Cairns Jockey Club is launching a new ‘Super Carnival’ taking racing to the next stage in 2025

The two biggest racing events in Cairns will be merging to become a ‘Super Carnival’. READ about it here >>>

The two biggest racing events in Cairns will be merging to become a ‘Super Carnival’.

Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Super Carnival will combine Cairns Cup and Cairns Amateurs to host a nine day racing event in August 2025.

The Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup is due to celebrate its 114th running and the Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Amateur Cup marking its 67th this year, the two events will deliver unforgettable celebration of racing offering attendees an un paralleled blend of tradition, excitement and entertainment from Friday August 15 to Saturday August 23.

Finalists in the Fashions on the Field Open Classic Ladies Racewear category at Cairns Amateurs Cup Day, the final day of the Cairns Amateurs racing carnival, held at the Cairns Jockey Club, Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Prime Ruler (centre), ridden by jockey Sean Cormack, wins the Cairns Amateurs Sprint, held at the Cairns Jockey Club, Cannon Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns Jockey Club president Tom Hedley said this is more than just a racing carnival.

“There has been a lot of collaboration with Racing Queensland over the past couple of months to get to this stage,” Hedley said.

“Combining these two iconic events allows us to elevate the racing experience and showcase the best of North Queensland on a grand scale.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the heritage, culture, and vibrant community spirit of the region.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming racegoers from across Australia to what will undoubtedly be a spectacular event.”

The racing commences on Saturday August 16 with the Cairns Amateur Cup, Cairns Amateur Sprint, Patron Cup, Governors Trophy and the Daintree Guineas.

On Friday August 22, punters will get the chance to check out the Ladbrokes Newmarket Day which features an 8-race program.

Finishing off the new Super Event will be the Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day on Saturday August 23 with a 9-race program.

It is understood the Cairns Jockey Club are still piecing together the race card’s for the race days.

Cairns Jockey Club general manager Cameron Riches said it is going to be massive for the community.

“We have got a lot of strong interest in the last 24 hours from interstate visitors phoning up to say ‘is this official? start booking now?’,” Riches said.

“So there has been a real strong intrastate and interstate visitors making a week long trip to the Cairns region.

“It is going to be strong for racing, we are still developing the race program with what class races are on.

“But we are definitely going to have our Amateurs Cup, Patron Cup, Cairns Cup.

“Definitely the racing is all going to be the same.”

Day One – Friday August 15

Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Super Carnival launch event

Day Two – Saturday August 16

Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Amateurs Race Day

Day Three – Wednesday August 20

Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Live Barrier Draw

Day Four – Thursday August 21

Ladbrokes Sportsman Luncheon and Calcutta

Day Five – Friday August 22

Ladbrokes Cairns Newmarket Race Day and High Tea Party

Day Six – Saturday August 23

Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day

Originally published as Cairns Jockey Club is launching a new ‘Super Carnival’ taking racing to the next stage in 2025