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Racing

WA's richest ever raceday - Kia Quokka

The Kia Quokka (supported by Western Australia, Walking on a Dream) WA’s richest raceday showcases the best of the west on Saturday 26 April

Perth Racing is proud to announce the return of the $5M Kia Quokka (supported by Western Australia, Walking on a Dream) - WA's richest ever raceday, featuring one of the country's most exciting slot races!

Now in its third year, The Kia Quokka has quickly cemented itself as a must-watch moment on the national racing calendar. First staged in 2023, the event captured the imagination of racing fans across the country, with fierce interstate (and Tasman) competition flocking to Perth.

The Kia Quokka is set to be Perth Racing's most vibrant showcase of Western Australia yet. From the name of the race - the $5M Kia Quokka, inspired by WA's famously photogenic marsupial known as the happiest animal on earth - to the finer details of the day, it's all about local flavour.

In true WA style, we're doing things our own way: the jockeys will make their entrance down the main straight in the trays of bold new Kia Tasman Utes — because here, we don't just put on a race, we put on a show.

With the $5M Kia Quokka slot race taking centre stage, alongside the prestigious Group 2 Lawn Pride Australia $500,000 Karrakatta Plate and the $200,000 Drummond Golf Joey, racegoers can expect a full carnival, packed into one unforgettable day.

Kia Quokka Raceday invites guests to soak up the sights, sounds, and flavours of WA in a vibrant atmosphere. From the region's best food and beverages to immersive trackside experiences, the day features everything from the annual Fashions on the Field runway competition to all-Western Australian live entertainment across the course. And when the final race is run, the party doesn't stop — a live band promises to keep the energy high into the evening.

The $5M Kia Quokka looks set to follow in the footsteps of other slot race successes, including The Australian Turf Club's The TAB Everest in Sydney, which has grown its prize pool from $10M at launch in 2017 to an incredible $20M for 2025 as Australia's richest race.

The 1200m slot race offers a dynamic format, this year with 13 starting positions purchased by slot holders, who can nominate their own runner or negotiate with owners to fill their place in the field. Contenders are The Boss Lady, Brave Spirit, Crocetti, Front Page, Generosity, Headwall, Jokers Grin, Magnificent Andy, Overpass, Rope Them In, Triple Missile, Western Empire and West Star.

To have Tourism WA on board this year for the first time seems perfectly fitting for The Kia Quokka, an event that showcases the very best of Western Australia. Perth Racing CEO James Oldring said Tourism WA's support would further strengthen the event's capacity to engage the broader community and proudly showcase the state's offerings.

"The Kia Quokka (supported by Western Australia, Walking on a Dream) is fast becoming an iconic feature in WA's major events calendar - not just as a premier race, but as an event experience that celebrates everything that makes this state special," Mr Oldring said.

The Kia Quokka Barrier Draw will be on Tuesday 22 April, where the final field will be announced at a special breakfast with the stars (of the turf) event at Ascot Racecourse.

Racing Facts:

Date: Saturday 26 April 2025
Racecourse: Ascot Racecourse Race
Distance: 1200m
Conditions: Standard Weight for Age
Starters: 13
Prizemoney: $5,000,000
Track Type: Turf
Track Direction: Anti-Clockwise
2023 and 2024 Winner: Overpass – gunning for glory for a third time in 2025.

Lifestyle Facts:

  • Fashions on the Field draws style stars trackside, with a runway of autumn elegance on display in both men's and women's heats.
  • Judges include fashion stylist Teagan Sewell, Channel 7's Matt Tinney, founder of Suited Events Simon Crossland, and stylist and founder of Broochella, Juliet Cuerden.
  • Perth socialites, sport stars, influencers and racing royalty will enjoy various hospitality venues around the track
  • 1,000 bottles of champagne are expected to be served on the day.
  • 1,800 oysters will be shucked on the day.
  • 1,000 cocktails will be mixed on the day.
  • 1,800 meals will be served across the Ascot restaurants and corporate dining areas highlighting WA produce.
  • 400 catering staff will be working on the day.
  • The Quokka will be live streamed nationally on Channel 7 and around the world via Sky Racing.
  • The NZ and interstate contenders arrived on a charter flight from Sydney last night - 14 April 2025
  • It is anticipated The Kia Quokka will attract a crowd of 7,000+ on the Anzac Day long weekend.
WA produce proudly served at Ascot Racecourse:

  • Dorper Lamb
  • Margaret River Beef
  • Fresh fish from Geraldton and Northwest WA
  • Mahogany Creek Chicken
  • Local fresh berries
  • WA Rock Lobster
  • Lake Preston Wagyu
  • Donnybrook apples
  • Linley Valley pork
  • Great Southern Groves olives
  • Exmouth prawns
  • Mrs Mac's gourmet cocktail pies and sausage rolls
  • A range of WA beverages – Brookland Valley, Houghton, Amberly Estate, Stella Bella, Frankland Estate, Little Creatures, Swan Draught
WA based bands:

  • Lazy Haze band
  • Hazel
  • Sun after Dusk
  • Daren Reid and the Soul City Groove band
 


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