Ipswich crowds glam up for Cup

Melbourne cup celebrations at Ipswich Turf Club. Yvette Filatoff, Angela Klein, Sarah Krelle, Sarah Crosdale and Kim Nguyen.

Sarah Keayes

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Ipswich Melbourne Cup Day 2009

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THE glitz and glamour of Melbourne Cup came to the Ipswich Turf Club yesterday, with thousands gathered to cheer on the nation’s favourite race.

Ipswich Turf Club general manager Brett Kitching said the atmosphere was always buzzing at the track on Cup Day.

“We ended up with about 2000, which is more than what we have had on Melbourne Cup Day in the past six years,” Mr Kitching said.

“It was a good result.

“The lawn and sails area has been popular. We have had a lot of people in there.”

As the Mark Kavanagh-trained Shocking passed the winning post in Melbourne, the elation was etched all over Wulkuraka resident Jason Sole’s face.

The avid punter has backed the past five Melbourne Cup winners and estimated his $50 wager had earnt him about $750 in prizemoney.

“I plan on going to the casino now,” he said.

Basin Pocket resident Troy McGuiness was also feeling lucky, picking up about $200 after backing his first Cup winner in 13 years.

“It feels good. I would bet on two flies on the wall though,” he said.

“I like a bit of a bet.”

Off the track, The Queensland Times Fashions on the Field was another highly contested event.

Former model Troy Ranclaud was named the men’s Fashion on the Field winner.

“I spent 10 years in the industry, so I know how to match clothing,” Mr Ranclaud said.

He led a field of well-dressed gentleman which also included one contender in a kilt.

“I matched the shoes with the belt and I thought lilac was a nice colour for the shirt,” Mr Ranclaud said.

“It matches with the tie.”

Women’s Fashion on the Field winner Amanda Currie scored some tips off her sister Jennifer, a runner-up in the Ipswich Cup fashion stakes.

Ms Currie said she had been surprised to be named the winner.

“I thought everyone looked really nice,” she said.

“I hoped I would get somewhere, but it is great I came first.”