Helping fly the flag for Toowoomba Turf Club and Clifford Park racing community as The Face Of Weetwood is a giant honour and responsibility. But with Brooke Higgins at the helm, there is no need for concern.

Brooke has all the bases covered. In fact she is tailor-made for the role. With a long family history in the Toowoomba racing industry, her own equestrian background and a love of all things thoroughbred, Brooke is taking her Clifford Park connection to another place as this year’s Weetwood ambassador.

Her activities include attending Monday’s Weetwood Corporate Golf Day, Tuesday’s Breakfast With The Stars, Wednesday’s Weetwood barrier draw, Friday’s Calcutta Lunch and Saturday week’s giant Weetwood race day.

The opportunity to be the 2022 Face Of Weetwood continues Brooke’s powerful family link to Clifford Park racing, dating back to the 1957 Weetwood Handicap won by her great grandfather Harold Norm Higgins, with Rindale. Her grandfather, Norm, also won the 1973 Stradbroke with Lucky Cloud while her father Gary mixed successful training with the family’s thoroughbred transport business.

Brooke’s own hands-on involvement with horses stretches from junior equestrian to a role with Magic Millions and the successful rehoming of ex-race horses.

After making her first visit to Clifford Park aged “two days old” with mum Therese, Brooke is ready to saddle up for her next Toowoomba racing adventure.

“It’s certainly in my blood,” Brooke said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to build such a good connection with the racing community and representing them as the Face Of Weetwood is something my family and I are very proud of.

“Once you develop a love for the racing industry it is always a part of you. To play such a special role in the Weetwood is a big thing for my family as well. It’s close to my heart.

“My grandmother and dad’s mother (Dulcie) died recently and I know this would be something really special to her. It’s going to be a massive week. The best part will be catching up with so many people as we dress up and enjoy such an exciting time of the year.

“It’s a big thing for Toowoomba.”

By Glen McCullough