The Toowoomba Turf Club today officially launched the 2016 Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood, Toowoomba’s most prestigious racing event on Saturday April 16.
The Audi Centre Toowoomba was again affirmed as the major partner and it was only fitting the local dealership showcased the reveal of events associated with this year’s Weetwood carnival.
In addition to the time-honoured Weetwood raceday, the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) announced that it will again deliver a week of festivities that exhibits all things great about this city’s long standing community event.
Weetwood Week will tee off on Monday April 11 with the Weetwood Golf Day where guests can mix it with the stars of Weetwood and get an early insight into Toowoomba’s biggest race.
The following morning, on Tuesday April 12, Clifford Park will host the annual Breakfast with the Weetwood Stars.
This free community event will enable guests to soak up all the trackside action, while watching the Weetwood stars complete their final track gallop and the opportunity to rub shoulders with the trainers and jockeys.
The Weetwood School Colour Competition will also be judged across the 14 Darling Downs-based primary schools that have participated in the annual Weetwood in the Community initiative.
The Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood Barrier Draw will be held on Wednesday April 13 and is a must-attend event for those with a passion for racing, as the barriers are drawn that could determine the fate of the Weetwood contenders.
The traditional Weetwood Racing Mass will be carried out the same evening, Wednesday April 13, with Father McGinley, who will bless the track, horses, jockeys and trainers in the lead-up to Weetwood.
On the eve of Toowoomba’s premier raceday, the much anticipated annual Weetwood Calcutta will be conducted at Clifford Park, giving racing enthusiasts the chance to draw the winner of the 2016 Audi Centre Weetwood Handicap while enjoying a night out with mates.
All the associated Weetwood Week events culminate on Saturday April 16, with the city’s annual social event, the Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood.
TTC Chief Executive Officer Blair Odgers felt the launch provided an in-depth snapshot of what the community can expect for the 2016 Weetwood carnival.
“This year’s Weetwood is again part of the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival after the success of last year’s event,” Odgers said.
“The Weetwood is a community event and we have ensured the raceday and associated Weetwood events encompass everyone – from our newest racing enthusiasts, through to our most seasoned followers.
“We encourage the community to embrace all things Weetwood and appreciate one of the longest sprint handicaps in Australia, an achievement that, as a community, we should be very proud of,” Odgers said.
Hospitality packages are on sale and can be viewed by visiting www.weetwood.com.au
