Hundreds expected to celebrate Christmas Cup at turf club

HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out to celebrate the annual Christmas Cup at the Lismore Turf Club TAB meeting today, December 20.

It has become one of the club’s biggest race days in recent years and is a major fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The club is hoping to finish the year on a high after the Lismore Cup and Country Championship qualifiers were washed out.

Trackside tables and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Luncheon were sold out at the start of the month.

The feature race will be worth $30,000, with music and plenty of entertainment throughout the day.

Lismore trainer Daniel Bowen will be one to watch after he took nine-year-old gelding At Witz End to The Kosciuszko at Randwick in October.

It finished eighth in the $2 million race, with its qualification a first for Lismore.

Since joining his stable earlier this year, Bowen has taken At Witz End to four wins and three places.

It won the ATC Cup and the Eyeliner as well as placing in the Chief De Beers and Glasshouse.

Bowen is expected to have more runners at the Christmas Cup along with the likes of Northern Rivers trainers Matt Dunn, Owen Glue and Stephen Lee.

Trainers from south-east Queensland could also be among the contenders, with more of them making the trip from across the border in recent years.

Sanctus Brewing Co will be trackside in its Pop-Up Bar serving up a range of cocktails.

The helicopter service will also run raffles, auctions and a barbecue on the day.

Tickets and packages can be purchased at lismoreturfclub.com.au/christmas-cup.