Laura races rodeo and roundup

FUN AND GAMES

Paul Makin

Journalist

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Forgiato, trained in Innisfail by Renee Schluenz and ridden by Masayuki Abe, takes out this year’s Laura Cup. All pictures: Paul Makin

The 127th running of the Laura Cup unfolded under ideal conditions, with a dramatic back-to-back win in the cup for a seven-year-old ridden by Masayuki Abe.

The 1450 metre event saw Forgiato, trained in Innisfail by Renee Schluenz, surge to victory at the generous odds of 8/1.

The day was packed with notable incidents.

In an earlier race, jockey Nathan Day was unseated after his horse was spooked by a wallaby. Fortunately, Nathan escaped unscathed, his pride being the only casualty. Wallabies held up a couple of races as officials shooed them off the track much to the delight of the crowd.

Cow chaos

Adding to the day's excitement, a young cow escaped from a nearby rodeo and startled visitor Viv Vortouni at her bush camp near the racetrack.

The coffee Viv was drinking went high in the air as she came face to face with the charging cow, which veered off just in time as visiting cowboy Jay Jensen pursued it on horseback.

“It came straight for me, and I didn’t have anywhere to go so I just stood my ground," Viv said with a smile.

Cowboy Jensen eventually corralled the runaway animal providing plenty of laughs and no injuries.

Huge crowd

The event drew a crowd of 3,000, with the betting ring buzzing and attendees showcasing their finest attire in the on-course fashion competition.

The Black Image Band from Cooktown kept the dancefloor lively, continuing their tradition from last year.

The band, composed of the Harrigan brothers, remains in high demand, booked two years in advance.

This year's Calcutta was run on the Pioneer Cup, with Jenna Edwards riding Strategist to a scorching win over 1200 metres. The horse, purchased in the Calcutta for $5,200, earned the lucky ticket holder a handsome $12,700 prize.

Laura Races Secretary Jenni Sorensen praised the event and the crowd's behaviour.

“It was a wonderful day, and the crowd is always so well behaved and respectful,” Jenni said.

Newly elected president Phil Holloway from Port Douglas echoed those sentiments.

“My task has been made easier by the wonderful work done by previous president Graham Love and it's an honour to have this position at a club with so much history behind it,” Phil said.

Another tireless worker for the club is caretaker Slick who despite the heavy rains of Jasper had the track looking immaculate.

The race day was dedicated to the memory of Dave Edward, a longtime volunteer on the working committee, whose absence was deeply felt by all.

Joel Miller, Jayne Miller and Alice Hansford enjoying themselves at the Laura Races.
Dalta Hatfield and Nick Scomazzon on track to enjoy themselves.
(From left) Damian Cooper, Paul Martinez, Gary Gazza Mcilroy, Gavan Bell and Alec Coyle came up from Port for a bloke’s weekend.
(From left) Peter and Pia McKeown with David Kempton looking for a winner.
Sam Thompson enjoying the day.
The blokes take part in fashions on the field in their best clobber.
Alice Hansford takes out ‘Golden Lady of The Day’ at Fashions on The Field.
Viv Vortouni after her encounter with the runaway cow.
A runaway cow caused some chaos at the event, but it provided a lot of laughs as well.
Jay Jensen rounded up the runaway cow in true cowboy style.
Newly elected Laura Racing Club President Phil Holloway (left) with racehorse Forgiato and its connections, trainer, and jockey.
Black Image Band from Cooktown entertaining the huge crowd.

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