5 August 2011

Making its way across the border, the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup arrived in Rockhampton, the beef capital of central Queensland, ready to hit the ground running with Tour Ambassador, John Marshall in tow.
Former VRC Chairman, Rod Fitzroy joined the Tour entourage for the morning events, starting off with a visit to Rockhampton Girls Grammar School where more than 300 students gaped in awe at the sight of the golden Cup.

Making a visit to Callaghan Park Race Course, the Tour entourage was guided through the challenges faced and extraordinary advancements the track has made since the devastating Queensland floods six months ago.

The Queensland sunshine beat down on the Cup over a barbeque lunch hosted by the Rockhampton Jockey Club at the local golf course before the Tour team teed off for a round of golf with more than 50 contestants.

The Cup featured at the Mater Hospital, home to a beautiful heritage listed building, where the community gathered for a delicious afternoon tea, with what was claimed to be the best ANZAC cookies in Australia!

The day’s events wrapped up with a cocktail party with local event organisers before the team rested to prepare for a big travel day to south west Queensland.

To view further images of the EMCT at Rockhampton and track the Tour’s progress, visit our Facebook page, Flemington: Home of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Photo: David Sullivan, Rod Fitzroy, John Marshall and Judith Fitzmaurice at the Rockhampton Golf Club.