Events and Social Calendar
SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2008
FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL DAY
- $20,000 Crowne Plaza Alice Springs NT Guineas
- General Admittance: Adults $10 - Pensioners $5 (Excl hospitality area ticketholders)
- Food & Wine Marquee $5 (Tickets available on the day)
- Free Bus Service
- Gates Open 10.30 am
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The five-day 2008 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival gets into full swing on April 12 with a new curtain-raiser, IGA Foodland Food and Wine Festival Day.
The new first day of the Carnival heralds the start of just over three weeks of top-class racing action, coupled with a myriad of events to satisfy even the most discerning racing enthusiast.
The first Food and Wine Raceday was held prior to the Carnival last year, but such was its success and the Club’s desire to increase the Cup Carnival from four to five days that it was adopted as the official first day of five.
Consequently, the racing programme for the Carnival has undergone numerous changes to incorporate the extra day, but the first day, as usual, will feature the $20,000 Crowne Plaza Alice Springs NT Guineas (1600m) for the three-year-olds.
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Jockey Matthew Hart aboard Marco Lago
after
winning the $20,000 NT Guineas in 2007. |
The day’s other features will be the $10,000 ROANT Central Zone Gold Cup (WFA, 1200m), while the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup hopefuls will start to gear up for the big one on the first Monday in May with the $10,000 open handicap over 1600m.
The IGA Foodland Food and Wine Marquee will again be situated next to the Dave Fogarty Pavilion, and will be open all afternoon for wine and food buffs to try out their tastebuds on what’s in store. |
XXXX GOLD Alice Springs Cup trophy . |
Last year there were a range of wines (12 winemakers in all) and boutique beers for tasting, and this year will be no exception. Like 2007, entry to this Marquee will be $5.00, which includes a tasting glass and programme.
Wines can be ordered in the Marquee, and once your order has been placed and received, your goods can be collected from one of the IGA Foodland stores in Alice Springs.
There will also be a range of food options available to complement the wines, plus a jazz band will be on hand in this area to create the right ambience.
To start the 2008 Carnival on the right note, IGA Foodland Wine and Food Festival Day is a must – good wine, good food and top quality racing action. |
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SATURDAY 19 APRIL 2008
YOUNG GUNS DAY
- $12,000 Cleanaway Quality Handicap
- Young Guns Marquee for 18-35 year olds: 2pm - 7pm (Entry by ticketholders only)
- General Admittance: Adults $10 - Pensioners $5 (Excl hospitality area ticketholders)
- Free Bus Service
- Gates Open 10.30 am
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Day two of the Carnival is one of the most eagerly-anticipated racedays of the year – Young Guns Day (April 19), when a big crowd always makes its way to Alice Springs Turf Club headquarters for a great day out.
Young Guns Day has been a part of the Turf Club calendar for some 11 years now, and in excess of 1,200 people, a large number of them younger racegoers, will make a beeline for South Stuart Highway’s Pioneer Park.
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The girls are dressed up and ready for a big day at the races. |
The entertainment on this day is directed at the Young Guns, and to them the horse racing, while a great attraction, is not what the day is all about. Their focus is purely on socialising with their friends and maybe making some new ones!
The Young Guns Marquee is THE place to be seen on this day. Admission to the marquee is ticket only, and these, as usual, will be available by listening to local station SunFM or by shopping at Murray Neck MusicWorld. Both have been great sponsors of Young Guns Day for many years now, and their support prior to and on the day always ensures that the non-racing action is not to be missed.
As usual, there will be a host of fantastic prize giveaways, superb local band Zenith ASP will be entertaining in the Marquee during the day and following the racing action, and the SunFM DJs, with their zany, madcap antics, will keep the crowd on their toes with a range of games and activities which are always popular. |
Young Guns revellers taking a break from the Party Marquee.
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The Alice Springs Turf Club, as always, will again be providing a number of free buses to and from the event so there is no excuse to bring a vehicle!
The day’s feature event on the track is the $15,000 Quality Handicap over 1600m, while the SDA Plumbing Handicap (1000m) for the sprinters is not to be missed. Also on this day is the $12,000 second leg of the 2yo Holdfast Insurance Brokers Triple Crown for the juveniles – remember what Periduki did to his rivals in 2007? |
SATURDAY 26 APRIL 2008
LADIES DAY
- $12,000 Redbank Wines WFA Chief Minister’s Cup
- Beaute' On The Mall – Ella Bache' Ladies Luncheon
- Games and activities for the kids in Kids Korner (1-5 pm)
- General Admittance: Adults $10 - Pensioners $5 (Excl hospitality area ticketholders)
- Free Bus Service
- Gates Open 10.30 am
BEAUTE ON THE MALL - ELLA BACHE LADIES DAY LUNCHEON
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The third day of the 2008 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival (April 26) is a day dedicated to the fairer sex – Ladies Day.
Ladies days anywhere in the world are popular occasions, and Pioneer Park is always well attended by the ladies during the Carnival. Women of all ages flock to the course dressed up in their finery, and with such a gathering of well-dressed ladies in one place, it is inevitable that a throng of men are not far behind!
