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Fun factor of Cup just days away

Headshot of Jakeb Waddell
Jakeb WaddellBroome Advertiser
Mikaylah Bin Sali, dressed by Allure South Sea Pearls and Headlines, with jockey Ben Paterson and horse Pass the Hat at Gantheaume Point ahead of Saturday's Broome Cup
Camera IconMikaylah Bin Sali, dressed by Allure South Sea Pearls and Headlines, with jockey Ben Paterson and horse Pass the Hat at Gantheaume Point ahead of Saturday's Broome Cup Credit: Jakeb Waddell

Giddy-up, Broome!

The countdown to the town’s biggest sporting and social event is on, with the highly anticipated Broome Cup just two days away, boasting a class field of winners, grinners and fashionistas.

The Broome Turf Club is expecting a record crowd at the Gantheaume Point course on Saturday, where marquees and hats will be the talk of the town.

While keen racegoers are picking out their best outfits for the social occasion, trainers and jockeys have been busy preparing for one of the biggest meetings on the WA racing calendar.

With $135,000 stakes up for grabs, horses will be coming up from all around the nation, with entrants from Perth, Darwin and Victoria making their way to the Kimberley town this week.

Broome Turf Club committee chairman Michael Chapman said it was Pretty Blonde who punters should keep an eye on in two days time as the horse would be returning to defend her crown after winning the cup last year.

Allure will host the Fashions on the Field event for the fourth year in a row, with judges predicting an impressive line-up of entrants, similar to that seen at Ladies’ Day on Tuesday.

Perth’s Daren Reid and The Soul City Groove Band will headline the entertainment and will be joined by several local artists, who will perform throughout Saturday’s race round. The Broome Turf Club will once again showcase sport from around the country on the big screen, including AFL and live rugby from the Bledisloe Cup.

Helicopters will also be landing at the turf club to drop people at the races, with at least three such arrivals expected.

Mr Chapman said it would be a terrific day that would benefit the entire Broome community.

“The Broome Cup will be fantastic,” he said. “It really is the people that make the event what it is, so I know there is going to be a great atmosphere.

“We’re looking forward to a record crowd on Saturday and what I like about that is that it means the event is bringing people to our town.

“The Broome Cup is beneficial for hotels, restaurants and our town as a whole.

“It really is a win for the community.” Mr Chapman said he believed a huge final race round was the perfect way to end a successful season at the turf club.

“We’ve seen strong numbers come through our gates each race round, with attendance well and truly up from recent years,” he said.

“For this reason, I would like to thank the community for the support this year.

“This includes those who attend, but also sporting clubs, social clubs and our record number of sponsors.

“Saturday is going to be a great way to end the season.”

Tickets are available at the turf club’s kiosk tomorrow between noon and 2pm and can be bought on the day, with gates opening at 10.30am.

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