Spring racing returns to Ascot with Crown Perth Opening Day on Saturday as the excitement continues to build towards the new-look Ascot carnival, The Pinnacles.
Perth Racing is anticipating a bumper crowd at the first Ascot meeting of the season, with private marquees and suites sold out.
Some of WA’s most promising racehorses will do battle on the track while there will be plenty of excitement trackside, including a Fashions on the Field competition and a DJ playing after the last race.
“Everyone’s excited for the first day back at Ascot,” Perth Racing chief executive James Oldring said.
“We’re looking forward to bringing live entertainment back. It’s something we’ve missed with the pandemic.
“The real draw for me is the racing. We’ve got some quality horses like Treasured Star in on Saturday and the feature race, the 3YO Classic, is a belter.”
Racing and Wagering WA and Perth Racing rebranded the Ascot carnival The Pinnacles, boosting prize money for the three Group 1 features — the Railway Stakes, Winterbottom Stakes, and Northerly Stakes — from $1 million to $1.5 million.
There is also a new race called The Gold Rush, with the name the result of a competition run by The West Australian, worth $1.5 million.
Mr Oldring, a former British racing administrator, will bring a focus back to the stars of the turf throughout the carnival.
“I’m big on making the racehorses and jockeys the stars of the show,” Mr Oldring said.
“Racing is a sport, not just a betting sport.
“Fans will get the chance to get up close with retired horses Luckygray, Scenic Blast, and Rock Magic on our new Sporting Legends Day on October 15.
“There is also a Legends Locker Room event that day where people can mingle with stars from other sports in Ben Cousins, Damian Martin, JJ Miller, Sarah Jamieson and Anneka Stephens.”
Zara Edgar and Shelley Quartermaine Credit: John Koh/The West Australian
Perth Cup day has returned to January 1 after it was run on the first Saturday of January for several years.
“We’d love to get the Perth Cup back to what it used to be,” Mr Oldring said.
“We want The Pinnacles to not only be the sporting highlight of that time, but also the social highlight.
“So much of our hospitality for the whole carnival has already sold out.”
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