Considered to be regional Queensland’s most cheeky event, Mackay Beach Horse Races organisers, Sound Australia are thrilled to announce the debut of the world’s very first air jockey competition.
Competitors on the beach will don their specially made Mackay Beach Horse Races jockey caps - thanks to Fullhammer Mackay- and battle it out against other wannabe jockeys for the title. A social media-based competition will also be held, with punters from around Australia cordially invited to get in the mix by submitting their most enthusiastic videos. Major prizes for this competition will soon be announced.
The always-popular Fashions on the Sand is also back this year with incredible prizes on offer, including 1 x nights’ accommodation in a King Room at the Emporium Hotel Southbank, a Camira Sailing Adventure for 2 adults with Cruise Whitsundays and more. The categories include Best Dressed Classic Lady, Best Dressed Contemporary Lady, Best Man on the Sand, and Best Headwear.
This year’s Racing Program is led by Racing Manager Tony Fenlon, who was born and bred in Central Queensland. The program itself consists of eight thoroughbreds, 20 Australian Stock Horses/Quarter Horses and seven mixed breeds (totaling 35 horses) are spread over six races, some in multiple classes giving us 41 starters.
The last race of the day scheduled at 4.30pm would be The Mick Pope Memorial Race, which represents all nomination breeds with 7 horses in the field.
Calling the beachfront action would be Russell Leonard - a familiar face to anyone frequenting the Mackay and Rockhampton Turf Clubs. Russell is known for his expert race calling across the Sky Network and Radio TAB.
The Mackay Beach Horse Races 2022 boasts not only a wide array of entertainment and fun, but the best local food vendors. Whether you’re after fresh seafood plates, woodfired pizzas, dumplings, or an excellent cup of coffee, vendors will be on hand to serve up delicious and belly filling eats.
Leaving your car behind is highly recommended as there will be five coaches throughout the event to provide racegoers with non-stop shuttles. These shuttle services will be coming from key locations such as Mirani, Eimeo, Canelands, Slade Point, Mount Pleasant, South Mackay and Sarina. Full transport details are available on the event website and bookings can only be made at www.mackaybeachhorseraces.com.au.
Ticketing packages designed to suit all budgets, appetites and vibes have officially been released with offerings ranging from premium dining and viewing experiences within the Mackay Surf Club and The Dispensary VIP Deck venues, to down-in-the-sand, Euro-style Beach Club celebrations.
Where sand replaces the turf and an event where you’re most likely to see a Hawaiian shirt as a ball gown, formalities and pretensions will be left at the gate as the region gets ready to revel among pristine beach scenery from Friday, 10 to Sunday, 12 June 2022.