Harness Racing New South Wales is thrilled to announce the return of the Carnival of Cups in 2026/27, with the popular regional racing and entertainment series set to embark on its biggest and most exciting season yet.
Now entering its fourth season, the Carnival of Cups has firmly established itself as one of regional New South Wales' premier sporting and entertainment events, attracting more than 100,000 patrons to racecourses across the state since the new format was introduced.
The 2026/27 series will once again bring together elite harness racing, major live entertainment, family-friendly attractions and community celebrations across five iconic regional destinations.
Patrons can look forward to performances from some of Australia's biggest bands, extensive all-ages entertainment, children's rides and activities, and free admission at every event. Those looking to elevate their experience will once again have the opportunity to enjoy the popular Carnival Crib Trackside Hospitality Marquee, delivering premium race-night hospitality and entertainment.
The Carnival of Cups on-track program will continue the highly successful integration of the TAB Regional Championships Finals, while Fast Pass qualifying races at Leeton, Maitland and Dubbo will again provide connections with opportunities to automatically secure their place in the $150,000 state final at Club Menangle.
In a major boost for participants and racing fans alike, Harness Racing New South Wales has increased the feature race at each Carnival of Cups stop to $100,000, ensuring the country's best horses and participants are attracted to the series while showcasing elite racing in front of the Carnival's large crowds.
This season will also feature a revised schedule, strategically aligned with the national racing calendar and local events program to maximise participation and further strengthen the Carnival of Cups as a major community event.
Harness Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter Buckman said the continued growth of the Carnival of Cups had cemented its place as a cornerstone of the sport's engagement strategy.
"When we re-launched the Carnival of Cups in this new format three years ago, our vision was to create major regional events that brought communities together while showcasing the very best of harness racing. The response has exceeded all expectations," Buckman said.
"More than 100,000 people have attended Carnival of Cups events to date, many experiencing harness racing for the first time. We've seen tremendous growth in attendance, wagering, participation and community engagement right across the series."
Mr Buckman said the decision to return with an expanded fourth season reflected the enormous success of the concept.
"The Carnival of Cups has become much more than a race meeting. It's now a genuine regional event series that combines elite sport, live entertainment and family fun in a way that resonates with local communities,” Buckman said.
"By increasing each feature race to $100,000, we're ensuring the country's best horses are competing at our regional venues while giving local communities the opportunity to experience top-class racing up close.
"The revised schedule also provides stronger alignment with the national racing program, helping us attract the best possible fields while continuing to grow the Carnival's reputation as one of the premier regional sporting and entertainment series in Australia.
"Whether you're a lifelong harness racing fan or someone attending for the first time, the Carnival of Cups offers something for everyone. We can't wait to welcome communities back to Wagga, Bathurst, Newcastle, Penrith and Albury for another unforgettable season."
Further entertainment announcements, ticketing information for the Carnival Crib hospitality marquee and event details will be released in the coming months.
