Wednesday 18 May 2022. An enduring passion for horse racing and a journalism career spanning half a century has awarded Bart Sinclair OAM the honorary role of Patron for Cairns Amateurs Carnival.

In the role of Patron, Mr Sinclair will lend credibility and support to Far North Queensland’s peak social and sporting event celebrating its 64th anniversary in 2022.

In accepting the honour tendered by Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Carnival (Cairns Amateurs) committee President, David Goodman, Mr Sinclair said he looks forward to continuing the legacy of his predecessor, former Queensland treasurer, Keith De Lacy OAM, who died last year.

“We are delighted to announce Bart as Patron. He is a class act and his involvement to horse racing in Queensland, particularly in regional communities is a stunning reflection of what Cairns Amateurs represents,” Mr Goodman said.

Mr Sinclair has many fond memories of attending the Cairns Amateurs over many years and believes he has only missed one event since starting work as a sports reporter for The Australian newspaper in 1971 after which he spent 43 years as Turf Editor for The Courier Mail and Sunday Mail.

Reflecting on his time in Cairns and the Cairns Amateurs in particular, he says many people know him for compering the presentations after each race.

“Always fun when you are wearing a suit in the sun,” Mr Sinclair said.

According to Bart it was the event’s founding father, Sir Sydney Williams OAM, who introduced him to Cairns Amateurs and had him coming back year after year.

“While I would always be there to cover the racing I had various responsibilities, including emcee duties at the Tulloch Club lunch, a firm tradition that happens every Thursday before the two-day carnival. It would be my job to interview a racing person and when it comes to sporting events, this one is as good as it gets.

“Sir Syd’s energy and passion for Cairns and Far North Queensland put Cairns Amateurs on the map and he should be remembered. The Amateurs always been fantastic, is great for the region and will be especially so in this post-COVID period,” he said.

Mr Sinclair’s love of track and turf was inured from a young boy, growing up just minutes from the Eagle Farm racetrack in Brisbane where his dad was a horse trainer.

“As a kid I spent a lot of time around the stables and have always been a sports nerd,” he said.

From horse racing to football and cricket, when it comes to the high level of respect Mr Sinclair’s contribution to Queensland sport has demanded, his list of life memberships says much. Crossing the sporting divide from track to field, he is currently a life member of Brisbane Racing Club, Mayne AFL Football Club, and the Brisbane Ekka (RNA).

The 64th Cairns Amateurs Carnival will take place Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 September 2022.