As has become the norm on Ladies Day, the highlight will be the Beauté on the Mall-Ella Baché Ladies Luncheon, which will be held in the Dave Fogarty Pavilion. The Pavilion is a tremendous venue in which to enjoy the racing and entertainment – a temperate climate at this time of the year and the view, with the MacDonnell Range in the background, is stunning indeed.
Ladies Luncheon participants have the best seat in the house, and the Mounting Yard, where all the action takes place prior to and following each race, is able to be viewed close hand. |
From left, Angie Bain, wife of Turf
Club Chairman Paul Bain,
with
Cathie Molloy & Natalie Nicholl enjoying the Ladies Day Luncheon. |
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One thing is certain – there will be some stunning ladies out and about at Pioneer Park on April 26. The ones who make the biggest effort will be well rewarded, and a host of prizes, door giveaways and novelties will be up for grabs.
For the fourth year on end, Beauté on the Mall will be the major sponsor, and Terri Coccetti and her team are to be applauded for the effort they put into the day. Redbank Wines, the Club’s sole wine supplier, is also an integral part of the day and their contribution to racing at Pioneer Park is outstanding all year round. |
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Terri Coccetti (2nd from the left) from Beaute on the Mall with 2007 Ladies Luncheon
Fashions on the Field Winners, from left:
Naomi Beale, Natasha Schulz and Jessica Vroom. |
The Ladies Luncheon is a fully inclusive function, and for just $110.00 per head (price to be confirmed), you will receive entry to the course and the Dave Fogarty Pavilion, a sumptuous buffet luncheon, champagne, beer, wines and soft drinks.
Bookings are essential, and tickets are always at a premium. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Alice Springs Turf Club office on (08) 8952 4977, but remember to be in quick – numbers are strictly limited and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis!
The day’s feature will be a new event, the three and four-year-old 1600m handicap contested for a stake of $15,000. This race, it is hoped, will attract an outstanding field and be a pointer to the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup ten days later.
Other major racing events are the $12,000 Redbank Wines Chief Minister’s Cup (1900m) and the $12,000 Darwin Horse Floats Weight-For-Age over 1100m, both major lead-ups to the Cup and the Lasseters Hotel Casino Pioneer Sprint respectively.
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FRIDAY 2 MAY 2008
XXXX GOLD ALICE SPRINGS CUP LUNCHEON
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- This luncheon will be one of the highlights of the Cup Weekend.This year, the barrier draw for the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup will be an added attraction at the luncheon, the yearling raffle will be drawn, there will be an auction of sporting memorabilia and some top speakers will add to an afternoon of fun, relaxation and camaraderie.
RACING MINISTER'S RECEPTION (COCKTAIL PARTY)
- Racing Minister’s Cocktail Party
Alice Springs Convention Centre
Commences 6.00 pm (By Invitation Only)
WILLIAM INGLIS & SON RED CENTRE YEARLING SALE
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- William Inglis & Son Red Centre Yearling Sale
Commences 8.00 pm (All Welcome!)
Alice Springs Convention Centre
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SATURDAY 3 MAY 2008
FAMILY FUN DAY
- $50,000 Lasseters Hotel Casino Pioneer Sprint
- $10,000 Colemans Printing Cup
- Games and activities for the kids in Kids Korner (1-5 pm)
- Activities for the children including jumping castle, face painting & pony rides
- Appearance by Yamba the Honeyant courtesy of Imparja Television
- Children's Fashions on the Field Competition
- General Admittance: Adults $10 - Pensioners $5 (Excl hospitality area ticketholders)
- Free Bus Service
- Gates Open 10.30 am
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Families are an all-important part of the world of racing, and one of the most popular days on the Alice Springs Turf Club’ agenda is Family Fun Day, which this year will be the fourth day of the Carnival, May 3.
Family Fun Day is a day when the children hold pride of place, along with the Territory’s best sprinters, who do battle in the $50,000 Lasseters Hotel Casino Pioneer Sprint. The Red Centre’s second biggest race, which has had a stake increase of $10,000 on last year, always attracts a first-class line-up and 2008 promises to be no exception.
Every effort is made on this day to keep the children amused while their parents enjoy the action on the track. The younger racegoers will be entertained by a host of special events and attractions, such as a jumping castle, merry-go-round, face-painting, pony rides and organised games and activities. |
The Giddy Up Playground is the
place to be on Family Fun Day. |
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Yamba the Honeyant with Alfie Turner, one of the
Childrens' Fashions on the Field Winners.
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The Alice Springs Pony Club will be in action on this day, not only giving rides to the kids but also on the track, where they will strut their stuff in an organised race of about 400m. The pony club riders get immense pleasure out of competing on the big stage, and it gives them a chance to showcase their skills in front of a big, appreciative crowd.
As well as the entertainment for the children, there will be the popular children’s fashions on the field, a visit from Yamba The Honeyant (courtesy of Imparja), who will also judge the children’s fashions, and gift bags for all the younger racegoers kindly donated by Coca-Cola.
