Sport
8 February, 2026
Carnival back in full colour
CAIRNS Jockey Club has unveiled the ‘Carnival of Colour’ theme for the return of the Cairns Super Carnival later this year, along with its equally colourful ambassadors for 2026.
Tickets are now on sale for the eight-day festival – from 21 August to 29 August at Ladbrokes Cannon Park – which brings together North Queensland’s major racing events across three race days and a series of social and corporate functions.
General manager Cameron Riches said the new format introduced last year delivered strong results for the region.
“It is the second year of the event. Last year generated over $7.3 million in local economy revenue,” he said.
“We’re looking to match that, if not beat that, this year.
“Our visitor numbers were strong and we’re very excited to have our tickets on sale with strong interest from interstate already.”
Michelle and Wade Champion from Champion Real Estate have been named the 2026 Cairns Super Carnival ambassadors.
The calendar begins with the carnival launch at Reef Hotel Casino on Friday 21 August, followed by Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Amateurs Day on Saturday 22 August. The Ladbrokes Sportsman Luncheon and Calcutta will be held on Thursday 27 August, before Ladbrokes Cairns Newmarket Ladies Day on Friday, 28 August and Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day on Saturday 29 August.
Mr Riches said changes to the Ladies Day format would be a highlight.
“We’ve got the new, revamped ladies’ long lunch, which will be taking place on Ladies Day and will create a new, vibrant change,” he said.
“So, we’re very excited for this event to unfold. And we expect 400 ladies to be packed underneath the semi-air-conditioned Silks Pavilion.”
Mrs Champion said the theme suited the timing of the event.
“I love the idea that the carnival kind of runs in between two seasons,” she said.
Ladies Day represents the carnival’s signature fashion and social event, where style meets the track in spectacular fashion.
This glamorous Friday race
meeting showcases quality thoroughbred racing while celebrating colour, creativity, elegance and bold personal style.
The exclusive long lunch in the Silks Pavilion offers guests an elevated experience featuring elegant banquet-style dining, premium racing views, a dedicated Fashions on the Field competition, live entertainment, gift bags and trackside luxury. This refreshed concept replaces the previous high tea format, delivering sophisticated dining that matches the calibre of the day.
With fun activations, themed beverage stations, live entertainment and a festival
atmosphere throughout the precinct, Ladies Day delivers an unforgettable blend of high
fashion and high-stakes racing.
The sportsman lunch and calcutta has become the carnival’s must-attend corporate entertainment event, consistently selling out thanks to its unique blend of high-quality hospitality and exclusive racing access.
Featuring special guest speakers including champion jockeys, renowned trainers and racing media personalities, the luncheon offers unprecedented access to racing legends.
Guests enjoy a premium multi-course meal with matched beverages while hearing captivating track stories, expert Cairns Cup tips and industry insights.
The event’s highlight is the live barrier draw for the Cairns Cup, followed by the traditional calcutta auction where guests bid on their favoured cup.
Tickets are available via the Try Booking website:
www.bit.ly/3M8SxzR, and more information can be found at the Cairns Jockey Club website: www.bit.ly/4a6NOGH, with further details on fashion categories and event programming to be released in the coming months.
