All the major race days at the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival
The Territory’s largest sporting and social event the Darwin Cup Carnival returns this weekend for a month of racing and fashion fun. Check out all the key details for carnival here.
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The 2024 edition of the Darwin Cup Carnival kicks into gear this weekend bringing with it a full month of racing, fashion and everything in between.
The Carnival features eight jam-packed days of racing from July 6 to August 5, with thousands set to head trackside throughout the festivities.
Guineas Day kicks off the proceedings with the best younger racehorses from the Territory and beyond to do battle for glory.
Meanwhile, the big race days are the Palmerston Sprint and the Darwin Cup, which will feature the best runners all eyeing the coveted trophy.
For ticking information visit darwinturfclub.org.au.
DCOH Darwin Guineas Day – July 6
The best young horses will take centre stage as the Darwin Cup Carnival kicks off for Darwin Guineas Day.
The popular preview for what’s to come will provide plenty of hospitality options to suit all levels of racing enthusiasts.
Chief Ministers Cup Day – July 12
Known as Family Day, the Chief Minister’s Cup has entertainment aplenty for all ages including face painting, jumping castles, petting zoos and live entertainment.
The race itself should draw plenty of interest with five of the past nine winners going on to win the Darwin Cup in the same year, including the likes of Highly Decorated and Playoffs.
Ladies Day – July 17
The beloved Ladies Day will feature all the glamour and elegance that’s synonymous with the event, with Fashions on the Field back to showcase the best of Territory fashion and style.
The popular day will also feature plenty of on the track action with the $50,000 Toyota Finance Cup the premier race of the day.
There is also the Ladies Day Luncheon at the TAB Pavilion, which will come to life with entertainment, prizes and giveaways throughout the day.
Derby Day – July 20
Black and white is the fashion of the day for the esteemed Darwin Derby Day, where again the best young racers will be the centrepiece of the racing.
Fashions on the Field will be a major focus, while a number of hospitality options will also be available.
Metric Mile Day – July 27
The $50,000 TAB Metric Mile is the last chance for Darwin Cup hopefuls to impose themselves to make the field for the big day.
The 1600m event caps off a list of seven top-quality races and has had plenty of renowned winners including the Bob Richard trained Spartan Eagle and the Neil Dyer trained Palmyra Boy.
Corporate Race Day – July 31
The day for the leading figures of the NT business community to strut their stuff trackside at the Darwin Turf Club.
The Dabble Corporate Cup will be the last chance for some of the stars of the carnival to show what they can do on the dirt.
Past winners include the Gary Clarke trained runners in Aberrant and Phantom Verde, Neil Dyer’s Pot Black and Carlingford and Stephen Brown’s Smuggling and Pelican Head.
Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon – August 1
The 2024 Ladbrokes Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon will feature multiple Group 1s and Melbourne Cup winning jockey Glen Boss alongside recently retired superstar Damien Oliver.
A ticket includes a three course luncheon during the entertainment, with the main event being the draw for the Darwin Cup.
The 2024 Magic Millions Darwin Tried Horse Sale kicks off at the end of the lunch in the mounting yard, where the next crop of winners may be found.
Palmerston Sprint Day – August 3
The Palmerston Sprint gets the big long weekend under way with the Territory’s premier sprint race, which promises thrills all the way.
Champion trainer Gary Clarke has dominated the race in recent years with Syncline (2022), Enigman (2020), Captain Punch (2019 and 2018) and Handsome Tycoon (2016).
The day doesn’t end at the track though, as the prestigious black-tie Gala Ball will head to Mindil Beach shortly after, gracing the lawns for the first time since 2019.
Sneaky Sound System, supported by the Bobby Fleet Orchestra, will headline the event.
Darwin Cup – August 5
It’s the biggest day of them all, with thousands set to grace the Darwin Turf Club for what’s set to be a jam-packed day of racing, fashion and everything in between.
Soak up the festive atmosphere with easy access to bars, food trucks and live entertainment, and of course the premier race in the NT.
Recent winners of the feature race include Dick Leech’s Write Your Name, Gary Clarke’s Playoffs and Nicole Irwin’s Highly Decorated.
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