Perth’s Own Racing Carnival, the TABtouch Masters, is set to kick off next weekend for three consecutive Saturday’s of world-class Group One racing.
Attracting more than 26,000 patrons over the Carnival in 2016, the three $1M race days generated international interest and is expected to deliver a significant boost in crowd numbers, wagering and turnover again in 2017.
The excitement is building as runners confirm their spots for the TABtouch Masters, and Perth’s oldest Group One race, the $1M James Boag’s Premium-Railway Stakes, which kicks off on Saturday 25 November. The $1M Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes, Australia’s last Group One sprint of the year, will be the second-up feature and the $1 M Magic Millions-Kingston Town Classic, the southern hemisphere’s richest Group One race over 1,800 metres, will wrap up The TABtouch Masters on Saturday 9 December.
The Government of Western Australia – through Tourism WA – has backed the proven winner that is -The TABtouch Masters; joining naming rights sponsor TABtouch and race day sponsors James Boag’s Premium, Crown Perth and Magic Millions for the second edition of Perth Racing’s ground-breaking event.
“The significant backing from sponsors and the WA Government through Tourism WA has gone towards attracting some fantastic Equine All Stars from around Australia here to Ascot Racecourse for the TABtouch Masters,” said Perth Racing’s Managing Director Professor John Yovich.
“We will see the stars of the turf converge here at Ascot for the world’s only single-track thoroughbred racing festival featuring a Group One race worth at least $1,000,000 on three consecutive Saturdays, he said.”
Godolphin trainer James Cummings is sending three horses across including, It’s Somewhat Impending and Gaulois; whilst home grown talent Black Heart Bart heads back west to take on the field for the James Boag’s Premium Railway Stakes. With an outstanding line up of thoroughbred stars coming our way, the 2017 TABtouch Masters Series is not to be missed.
“There has been a high demand from visitors to try out our new hospitality options and this year’s travel and hospitality packages offer extraordinary experiences not only at Perth Racing’s Ascot Racecourse, but throughout Perth and greater Western Australia, said Mr Yovich.
“We are extremely lucky to host such a high calibre world-class event as TABtouch Masters here at Ascot combined with our Perth blue skies, we have something very special to offer visitors over the Carnival.
Mr Yovich commented that the TABtouch Masters is not just about first-class racing, but also attracting people to Ascot to enjoy a great event day experience.
James Boag’s Premium Railway Stakes Day is filled with 6 black type races and will see some premier racing. To keep the party going long after the nine race program, DJs Brooklyn and Some Blond will headline on the stage, while top Chef Chris Taylor has partnered with Perth Racing and Frasers to create a gourmet dining experience in The Platform delivering an all-new Masterpiece Series - curated specifically for the TABtouch Masters. Elsewhere, patrons can relax on the lawn under the shade, book for casual groups into the James Boag’s Beer Garden or head to the premier location of the Enclosure on the Deck.
The good times continue with week two of The TABtouch Masters featuring the $1,000,000 Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes and a taste of the best from WA’S own Great Southern Region. On a day where guests can graze their way through food and wines from our south west, watch the finals of the TABtouch Regional Championships and enjoy the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final with special guest Francesca Cumani on course, it’s a day not to be missed.
Guests will enjoy festive good times with family and friends on the final day of the TABtouch Masters with the $1,000,000 Magic Millions Kingston Town Classic. It’s a call out to bring the kids’ and enjoy a relaxed afternoon under Perth’s blue skies. Enjoy a picnic, kid’s rides and activities plus a special visit from Santa. Perfect for Christmas celebrations in one of the many new dining and marquee options at Ascot.