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Tiny town battles the odds in survival race
22 Mar 2004
Most of the residents of the tiny western Queensland community of Ilfracombe gathered for the 101st running of the Willow Cup on Saturday. More than 300 people rallied for the event, which could be its second to last running. Already the town has no beer, with the closing of the Wellshot Hotel on December 23.
Longreach-based jockey Ricky Barone won the Willow Cup on Whisky Boy. He said he feared for the future of the town's only race day and the club, which has never turned a profit. All its earnings go to the Royal Flying Doctor Service or the local parents' and citizens' group.
The Willow Cup was first held in 1893 but it's rumoured next year's meeting on March 20 may be the last. Ilfracombe Shire Mayor Martin Forrest has invited Minister for Racing Robert Schwarten to the 2005 Willow Cup. A spokesman for Mr Schwarten said the club should write to the Minister voicing its concerns about its future.
The Courier-Mail, 22/3/04, page 10.
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