Sydney’s autumn carnival is done and dusted for another year, which means Australia’s best country tracks are now gearing up for their annual carnivals.
With Warrnambool’s annual racing carnival starting today, here is a look at four of Australia’s best country racing treasures.
Warrnambool Racing Carnival, 29 April-1 May
Each year a few thousand people descend on the Victorian coastal town for three days of racing, drinking, fashion, and more drinking.
The carnival kicks off with Ladies Day, which includes the Brierly Steeplechase – The Grand Annual lead-up race.
The second day includes The Galleywood Hurdle and the Wangoom Handicap sprint over 1200m, which has prize money of $151,000. This is all a lead-up to Warrnambool’s two biggest races, The Grand Annual Steeplechase and the listed Warrnambool Cup.
The Grand Annual is run over 5500m and includes close to 33 obstacles, which is the most of any steeplechase track in the world. Some of the race is run off-track, into open paddocks and down valley terrain. It is one unique aspect of the carnival that attracts fans to the course from outside Australia.
Outside of the racing, the carnival is known for its Fashions on the Field, which includes a total prize pool of $20,000.
One spot for a bit of enjoyment off the track is The Whalers Hotel which is located in Warrnambool’s main street. It is usually packed with a range of personalities, from locals, industry officials and media personalities to trainers and jockeys.
In the 2011 edition of the Grand Annual Steeplechase, horse Banna Strand jumped over a three-metre high fence into the crowd, injuring seven people. That same horse returned to the track two years later to win the 2013 edition of the race.
Scone Cup Carnival, 16-17 May
The Scone Cup Carnival is one of the premier country race days on the Australian calendar, boasting close to $2 million in prize money over two days of racing.
The tag line for the carnival is “city class racing – country style”, and with the amount of money at stake in the two days of racing it’s not hard to see why.
The Dark Jewel for fillies and mares was recently upgraded to Group 3 level, which made Scone the only country race club in New South Wales to have a Group race held on its track. Another feature of the carnival is the Inglis Three Year Old Guineas, with prize money in excess of $400,000.
The highlight of the carnival each year is the Scone Cup, which is held on the Friday. The race hosts a mix of city-class horses and some popular local runners who are down on their regular weights.
This carnival usually attracts around 8000 people, which is 3000 more than live in the town itself.
Darwin Cup, 4 August
Last year during this annual race meeting we were reminded how dangerous horse racing can be when female jockey Simone Montgomerie tragically lost her life.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend this race day and the experience is awesome. The Darwin Turf Club hosts its Gala Ball on the night before the race day for a pricey $415, but it is worth the expense.
This is the biggest day on the Darwin racing calendar, with 20,000 people cramming into the course. Residents of Darwin are known for liking a drink, and as a visitor you are expected to hold your own.
Additionally, the racing is generally of a high standard and the Darwin Cup is worth $200,000 in prize money, so some good quality horses show up.
If you can secure a spot in one of the Cup marquees in the middle of the course it’s well worth your time. You’re so close to the action, which I felt enhanced the racing experience of the day.
Broome Cup Day, 16 August
Probably Australia’s most picturesque location for a racecourse, the Broome Turf club overlooks Western Australia’s famous Cable Beach.
The track is a dirt surface, so one fashion tip would be to avoid white if the conditions are windy. While most patrons come for the on-course activities, the horse racing is actually quite strong for a country meeting, with the Broome Cup worth $100,000 in prize money.
During the 2011 Broome Cup day a jockey was ejected prior to the first race because he refused to take a drug test. He then abused an official at the Broome Airport and was arrested after running away from the police.
When he was caught he was charged with drug possession, disorderly behaviour and escaping police custody.
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