Broome Cup change to enhance north west winter race round

The much-loved Broome Cup will shift back a week in 2024 as part of improvements to the iconic north-west racing season.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia Thoroughbred Operations Manager Vinny Meens said the change to the traditional timing was being announced as early as possible to help visitors plan their trips to the sunny north.

“Many people book their annual winter getaway to Broome well in advance to fit in with Ladies’ Day and the Broome Cup, which are usually held in mid-August,” Vinny said.

“We’ve acted as quickly as we can in scheduling these favourite race dates to give people time to adjust so they don’t miss out on highlights of the Broome carnival.”

Ladies’ Day will be held on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, with the Broome Cup following on Saturday, 24 August 2024.

The Port Hedland Cup will also be held later than usual, on Sunday 11 August 2024.

Vinny said the changes were based on suggestions arising from a review of the Pilbara and Kimberley racing seasons.

“We’ve included more breaks between race meetings in the Pilbara to enhance the racing season,” Vinny said.

“It will also avoid clashes with country race meetings in other regions. This will allow jockeys on the country circuit to ride at most race meetings rather than choose one over another.”

As a result of the review, four race dates which had previously been announced for Roebourne, Port Hedland and Broome were altered, as shown below.