QUEENSLANDERS will get a second helping of the Late Mail Luncheon® when it returns to celebrate the 2015 Brisbane Racing Carnival in May.

A fantastic line up of Queensland's best trainers will again join some very special guests and the usual suspects when the 2nd annual event kicks off on Friday 8 May at Sofitel Brisbane Central.

Tony Gollan will lead a stellar line up of Queensland trainers that already includes last years' Stradbroke winner, Natalie McCall and trainer of carnival cult hero 'Apache Cat' Greg Eurell will fly in for a special appearance.

They will be joined by trainers Helen Page, Kelso Wood, Chris Munce, Dan Bougoure, Stuart Kendrick, Chris Anderson, Kelly Schweida and Steve O'Dea.

Celebrating a decade of luncheon events in Melbourne, organiser Mark Scaife said "The Late Mail Luncheon® proves that if you blend racing's rock stars with quality entertainment and good food, you can appeal to a much wider audience than just punters."

And it appears he's right with Gympie-based mum and milliner Cindy Vogels who shot to national fame last year when one of her creations was snapped up by Lady Ga Ga's stylist in New York, joining the event as an Ambassador.

" Soooo excited to be an Ambassador at this not to be missed Luncheon event on the eve of the Brisbane Racing Carnival" oozed Vogels in a recent post on social media.

The Courier Mail's Nathan Exelby will again host the trainers panel and co-host the event with former Brisbane actor, comedian, presenter and model Nikki Osborne whose recent TV comedy series 'Kinne' returns for a second series in coming weeks.

Marketing guru Mark Scaife (not the V8 supercar driver but is a fan of the great man) will again play host to around 400 special guests at the 5-star Sofitel Brisbane Central the day before the 2015 BTC Cup.

 

Scaife, who survived a heart attack a few years ago at age 43 and is more motivated than ever to help worthy causes through his luncheon events, believes racing's marketing chiefs are now starting to catch on that racing must promote itself through an entertainment-based marketing strategy.

"The Late Mail Luncheon® and many other events like ours have become successful on the fringe of the industry because we promote thoroughbred racing through entertainment, not just wagering" said Scaife.

And it's hard to argue with the strategy when you consider the impressive line up already assembled for the event. The on-stage line-up will provide guests with an analysis, insight and tips for the major races of the carnival including the BTC Cup, Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap which makes this luncheon a must-attend for anyone thinking of having a flutter during the carnival.

But the 'rock stars of racing' won't steal the show this year.

By sheer popular demand, the event has also secured the side-splitting wit of stand-up comedian Paul Martell. Now a Late Mail Luncheon® regular, Martell has carved out one of the most successful stand up careers in Australia and is rarely out of work or off any number of exotic cruise liners with former Young Talent Time wife Jane Scali.

"But there is a serious side to the business of racing industry luncheon events" says Scaife.

 "The real rock stars of the racing industry are the trainers who get up at 3am every day, go to sleep at 8pm every night, work seven days a week and take all the business risks to try and earn a living" said Scaife.

"We try and provide an event that attracts successful individuals who enjoy good food, good wine and great company which by default ends up helping trainers attract new owners."

The lunch is upstaged by its own now infamous Official After Party which will be held in the Cuvee Bar downstairs at Sofitel Brisbane Central from 3.30pm onwards. Further announcements of some very special guests attending will be made in the coming days.

 

Strictly limited tickets are available for general sale starting from $250 inc GST for single tickets. Tables of 10 are available. Bookings via Telephone - 0409 473 541 or Email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.