Countdown to Cup day

It’s time to dust off those fancy hats and fascinators and dress up in your Saturday best.

The biggest sporting and social event in the Kimberley is here again as the nine-week Pearl Coast race season culminates with the highly anticipated Broome Cup.

Boasting stakes of $120,000, the iconic race has cemented itself as the richest in Country WA, making it no surprise that a crowd of more than 8000 is expected on the day.

Thoroughbred horseracing in Broome has evolved out of the dust and the Broome Turf Club has arguably become one of the most progressive in Australia, while retaining a well-loved country-picnic atmosphere.

Just a stone’s throw from world-famous Cable Beach, the course at Gantheaume Point is surrounded by bush and the Indian Ocean.

The location is so special, the Broome Turf Club has been rated by punters.com.au in its top 10 stunning racetracks you have to see before you die.

The season attracts horses, jockeys and trainers from all over Australia as well as tourists and visitors from anywhere and everywhere, including a massive local contingent.

A highlight of the tourism calendar in Broome, it is a place where members of the multi-cultural community mingle with visitors from far and wide.

Racegoers will this year have more options than ever before, with the new Kimberley Lounge Bar open in “tent land” for the very first time, complementing the existing members’ area, general entry zone, VIP Marquee and other exclusive tents.

And while many punters will keep a very close eye on each leg of the racing, for others it is all about the fashion.

Fashions on the Field is set to again headline the entertainment for the day, which will also include live music, as well as table games and two-up after the final race.

Broome Turf Club manager Paul Rossiter said the cup was an important contributor to the region’s economy.

“The entire season attracts many people to the Kimberley, however the Broome Cup week is the pinnacle with thousands of people flocking to the town to soak up the beautiful weather and watch the best in country racing,” he said.

“The Broome Cup is is noted to be a bucket list item for many people and it is like the AFL grand final in that it has a natural buzz and sense of excitement about it.”