The KALGOORLIE-BOULDER RACING CLUB, set in the heart of Western Australia’s Goldfields, came alive on October 4 for the biggest day on the Goldfields racing calendar — the Kalgoorlie Cup Day. From 9:59 AM to 2:52 PM, nine thrilling flat races unfolded under bright skies and a buzzing crowd atmosphere.
This wasn’t just another race meeting — it was a celebration where tradition met festivity, marked by the inaugural Golden Saddle Slot Race, the prestigious Kalgoorlie Cup – the jewel of the Goldfields, and the Ron Sayers Memorial Race. Locals and visitors alike gathered for a day that blended racing excitement, fashion, and camaraderie — a true reflection of what makes Kalgoorlie racing so special.
Race 1: THANK YOU, GOLDFIELDS TOURISM HANDICAP (12:29pm, 2200 metres)
The opening contest set the tone for the day, with ARGYLE STAR storming home in 02:19.01 to break through impressively. Jockey PATRICK CARBERY handled the horse with perfect balance, trainer JOSH BROWN had the preparation spot on, breeder MR K J REEVES could take pride in the result, and owner MR M J D HALL began the day on a winning note. SLUICE BOX showed strong determination to finish next best, while VILLEINS stayed on gamely for third.
Race 2: TABTOUCH WESTSPEED PLATINUM HANDICAP (1:04pm, 1400 metres)
SATURDAY SESH produced a composed performance to take the second race in 01:24.30, giving jockey STEVEN PARNHAM and trainer ASHLEY MALEY an early success on the card. Bred by TAUNTON VALE and owned by MR A W MALEY, GO CHARLIE, MR G S WARD, MR H J CARROLL, MR T W CHURSTAIN and MR C P PEARCE, the horse’s steady progression this season was evident. PRINCE OF BONDI stayed in contention right to the end, while KIRALUI finished with a late flourish for third.
Race 3: CD DODD HANDICAP (1:39pm, 1760 metres)
In a tightly-run third race, THE JESTER’S SON displayed class and pace to prevail in 01:47.81. Jockey ZEPHEN JOHNSTON-PORTER’s timing was spot on, trainer HELEN HARDING’s work reflected beautifully, breeder KATOM celebrated another success, and owner MRS V M THOMPSON was rewarded for patience and faith. FEUDING ran a gritty second, and BIRD’S THE WORD followed close behind to round off the placings.
Race 4: COASTAL MIDWEST HANDICAP (2:14pm, 1400 metres)
The fourth race brought a sharp contest to life, where EXCELTRAIN asserted dominance in 01:24.37. Jockey WILLIAM PIKE and trainer DANIEL & BEN PEARCE combined to perfection, while breeder OAKLAND PARK STUD and owners PEARCE RACING, OAKLAND PARK STUD, MR C S PEARCE, MR T V SALMERI, MR C D SALMERI, MRS S L SALMERI, MISS E R SALMERI, MISS A R SALMERI, MRS C R NIALL, MRS M RICKSON, MR P I BROWN, MRS S M CLARK, MR A RUSSO BATTAGLIOLO, MR A P ALSOP, MR G S DAWE and MRS S V DAWE enjoyed the reward of a solid campaign. CLOSE AT HAND chased strongly for second, and COLD SHIZZLE fought on well for third.
Race 5: SPUD SHED KALGOORLIE HANDICAP (2:53pm, 1600 metres)
DONT WAIT FOR LUCK took command of Race 5 in 01:37.06, with jockey LUCY FIORE delivering a confident ride for trainer PETER FERNIE. Breeder MS E E GILES and owner MRS K A FERNIE saw the potential fulfilled in a stylish manner. ODINAKA stayed on well in pursuit, while GAGE ROADS kept up the pressure till the finish.
Race 6: YARRADALE STUD RON SAYERS SPRINT (3:34pm, 1100 metres)
Race 6 produced one of the day’s most exciting finishes, as IMMORTAL BLISS battled hard to clinch victory in 01:04.13. Jockey WILLIAM PIKE showcased top-notch riding skill, trainer GRANT & ALANA WILLIAMS prepared the horse brilliantly, breeder Mr L O’BRIEN shared the spotlight, and owner MR S SCUDERI savored the moment. SNOW PRINCE put in a brave performance for second, while ZING TO WIN finished close behind.
Race 7: THE DEVELOP GOLDEN SADDLE (4:09pm, 1200 metres)
As the crowd buzzed with anticipation for the feature races ahead, MAGNIFICENT ANDY kept the momentum high by taking the seventh in 01:11.24. The teamwork between jockey BRAD PARNHAM and trainer STEPHEN MILLER shone through, while breeder MR D J REED and owner TRUCKING NOMINEES PTY LTD shared in the celebration. YONGA LASS gave a fighting display, and MAN CRUSH kept on strongly to earn third.
Race 8: SWAN DRAUGHT-KALGOORLIE CUP (4:45pm, 2300 metres)
The penultimate race delivered a fine contest, with SENTIMENTAL HERO surging home in 02:23.82. Jockey LUCY FIORE guided the horse smartly, trainer PETER FERNIE had the strategy perfected, breeder PETERS INVESTMENTS PTY LTD added another proud result, and owner MR A M INGLIS, MRS A F INGLIS, MR P J FERNIE and MRS K A FERNIE could enjoy a well-earned win. ROYAL LAW and CURRIMUNDI both ran commendable races to fill the minor spots.
Race 9: STATEWIDE OIL HANDICAP (5:22pm, 1300 metres)
The day concluded with a cracking finale as TREBLE MAKER sealed victory in 01:17.75, giving jockey LUCY FIORE and trainer PETER FERNIE a memorable end to Kalgoorlie Cup Day. Breeder MR A INGLIS and owner MR A M INGLIS shared the moment with joy. COMMISSIONS fought right to the line for second, and DREAMERS NEVER DIE completed the final frame of a fantastic afternoon.
Kalgoorlie Cup Day lived up to its reputation — a grand celebration of racing, fashion, and community. From the debut Golden Saddle Slot Race to the emotional Ron Sayers Memorial, the spirit of the Goldfields shone through in every stride. With this thrilling day now in the books, the excitement builds for the upcoming Kalgoorlie Cup weekend, promising yet another chapter in Western Australia’s most cherished racing tradition.
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