Tipple event directors Sophia and Troy Barbagallo with Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung at Ascot Racecourse. Picture: Simon Santi
Perth’s biggest spring racing event is moving to WA’s home of racing.
Tipple, which made its debut into Perth’s social scene last year, saw crowds of 4000 attend the Derby and Melbourne Cup race days at Kitchener Park in Subiaco.
This year’s party will have a new home at Ascot Racecourse. It was a notion that Perth businessman and event founder Troy Barbagallo said he was initially hesitant to go with, but ultimately felt live thoroughbred racing would only add to the experience.
“They’ve got amazing space and amazing venues so the opportunity to have everything that’s great about the Melbourne Cup in one venue is too hard to refuse.
“We had an amazing event last year without horses and without bookies but you put those two back in, it’s unbeatable.”
Tipple event directors Sophia and Troy Barbagallo with Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung at Ascot Racecourse.
Barbagallo promises ticket holders can expect the same premium experience, with the added benefit of a dedicated Tipple entrance and drop off zone, on-site bookies, along with reduced ticket prices.
“Because of the facilities that are here we can put it on at a slightly better price and so we make sure that feeds back down to the customer,” he said.
Newly crowned Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung, who could be rubbing shoulders at the Birdcage in Melbourne, revealed she’s opting to attend Tipple.
“The weather is better in Perth anyway, so is the company,” Hung enthused.
Barbagallo also added they’ve been working hard to refine the overall event.
“Last year was our first time and I think we got it pretty right — not necessarily 100 per cent right, so we just learnt about customer flow, things that worked amazing and things that didn’t,” Barbagallo said.
“We are definitely bringing a Tipple experience to Ascot.”
Originally appeared in The West Australian.