As well as the Lasseters Hotel Casino Pioneer Sprint, another of the attractions on the track will be the three-year-old event over 1200m. The staying three-year-olds get their chance on earlier days of the meeting, and the short-course performers get their chance to race for some good money on Family Fun Day.
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SATURDAY 3 MAY 2008
ALICE SPRINGS CUP BALL
Alice Springs Premier Ball!
Alice Springs Cup Ball (Black Tie)
Alice Springs
Convention Centre
Barrett Drive, Alice Springs.
Commences 7 pm for 7.30 pm
Tickets approx' $165 per person. Individual seats or tables of 10 available.
Bookings for this must-attend event can be made through the
Alice Springs Convention Centre on (08) 8950 0200. |
Alice Springs Convention Centre
staff
take time out to enjoy the Cup Carnival Ball. From left
Marie Kallweit,
Nicole Bieg, Kristy Knott and Donna Millett. |
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SUNDAY 4 MAY 2008
ALICE SPRINGS CUP CALCUTTA
- Alice Springs Cup Calcutta & Entertainment
Commences 2.00 pm (All Welcome!)
Gillen Club, Milner Road, Alice Springs
- Think you know the winner of the Cup? Then don’t miss the Cup Calcutta at the Gillen Club on Sunday arvo. This is always a good time to catch up with friends, have a beer or two and put your money where your mouth is as far as the Cup is concerned. Tickets will be on sale a few weeks before the Calcutta, and you have to be in to win!
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MONDAY 5 MAY 2008
XXXX GOLD ALICE SPRINGS CUP DAY
- $75,000 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup
- $15,000 William Inglis & Son Red Centre Classic
- $12,000 CentreRacing Queen of the Desert Stakes
- $12,000 Oamps Insurance Brokers Handicap
- Cup Day Luncheon (Prior Bookings Essential - Contact the club (08) 8952 4977)
- Games and activities for the kids in Kids Korner (1-5 pm)
- Fashions on the Field Competition
- General Admittance: Adults $20 - Pensioners $10 (Excl hospitality area ticketholders)
- Free Bus Service
- Gates Open 9.00 am
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| THE 2008 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival culminates on the first Monday in May (May 5) with the running of the race all Territorians – and several interstaters – want to win, the $75,000 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup. |
Pioneer Park Racecourse is the perfect place to be on the first Monday in May!
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Without doubt the biggest day of the year in Central Australian racing, Cup Day at Pioneer Park is a sea of colour, excitement and atmosphere, as the day unfolds to a climax with the only 2000m race run in the Red Centre, which as usual will be the last of eight races on the programme.
The public holiday in the Territory means that a crowd well in excess of 2,000 will flock to Alice Springs Turf Club headquarters to witness all the fun that is Cup Day – the culmination of 12 months of planning that goes into making YOUR day the best it can possibly be.
The day’s undoubted highlight will be the running of the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup, backed again by Lion Nathan NT under their XXXX Gold banner.
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One of only two races on the calendar in Alice Springs to have its start in the home straight, the Cup is always a great race, run at breakneck speed by some of the Territory’s best – plus a sprinkling of interstate raiders, all in search of the $51,000 stake and the dress rug and magnificent cup, which some consider even more important than the prizemoney!
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Guest Judge Pauline Hanson with Qantaslink Fashions on the Field winners on Alice Springs Cup Day 2007. |
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Other highlights on the track include the of the $12,000 CentreRacing Queen of the Desert Stakes for the fillies and mares, and the $15,000 William Inglis and Son Red Centre Classic for the two-year-olds. Both are time-honoured affairs and promise to produce first-class contests.
As well as the action on the track, there will be the annual Cup Day Fashions on the Field Competition off it. The prizes, as always, will be tremendous, and you can rest assured there will be an array of beautifully dressed racegoers – both men and women – chasing the goodies. The XXXX Gold Angels, for the second successive year, will be on hand to entertain, while there will be additional catering outlets to meet the demand, activities for the younger racegoers and much more besides!
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The XXXX Angels help Connections of Catechism celebrate after winning the 2007 XXXX GOLD Alice Springs Cup.
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Racing will get underway on XXXX Gold Cup Day at around noon, but the gates will open well before that to allow patrons to soak up the atmosphere and get the best possible spot from which to enjoy the action.
Have a bet with the bookies or on the Tote, cast your eye over the runners in the Mounting Yard, or just enjoy the marvellous facilities evident on-course – you can bet there’ll be something for everyone at Pioneer Park on the first Monday in May, 2008! |
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2008 CARNIVAL GATE ENTRY FEES
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Adult |
Concession |
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| Day 1 |
$10.00 |
$5.00 |
| Day 2 |
$10.00 |
$5.00 |
| Day 3 |
$10.00 |
$5.00 |
| Day 4 |
$20.00 |
$10.00 |
Children under the age of 18, accompanied by an adult, are free. |
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