The North's Winter Racing Carnival returns in full fashion

Winter is coming and so is the much-anticipated Winter Racing Carnival by the Townsville Turf Club to headline the North Queensland region’s busy social calendar.

The carnival takes place over three massive weekends during the region's winter season, famous for its crisp blue skies and pleasant temperatures. 

For the rest of the 2021/22 Townsville racing season, you can look forward to nine weekend race days for the 2021/22 season, and two public holiday events. 

Townsville Turf Club will host 36 races across the 2021/22 calendar with 35 of these TAB meetings. There's an incredible lineup of Friday and weekend meetings to look forward to this season, with eight Friday, eight Saturday and one Sunday meet. 

See the racing calendar for the full season!

The Winter Racing Carnival officially opens on Saturday 12 June with the club’s largest family race day, the 2yo Classic, before moving onto Ladies Day on Saturday 31 July and the club’s premier event to wrap up, the Townsville Cup on Saturday 7 August.

Event organisers at the club are optimistic about the 2021 season, after the pandemic prevented a full-scale event in 2020 and the 2019 Townsville flood devastated the club’s infrastructure. 

Townsville Turf Club general manager Natalie Rintala said that the club is looking forward to this edition of the long-standing carnival.

“There’s a few firsts for us this winter season, with events to include a community barrier draw, Townsville Cup after-party and new behind-the-scenes access for our race enthusiasts,” Ms Rintala said.

“The carnival favourites will be returning, with Fashions on the Field, prizes, fun and games for the kids, live entertainment, great eats, trackside thrills and of course local and live horse racing.”

The club have made the most of the past two tumultuous years as an opportunity to develop new facilities centred around a first-class entertainment and racing experience.

This winter racing season will be the first time the club’s new and redeveloped infrastructure will be fully functional for the community and club members.

Construction has been ongoing for the past two years, with new day stalls the final milestone.

 “We are thrilled to be able to open the gates to welcome everyone to a new and improved club, offering facilities that make the most of our spectacular grounds, heritage buildings, views and course,” Ms Rintala said. 

“The carnival will offer events for every age and interest for over three months, making the most of our venue, thrilling live sport and the beautiful tropical winter season.”

The club will launch their Winter Racing Carnival in May, with tickets released throughout the month.