The Quokka
| Location | Ascot Racecourse |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 2023 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | BYD (2026) |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1,200 metres |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed (Anti-Clockwise) |
| Qualification | Two years old and older |
| Weight | Weight for age |
| Purse | A$5,000,000 (2026) |
The Quokka is a Perth Racing special conditions Thoroughbred horse race held over a distance of 1200 metres at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, Western Australia. Held in mid April, the slot race offers a A$5,000,000 prize pool, the most of any horse race in Western Australia.[1]
History
In September 2022, Racing and Wagering Western Australia announced the introduction of The Quokka, a new A$4,000,000 special conditions slot-holder race, to be held in April of the following year at Ascot Racecourse.[2] Named after the native Western Australian marsupial of the same name,[2] the race was created to help revamp the autumn carnival.[3][4] As per the conditions of a slot race,[5] the field is open to 13 slot holders at a cost of A$200,000 each.[1]
The inaugural Quokka was held on 15 April 2023, with Sydney-galloper Overpass winning by a nose over local talent Amelia's Jewel.[6] In August 2023, the prize money was increased by A$1,000,000.[7] The second running of the race was held on 20 April 2024, with Overpass winning again to record consecutive victories.[8]
Records
Fastest time: (at a distance of 1200 metres)
- 1:08.88 – Overpass (2024)
Most wins:
- 2 – Overpass (2023, 2024)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 2 – Joshua Parr (2023, 2024)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 2 – Bjorn Baker (2023, 2024)
Winners
The following are past winners of the race:
See also
External links
References
- 1 2 French, Kyle (21 November 2024). "The Quokka History". racenet.com.au.
- 1 2 Di Iorio, Carl (15 September 2022). "WA unveils new slot-holder race". Racing.com.
- ↑ "Racing and Wagering WA announces historic trilogy of slot races headlined by the $4m The Quokka at Ascot". The West Australian. 14 September 2022.
- ↑ Staff, Digital (24 March 2023). "Seven Network secures broadcast slot in WA's richest race, The Quokka". Seven News.
- ↑ "Country's biggest regional slot race to boost Kalgoorlie tourism". wa.gov.au.
- ↑ Rooney, Jay (15 April 2023). "Sydney raider Overpass denies WA star Amelia's Jewel in $4m The Quokka at Ascot". The West Australian.
- ↑ Akers, Trenton (3 August 2023). "What the Quok? WA slot race now $5m". racenet.com.au.
- ↑ Dorries, Ben (20 April 2024). "Groundhog day as NSW raider Overpass defends The Quokka title in breathtaking fashion". news.com.au.
- ↑ "2026 Result – The Byd Quokka (held 18 April 2026)". breednet.com. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "2025 Result – The Kia Quokka (held 26 April 2025)". racingpost.com. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ↑ "2024 Result – The Kia Quokka (held 20 April 2024)". racingpost.com. Retrieved 30 December 2024.
- ↑ "2023 Result – The Kia Quokka (held 15 April 2023)". racingpost.com. Retrieved 30 December 2024.