Melbourne Cup is done for another year and unlike some of the sad events at Flemington our ‘ships of the desert’ all finished the day with a big smile on their faces. The six race camel program proved very popular once again with 1000’s turning out to cheer on the camels who basically do what they want on the track ~ and it appears wandering along at their own pace is high on the list. Local businesses vied for the prestigious trophies awarded to each winning camel with plenty of hilarity to be had. The final race was no exception. Camels were mounted by local identities Spencer Slatter – President of the Gympie Turf Club, Lon Gray riding for Little Haven, Derek Connelly from The Great Eastern, Sophie Mead for The Gympie Show Society and Editor of The Gympie Times Craig Warhurst with Spencer Slatter (who remains undefeated) taking out top honours just ahead of Sophie Mead and Craig Warhurst.
Trackside the fully booked Little Haven Lunch was a great day with fashionistas and camel devotees enjoying a lovely lunch of Canapes, Parmesan Crusted Salmon or Prosciutto wrapped Chicken Breast with accompanying Potato Rosti and Tomato and Asparagus Salad followed by a delicious dessert plate prepared by Mick Hehir from Capelli’s Food and the Little Haven Catering Crew. Sparkling flowed freely and guests enjoyed the stunning parade of Vintage fashions from Jan Mulhollands collection, designer hats by Marie Helmore and Sherryl Polley and Joseph Ribkoff designs from Foxy Lady Gympie.
With so many stunning entries in the Fashions of The Field, judges Ian Wenzell, Sue Topalov and Jan Mulholland had a difficult time picking a winner deciding on Best Dressed Lady Kayley Sprott, Runner Up Angela Hollis, Best Dressed Male Lon Gray and Best Dressed Couple Meredith Brown and Graham Vincent.
The Gympie Camel Racing Event is starting to draw many people from out of town with 2 group bookings from Brisbane and The Coast seeing 60 very happy guests vowing they’ll be back again next year.
Little Haven wish to thank
The Rotary Club of Gympie / Cooloola for all their help throughout the event, Spencer Slatter and The Gympie Turf Club, All the generous Camel Sponsors and Jockeys, Fuss & Flair Event Decorators, Florist of Distinction, Advice Partners Staff , Jan Mulholland, Foxy Lady, Marie and Sherryl and all the lunch guests for supporting Little Haven Palliative Care
We look forward to seeing you all back cheering on the camels next year!!
