3 minute read

Western Australia’s premier thoroughbred racing carnival is reaching new heights with more prize money, more top-class races and more excitement.

The traditional Masters racing carnival featuring three Group 1 race days is being reimagined as The Pinnacles and extended to five feature races across five sparkling race days, with around $10.5million in prize money.

A new $1.5million race to be run at weight-for-age over 1400m and sponsored by TABtouch will be created to conclude The Pinnacles series and all Western Australians are invited to help to choose a name which perfectly represents our state.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Executive Officer Ian Edwards said the spring races would be recharged with an extra $3.5million for winners.

"In naming our premier racing carnival The Pinnacles we're declaring that we're aiming high as well as showcasing the best of Western Australia to the world," Ian said.

"We want to attract top-class racing talent to compete in The Pinnacles along with visitors to experience both the glamour and excitement of racing and the unique charm and magnificence of WA.

"The series kicks off with the Placid Ark Stakes. The three Group 1 races follow, the Railway Stakes, Winterbottom Stakes and the Kingston Town Classic, which have all had prize money boosts to $1.5million.

"We're adding a new $1.5million race to the series so interstate raiders can back up a Group 1 run with another showcase race to amplify the rewards and prestige.

"We are putting it out to all West Aussies to give this race a name which best symbolises our state.

"The recharging of this important spring racing festival is part of our recent commitment to an extra $30million in funding for WA racing by 2025, the biggest boost in our history."

Perth Racing Chief Executive Officer James Oldring said the racing festival would be hosted at the beautiful riverside Ascot Racecourse.

"We have missed seeing interstate horses on our tracks during the COVID pandemic and this is our chance to reignite the race series and welcome visitors back to WA," James said.

"This is the perfect opportunity for us to show our WA hospitality, promote great regional places to visit and watch some of the nation's star gallopers take on the best of the West.

"At Perth Racing, we look forward to staging the inaugural Pinnacles and creating an event that WA can be proud of."

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