Mackay Beach Horse Races to relaunch in 2022
A race combining the best of Qld’s coastline with the thrill of galloping horses will make a comeback with a European twist after years in hiatus. Find out when it returns.
Mackay
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An Australian promoter has taken the reins to revive an “iconic” event combining the best of Queensland’s coastline with the thrill of galloping horses.
Sound Australia, at the helm of the Savannah in the Round festival and Winton’s Way Out West, will relaunch the Mackay Beach Horse Races, expected to draw more than 5000 attendees to the region.
The announcement comes just months after Mackay Regional Councillor Alison Jones said bringing the event back would be akin to “flogging a dead horse”.
The late Mick Pope founded the event back in 2012, which received a council injection of $50,000 in both 2016 and 2017 under the Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program.
The races have been on hiatus since 2018 after Purple Betty Productions, which ran the 2017 races, said fence-jumpers “killed” her small family-owned business.
Sound Australia Queensland CEO James Dein, who has four decades of experience in the industry including working on more than 120 events, said the beach races would be back with a “big bang” as borders reopened.
“We’re proud to have been engaged by Mackay Isaac Tourism to bring this wonderful festival back to life and have some fresh and exciting ideas,” Mr Dein said.
“We’ll be taking inspiration from premium Beach Clubs across Europe, running a fully catered Quarterdeck, Fashions on the Sand, an evening rock stage as a pre-event party starter, plus a post-event concert and recovery day.
“We’re looking forward to making these three days of party, party, party and welcoming folks from all over Australia.”
The races are scheduled for June 10-12, 2022.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the event’s return would boost the region’s tourism profile.
“Mick Pope knew this event was special – he saw its potential when he witnessed horses racing on a beach in Ireland in 2011 – and he knew that, if run well, it would be a drawcard for people all over Australia,” Mr Williamson said.
“Popey knew a good time when he saw one, and council is thrilled to see this event back on our calendar in 2022.
“We can’t wait to see the sand flying on our bluewater edge with crowds cheering on.”
The Mackay Beach Horse Races in 2022 will feature Clydesdales, thoroughbreds and mares as well as yet to be disclosed innovations.
Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Tas Webber said he was happy Sound Australia was taking on the “iconic” event.
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