Racing to return to WA’s Belmont Park
Perth Racing hopes an improved Belmont Park can continue the steady growth shown in the Western Australian racing industry throughout the Ascot season, with the venue reopening on Saturday following an $8 million redevelopment.
The return to Belmont Park will be headlined by the Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m), but Perth Racing believes the upgraded facilities will play a major role in attracting younger and more diverse racegoers.
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A key feature of the redevelopment is a new 200-square-metre superscreen positioned on the main straight, while major upgrades have also been completed across bars, hospitality suites, member areas and public viewing spaces.
Perth Racing chief executive James Oldring said the renovations were aimed at modernising Belmont and reshaping perceptions of the venue as both a racing and entertainment destination.
“The experience now at Belmont will better reflect what everyone should expect from a metropolitan race club,” he said.
“I’m hoping these renovations completely redefine Belmont’s reputation as a venue, not only for racing, but also for entertainment. I’m extremely proud of the team for delivering what was originally proposed as a three-year project within about a six-month period.
“It has been a huge undertaking to turn it around in the time that they have, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the reaction from members and patrons when they come to Belmont and see what a day at the races now looks like.”
The investment follows strong growth at Ascot during the 2025-26 carnival season, where more than 77,000 punters attended race meetings and three major race days surpassed 10,000 spectators.
Perth Racing said younger audiences drove much of the growth, with 57 per cent of carnival ticket buyers aged under 30 and the average attendee aged 32.
The Quokka race day also recorded a new attendance record of 8200 patrons, while food, beverage and hospitality spending increased significantly year-on-year.
