Glorious winter sun greeted punters as they arrived early for a massive day of outback racing at the Roxby Downs Racing Club. In the heart of the Australian Outback, with a vibrant red dirt tack, the 2023 instalment of the Roxby Downs Cup was set to be another fantastic day out with plenty of excitement!
Fashion was an early focus of the day with the children’s category being judged straight after Race 1. For the Best Dressed Gentleman, there were a range of styles on display and some healthy competition. In the end, the Best Dressed Gentleman went to the entrant wearing a wonderful three piece suit and matching hat.
A field of over 30 entrants with amazing style, fiercely competed for the grand prize of $1000. Brilliant colours were on display, and an array of different fascinators and hats made the judges’ decision very difficult with the high calibre of entrants.
On the track there was plenty of action with a six-race card, with most of the riders in each race apprentice jockeys. Five of the six races were won by apprentices and senior jockey, Sairyn Fawke, claimed the win in Race 2 aboard Riched.
Recently debuted apprentice Chelsey Reynolds, capped off her first week as a competitive jockey by claiming the Roxby Downs Cup. This was the race day Chelsey had competed on dirt. Chelsey put in a commanding performance aboard Michael McClean trained Aussie Sojourn.
A fantastic day of outback racing moves us closer to the end of the Flinders & Outback region’s season. The final Outback Cup for this year will be run at Quorn in under two weeks on the 19 August. A final day of racing at Port Augusta at the end of August is set to bring the Flinders & Outback region’s season to a close.
Check out some of the images from the day…
