By Jordan Gerrans
On a historic afternoon for the Cooktown Amateur Turf Club, it was fitting that an extraordinary performance claimed the local Cup of 2024.
Cooktown – which is the northernmost track on Queensland’s coast – celebrated their 150th race meeting on Saturday afternoon.
Cooktown only races once a year but it is a popular meeting for participants and punters across North Queensland to attend.
At the special anniversary race day, the track record was broken in the Cup as Choir Boy bolted in by almost a dozen lengths to win the feature event.
Renowned Atherton conditioner Janel Ryan had high hopes for the bay gelding leading into 1760 metre staying trip but even she was astonished to see her galloper bolt in by more than 11 lengths.
“It was massive,” Ryan said.
“To win by that – it is unbelievable.
“I did not think he could win a race by that far, but every run he has had this preparation – even in his track gallops – he has seemed to improve and get better. I do not know how much better he can be.”