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Media Release
20 May 2009
Horse race legends immortalised in Hall of Fame
Both the four and two-legged legends of Queensland’s richest horse race are set to be immortalised with the launch of the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap Hall of Fame.
The inaugural event will recognise those, dead or alive, who have been integral to the success of the 118-year-old event.
The 2009 AAMI Stradbroke Handicap Hall of Fame will induct two horses, trainers and jockeys, and one overall Legend whose contribution to the event has helped secure and maintain its place in Australian history.
Queensland Turf Club CEO, Mr Stephen Ferguson said the 118-year-old horse race has produced its fair share of legends providing selectors in the inaugural event with some tough decisions.
“Selecting six inductees and a Legend from 118 years of heroes will not be easy for the selection panel,” Mr Ferguson said.
Faced with the tough decision will be the Hall of Fame selection panel which includes:
- Jim Atkins – trainer
- Lindsay Gallagher – president, Bookmakers Association
- Lester Grimmett – chief handicapper, Queensland Racing Limited
- Adrian Mulhern – president, Queensland Racehorse Owners Association
- Richard Pratt – Queensland Jockeys Association
- Bill Sexton – chairman, Queensland Turf Club
- Bart Sinclair – rurf editor, The Courier-Mail
- Wayne Wilson – racecaller
The AAMI Stradbroke Handicap Hall of Fame is being set up to honour the history of the race and the horses and people who have made it so memorable,” continued Mr Ferguson.
“This horse race is one of the greatest pieces of Australian history and the Hall of Fame will help frame that heritage and ensure its legends are alive for generations to come.”
The inductees and Legend for the inaugural AAMI Stradbroke Handicap Hall of Fame will be announced at this year’s AAMI Stradbroke Barrier Draw at Eagle Farm Racecourse on Wednesday, June 3.
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Notes to editors:
To arrange attendance to the AAMI Stradbroke Barrier Draw and Hall of Fame, please contact Leanne Baker on 07 3309 4748 or lbaker@ppr.com.au
Stephen Ferguson is available for interview
AAMI Stradbroke Day
Eagle Farm Racecourse, Lancaster Road, Ascot
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Gates open at 9.00am with the first race at approximately 12 noon
General Admission is $25. Under 18s and Pensioners Admission is free
Tickets can be purchased at the gate
Hospitality packages are available for more detail visit www.classicstradbroke.com.au or www.qtc.org
- AAMI Stradbroke Handicap is a Group 1 race
- AAMI Stradbroke Handicap is a 1400m sprint race
- AAMI Stradbroke Handicap’s prize money is $1million
- Other feature races on AAMI Stradbroke Day are the Group 1 BMW Queensland Derby, Group 1 Racetree T.J. Smith, Group 2 Australian Special Metals Brisbane Cup and the MYER QTC Lightning
- Bet of a Lifetime terms and conditions available at www.classicstradbroke.com.au
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Leanne Baker or Emma Grayson
PPR
T: 3309 4748 or 0416 764 424
E: lbaker@ppr.com.au or egrayson@ppr.com.au
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