Perth Sports Racing
One of the largest industries in Perth is in the sport of kings. Perth sports such as racing provide a huge economical influx of cash into the economy with the Perth summer carnival a target for many eastern state trainers with the advent of large bonus’ being attached to feature race wins in Perth.
Perth Racing includes the Thoroughbred racing held at the Ascot and Belmont tracks. The Harness Racing in Perth is held at the Gloucester Park Paceway while the greyhounds are chasing at Cannington, which is just 15 minutes from the Perth city centre.
Thoroughbred racing in Perth has continued to grow in recent years with Perth Gallopers Northerly, Miss Andretti and Marasco putting the state on the map with successful raids interstate, although Miss Andretti has now been in the stables of hall of fame trainer Lee Freedman for two seasons.
These aren’t just average gallopers, they are as good as we have in the land with Miss Andretti proving she is Australia’s best sprinter with a stunning win in England, where she won the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
While Northerly has been retired for a few seasons he will always be remembered for not just taking it to champion mare Sunline in the WS Cox Plate but breaking her heart. The Fred Kersley trained galloper also took out the Caulfield Cup but didn’t chase the Melbourne Cup dream having been handicapped to his best in the two mile feature.
Racing in Western Australia is governed by Racing and Wagering WA. The Perth Racing Club, formerly known as the Western Australian Turf Club, is charged with holding races at both the Belmont Park and Ascot racetracks.
The biggest races on the Perth racing calendar are just around the corner with the Perth Cup on New Year's Day at Ascot one of the many highlights this summer along with the three big Group 1 races.
The Railway Stakes, the Kingston Town Classic, the WATC Derby along with the Perth Cup are the standout races over the Perth Summer carnival.
Perth Harness racing continues to provide strong racing each Friday night at Gloucester Park despite its isolation from the other major cities around Australia.
Located in East Perth, adjacent the WACA, Gloucester Park has been home to harness racing in the west for over 70 years. The first Inter Dominion was decided at Gloucester Park in February 1936.
The greyhounds and harness races are governed by Racing and Wagering WA, which is a state government owned body.