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The distances of the Perth Cup and the WA Oaks will remain at 2400 metres following the inaugural meeting of the WA Pattern Committee.

Representatives of Perth Racing, Racing and Wagering Western Australia, Thoroughbred Breeders WA, WA Provincial Thoroughbred Racing Association, WA Racehorse Owners Association and the WA Racehorse Trainers Association attended the meeting to review the submissions of industry stakeholders.

Perth Racing commissioned RWWA to commence consultation with industry stakeholders regarding the Perth Cup distance, specifically should it revert to 3200m nine years after it was last run at that distance.

RWWA also used the one-month consultation period to canvas opinions about the WA Oaks trip and the autumn’s major fillies races.

“The TABtouch Perth Cup is Western Australia’s most iconic thoroughbred race so, naturally, there’s been considerable public interest in Perth Racing, through RWWA, asking the industry for its views about the event’s distance,” said Professor John Yovich, managing director of Perth Racing.

“Perth Racing’s position throughout the consultation process was that there had to be widespread industry support for the Perth Cup to revert to 3200m. That level of support wasn’t there and that’s why the WAPC resolved to keep the race at 2400m.

“Similarly, the WAPC felt there was insufficient support to warrant any amendments to the fillies program for the coming season although the distances of the WA Oaks and its supporting races are something it will review on an ongoing basis.

The date of the $500,000 Perth Cup at Ascot will revert to its traditional home on New Year’s Day.

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