NT Racing: Guineas set to kick off bumper Darwin Cup Carnival

The Territory’s biggest sporting and social event, the Darwin Cup Carnival kicks of on Saturday with the running of Day 1 – The Darwin Guineas Raceday.

The Carnival will feature eight days of racing and several spectacular events in a month-long entertainment feast that will attract a combined number of around 20,000 people being in attendance.

Opening day see’s the three-year-olds do battle in the $75,000 Darwin Guineas. The event also represents the 1st leg of the $50,000 Darwin Double for any horse who is successful in taking out the Guineas and NT Derby.

Day 2 quickly follows with the Chief Ministers Cup being run where we’ll see Family Day at the Bay once again with kid’s activities and a casual atmosphere for families being the focus throughout the afternoon.

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Day 3 then heralds the much-anticipated Ladies Day race meeting with this year Rydges Palmerston joining the Darwin Turf Club for the very first time as a sponsor of the race day. The afternoon see’s all things fashion including Fashions on the Field taking centre stage before rolling into Day 4 – the Ladbrokes NT Derby which will once again showcase all the traditions of black and white for Darwin’s blue-ribbon race.

Chief Executive Officer of the Darwin Turf Club Chris Chaffe says that this year’s Carnival is shaping up as one of the best ever.

“It’s always a very exciting time of year,” Mr Chaffe said. “Events including the Rydges Palmerston Ladies Day Luncheon, Ladbrokes Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon, Sportsbet Gala Ball and the Great Northern Darwin Cup will again be popular amongst punters, so I urge people to get in early as tickets are selling fast.”

Mr Chaffe also added many other inclusions that will enhance the event even further, giving patrons greater opportunities to enjoy Darwin Cup Day.

“With regards to general admission on Cup Day, patrons will enjoy access to the airconditioned Pavilion where Great Northern pop-up bars and the GH Mumm Champagne bar will be located along with an ample array of food trucks with a festival-like atmosphere extending to outdoor shaded areas for all to enjoy.” 

Chaffe also highlighted exciting areas such as The Leger Marquee and The Club Lawns on Darwin Cup Day.

“The Leger Marquee with elevated views of the racecourse is a prime location adjacent to the 2050m start of the Darwin Cup. This hospitality package is again proving to be a very popular all inclusive food and beverage ticket while the Club Lawn tickets which includes drink and food vouchers, reserved seating and private bar facilities, remains a favourite with racegoers.”

“Plus, the Darwin Cup Day afterparty on the back of the truck to round out the event is a fantastic spectacle, celebrating the culmination of what’s sure to be a Carnival to remember.”

This weekend’s DCOH Darwin Guineas race meeting commences with gates opening at 11.00am and the first race set to get under way at 12.22pm.

Darwin Cup Carnival key dates & main races

The Darwin Cup Carnival will take place over eight days of racing, with the key dates and main races including:

• 
  Day 1 – DCOH Darwin Guineas Day, Saturday, July 5
• Day 2 – AUFS Chief Minister’s Cup, Saturday, July 12
• Day 3 – Rydges Palmerston Ladies’ Day, Wednesday, July 16
• Day 4 – Ladbrokes NT Derby Day, Saturday, July 19
• Day 5 – TAB Metric Mile Day, Saturday, July 26
• Day 6 – Dabble Corporate Race Day, Wednesday, July 30
• Ladbrokes Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon – Thursday, July 31
• Day 7 – bet365 Palmerston Sprint Race Day, Saturday, August 2
• Sportsbet Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball – Saturday, August 2
• Ladbrokes Calcutta, Venue: Silks Darwin, Sunday, August 3
• Day 8 – Great Northern Darwin Cup, Monday, August 4