Sport
3 February, 2025
Horse racing carnivals merge
CAIRNS Amateurs and the Cairns Cup events are being combined to create a nine-day extravaganza called the Cairns Super Carnival in 2025.
The Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup celebrates its 114th edition this year and the Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Amateur Cup marks its 67th milestone.
The event blends excitement, and entertainment from Friday, August 15 to Saturday, August 23 at Cannon Park.
Cairns Jockey Club president Tom Hedley said he was enthusiastic about the newly merged event.
“There has been a lot of collaboration with Racing Queensland over the past couple of months to get to this stage,” he said.
“I’m excited for this year’s carnival and what we have planned is truly extraordinary. Combining these two iconic events allows us to elevate the racing experience and showcase the best of North Queensland on a grand scale.
“This is more than just a racing carnival, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the heritage, culture, and vibrant community spirit of the region.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming racegoers from across Australia to what will undoubtedly be a spectacular event.”
The racing will start with a nationally broadcast nine-race program on Cairns Amateurs race day on Saturday, August 16, with marquee races including the Cairns Amateur Cup, Cairns Amateur Sprint, Patron Cup, Governor’s Trophy, and the Daintree Guineas.
Ladbrokes Newmarket Day is on Friday, 22 August, featuring an eight-race program and the Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day on Saturday, August 23, with a nine-race program.
Beyond the racetrack, the carnival also hosts a series of high-profile social events, including the Super Carnival launch, Cairns Cup live barrier draw, High Tea Party, and the Ladbrokes Sportsman lunch and Calcutta.
The inaugural Cairns Super Carnival 2025 will run from Friday, August 15 to Saturday, August 23. Tickets will be on sale in coming weeks.
