Perth Racing has confirmed it will charter a special flight from either Melbourne or Sydney to Perth ahead of this year’s thoroughbred Pinnacles carnival, scheduled to arrive around November 17, with exact details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
With flights to Perth at a premium during carnival time, this guaranteed service offers an invaluable opportunity for connections looking to target some of Western Australia’s premier harness races.
The flight aligns perfectly with the program of major features set for Gloucester Park including:
- $150,000 G1 Westral Mares Classic – November 21
- $100,000 G2 JP Stratton Cup – November 28
- $50,000 G3 Catalano Truck & Equipment Navy Cup – December 5
- $450,000 G1 TABTouch WA Pacing Cup – December 12
For Eastern States trainers and owners, this presents a rare chance to travel directly into Perth with top-line pacers ready to compete across a series of high-stakes events.
Racing WA Head of Harness Racing and Special Projects Cameron Brown said he was excited at the prospect of a stronger Eastern States presence at this year’s carnival.
‘‘We are aware that coordinating flights to Perth is often challenging, however, this guaranteed charter flight, thanks to Perth Racing allows Eastern State stars a chance to compete in Perth for what should be an amazing carnival,’’ Cam said.
There has often been a perception that Western Australia is a difficult destination for Eastern States horses, however, recent success stories have proven otherwise.
In 2023, New South Wales’ Betterzipit claimed victory in the inaugural $1.25 million TABtouch Nullarbor before Victorian champion Catch A Wave went on to capture both the TABtouch Nullarbor and Fremantle Cup in 2024.
The pair underlined that WA’s biggest harness prizes are well within the reach of interstate challengers. These results highlight the potential rewards for those willing to make the trip west.
For WA racing fans, it promises thrilling clashes between Western Australia’s best and proven performers from across the country against the Eastern States raiders, and an overall boost for the quality of the carnival.
Connections interested in securing spots on the flight or learning more about logistics are encouraged to contact Racing WA for details on (08) 9445 5267 or harness.information@rwwa.com.au.
Enquiries can be passed on to Grant Burns who is coordinating arrangements.
