Cluden Park's set for Spring Action After Success of Winter Racing Carnival

Townsville’s racing winter carnival was a runaway success but attention is already turning to big races coming up in Spring.

Cluden Park general manager Natalie Rintala said the club was ecstatic with the Cup week crowds which over the three days exceeded 10,000.

“Considering the Covid restriction on both outdoor and indoor areas, we’re delighted with response from the community,” Mrs Rintala said.

“Every aspect of the week was great from Ladies Day on the first Saturday, the barrier draw on Castle Hill which was spectacular, the Cup Calcutta night and Cup day itself.

“There’s always room to improve things and we’ll take on board any feedback we receive and see where we need to make any changes.

“The two biggest days were Ladies Day which attracted over 3000 and 6,700 on Cup Day, and we’d like to look at ways of bumping up number on the Guineas Day on the Friday.”

With the winter carnival over, the Club is already planning for the next major race meetings coming up over the next few months.

“Our attention is already focused on Pallarenda Stakes day for the two-year-olds in October, Melbourne Cup Day on November 2 and the amateurs which will be held in November as well,” Mrs Rintala said.

Townsville now has a break in racing until the September 2 meeting, allowing ground staff time to carry out renovations on the course proper.

Work includes verti-draining (deep aeration), top dressing and fertilizer applications.

See the racing calendar for upcoming race days.