Rugby league legend Billy Slater will return to his home region of North Queensland this Saturday to help racegoers celebrate the 2016 Mater Townsville Cup.
The Innisfail born sporting icon will embark on the first stop of ‘Billy Slater’s Racing Road Trip’ as he helps the Townsville Turf Club celebrate 150 years of racing with the running of two of North Queensland’s biggest races, the $100,000 Mater Townsville Cup and the $100,000 XXXX Gold Cleveland Bay Handicap.
Slater’s visit to Townsville comes off the back of successful appearances at the Tattersall’s Club Tiara Raceday at Eagle Farm and at the Queensland Oaks harness meeting at Albion Park a fortnight ago.
“When we announced Billy as our racing ambassador we couldn’t wait for him to help celebrate and showcase the vast array of races on offer right throughout Queensland,” said Racing Queensland Acting Chief Executive Officer Sam Adams.
“The team in Townsville are excited to have Billy attend their biggest race day and to be a part of 150 years of racing in Townsville.”
In addition to taking part in club promotions and prize presentations, Slater will be in the thick of action trackside mingling with race goers and fans on what is set to be a thrilling day of racing.
“Townsville is great city for sport and I’ve always had a great time playing in the city,” said Slater.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun heading to the Townsville Cup as a race goer. It’s also a milestone for the city, celebrating 150 years and I’m happy to be a part of the celebrations.”
Townsville Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Michael Charge said Slater’s attendance at the Townsville Cup would help boost the club’s biggest race day.
“We are thrilled to have Billy attend the 2016 Mater Townsville Cup,” said Charge.
“Being raised a North Queenslander, he is sure to attract many sporting and racing fans, and his involvement is a huge bonus for the club.
“Leading trainer and another former North Queenslander, John O’Shea, and champion jockey, Larry Cassidy, will also be special guests at the Mater Townsville Cup Calcutta, so to add Billy to our star studded line up is great for race goers and fans.”
In addition to attending race meetings, Slater’s role as Racing Queensland ambassador will leverage upon his trackwork experience to promote Racing Queensland’s education and training programmes. Slater will also be on hand to provide valuable insights into life as professional athlete
