Claire Power IPSWICH returned to metropolitan midweek racing with a strong line-up that included Melbourne Cup winning jockey Craig Williams. The day had a southern feel about it with a strong field of Northern Rivers horses finding the line. Shotgun Bobby created an upset win in the first at $16.90 on the tote to shoot home in the 1710m Maiden Handicap. The gelding found his form for Ballina trainer Ethan Ensby, piloted by Chris Caserta to boost his prizemoney pool to over $30,000. Fellow NSW Northern Rivers trainer Matthew Dunn had a win with Southern Swing, which has found his feet at Ipswich recently having back-to-back victories this month.
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AFTER an unscheduled year off from the Cup, the people of Ipswich are absolutely champing at the bit for this year’s event, especially if early ticket sales are any indication.
Barely two hours after tickets for the June 19 event went on sale, more than 80 had been snapped up, with phones and emails down at the Turf Club running hot with inquiries from excited race fans.
There are still three months to go until the Ipswich Winter Racing Carnival kicks off, and cup organisers are hoping for a crowd of about 20,000, albeit with some COVID measures in place.