win in the cup race at the Burdekin Growers meet for Junee Boy after the eight-year-old bay gelding tasted victory in 2013.
Mr Potiris said he’d been thinking of retiring the cup winner last year, but was ecstatic that his decision not to paid off so handsomely.
The Fashions on the Field attracted a huge number of entrants with many stunning designs showcased on the day.
The Burdekin Race Club Classic Lady award was won by Lisa Todeschino with Peta Johnston placing second and Gay Lewis proving the victor in the new local style section awarded to the best dressed entrant wearing fashions purchased wholly from within the Burdekin region.
The Malpass Hotel Contemporary Lady award went to Jasmin Delle Baite with Shannon Atkinson named runner-up and Danielle Todeschino took home the local style award.
The L'Shu on Queen Millinery Masterpiece was won by Erlinda Nunn with Emily Paterson named runner-up.
The Tropic Petroleum Stylish Gentleman award went to Ashley Mauro with Jake Healy coming in second and Mark Barbagallo won the local style award.
The Sportfirst Best Dressed Couple award was won by Paul and Catherine Johnston with Mr Barbagallo winning again with Lily Quirk.
Club president Torrie Davis said it had been a excellent day of racing, and said he thinks the event will continue well into the future.
“I’d like to thank all the staff, volunteers and sponsors who continually make the Growers Day such a special event,” Mr Davies said.
“I’d also like to thank all the spectators for coming, I hope you enjoyed the racing, fashions, and good times with friends and family,” he said.
Club stalwart Henry Petersen said the first meeting was a wonderful occasion.
“The attendance easily surpassed our expectations with close to 2000 people turning up, and the day has only increased in popularity since then,” Mr Petersen said.