Sport
5 April, 2026
‘Wizard of west’
CHAMPION jockey William Pike will ride at the 2026 Cairns Super Carnival, with the Cairns Jockey Club confirming his appearance across key race days in August.
The Western Australian rider, known as “The Wizard”, will compete at Ladbrokes Cannon Park from 21-29 August, including Ladbrokes Cairns Newmarket Ladies Day on Friday 28 August and Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day on Saturday 29 August. He will also appear as a special guest at the Ladbrokes sportsman’s lunch on Thursday 27 August.
Mr Pike brings more than 3500 career wins, including group one victories in races such as the All-Star Mile, Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes, Railway Stakes and Winterbottom Stakes.
“I am really excited to ride at the Cairns Super Carnival. I’ve been trying to get to the carnival for a few years now and I finally get to come. I’ve always found it exciting to ride at new places and the track looks fantastic. I am grateful to the club for inviting me and I intend to ride plenty of winners over the carnival,” he said.
“Having never been to Cairns before, I can’t wait to get through my work and then spend some time seeing everything the region has to offer. Come and see me at the carnival and say ‘hello’. I can’t wait to meet everyone,” Mr Pike said.
Racing Queensland acting chief executive officer Lachlan Murray said the event continued to grow following its relaunch. “The reimagined Cairns Super Carnival is already a proven winner, with record crowds through the gates and significant wagering interest underpinning its first year,” he said.
“This year’s carnival is set to be even bigger, with cult hero Willie Pike locked in to ride as well as headlining the sportsman’s lunch. Pikey is a household name and a true punter’s pal for racing fans across the nation, and we look forward to his involvement shining a light on Queensland’s Far North.”
Jockey club general manager Cameron Riches said Pike’s appearance was significant for the region.
“Having William Pike ride at the Cairns Super Carnival is a real statement for racing in Far North Queensland. William is one of the best in the business and we know our racegoers are going to love seeing him in action at Cannon Park. It’s the kind of marquee name that reinforces just how much this carnival has grown,” he said.
