Hundreds expected at Gregory this weekend

Hundreds of racegoers will head north for the six race meeting on Saturday, followed by the festivities of the combined Gregory Canoe Race held on Sunday.

Gregory Downs Jockey Club president John Clarke said the event was a big social weekend to bring everyone together.

"It is a very family orientated day out," Mr Clarke said.

"A lot of people travel from Mount Isa to attend, as do the locals off stations and the Gulf communities.

"The Gregory is a community bush event that marks the start of the social events in the Gulf.

"The Gregory wasn't affect by the flooding as much as the eastern neighbours but the weekend would provide a great opportunity for all to come and have a fun weekend."

Horses, trainers and jockeys alike, will travel hundreds of kilometres to compete at Gregory, traveling from Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Winton and Julia Creek.

The first race meeting will start after lunch at 1.15pm with the Brodie & Co Benchmark 50 Handicap of 800m, followed by the Custom Steel Fab - Kevin Malone Memorial QTIS Maiden Plate of 1150m.

Race three will be the Niverak Smash Repairs Benchmark 45 Handicap 1150m followed by the Clemments Electrical Benchmark 65 Handicap 1150m.

Race five is the Burke Shire Cup Outback Racing Showcase Heat Open Handicap of 1300m followed by the final race Almora Station Benchmark 60 Handicap of 1500m at 5pm.

There are many events throughout the rest of the day including Fashions on the Field, kids foot races, the Calcutta Savannah Lodge and Aviation Gregory Gift Footrace and dinner and music until late.

Sunday will see the commencement of the Gregory River Canoe Race, with a bacon and egg breakfast in the hall and a River Cafe lunch.

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