The Mount Isa Racing Club has an affluent heritage that dates back 60 years ago. The Club’s impressive history of horse racing has become embedded into the history of the city, making the sport one of the most beloved events of the year.
From dressing up smart with men wearing suits and ladies wearing fascinators, to testing your luck betting on your favourite horse, be prepared as the city sits on the edge of its seat, excited to welcome the first wave of Mount Isa Races this 2021.
Save the dates and read on to find out how to plan your day at the races.
The Mount Isa Races
Date: 27 February 2021
Kicking off at 12 am, the Mount Isa Races start with a bang featuring the Open Plates (Set Weights) 1000m race followed by the Ratings Band 0 – 65 handicap 900m, Benchmark 50 handicap 1100m, class B handicap 900m, and the Maiden Plate for 2 year olds and above (Set Weights) 900m.
Get your cheer ready, as the races are anticipated to be a close one this year, featuring several local and national sweethearts that have some good winnings (and timings) under their saddles.
The Mount Isa St Patrick’s Day Races
Date: 13 March 2021
Racing enthusiasts flock to Mount Isa religiously every St Patrick’s Day season to be present for the Mount Isa St Patrick’s Day races. The annual showcase featuring a ton of Irish spirit begins with gates open at 11am.
With lucky horses bringing in the bets from hopeful punters, everyone’s looking to win their share of gold. The competition is tough as expectation and anticipation are high. Contestants exchange heated glares as they all focus on the finish line.
With COVID happening all of 2020, you can definitely expect this year to be fierce with a ton of fire, as the contestants are looking for ways to release some pent up steam and frustration from the year before. This all means more fun and excitement to be had this year!
With crowds hitting high figures of 500 attendees, and tables all booked well in advance, attendance is expected to be just as high with Covid safe measures in place.
Regarded as one of the biggest races of the year for the Mount Isa Race Club, the St Patrick’s Day Races closely rivals the Spring Cup and Mount Isa Cup.
Beyond the horses and the races, you will be taken away by the decoration efforts of Irish green influences. Live entertainment will keep everyone delighted in good spirit, and activities are arranged to keep the kids busy too. Mingle around and enjoy the day as you chug down a beer or sip a fine glass of wine, or even drink away some soda, there’s something for everyone at the Mount Isa Club during the St Patrick’s Day Races.
Don’t forget to bring an appetite for a flavour exploration of a wide range of food vendors. Those who feel lucky can place a bet at the bookies as well as the TAB facilities for their chance to win.
Although the gates open at 11 in the morning, the racing schedule based on previous years usually starts at around 2pm with the final race typically ending at 5pm.
Non-members have to pay an entry fee of $20 while Mount Isa Club members enter for free.
The Mount Isa Anzac Day Races
Date: 24 April 2021
In commemoration of Anzac Day, the Mount Isa Race Club pays tribute to this important national event through the Mount Isa Anzac Day Races.
Offering an opportunity to come together and celebrate history and unity of the people, respects are paid to those before us as we partake in the event through a love of horse racing.
Drink a gunfire breakfast with the crowd at the Anzac Day Races and have a good time watching a sport you love while commemorating the fallen soldiers of Australia and New Zealand.
Mother's Day Races
Date: 8 May 2021
A great excuse to dress in fancy attire in celebration of all the great women in our lives, the Mother’s Day Races are one of the most popular races for the Mount Isa Club. A couple of hundreds of patrons rock up year on year, filled with enthusiasm for the races and events.
Entertainment is guaranteed with plenty of family fun activities that will keep the kids busy. Live music is scheduled to play in the background while canapés, treats, and an open bar will keep your stomachs happy.
Enjoy the social interactions of a wonderfully set event that brings on merry vibes for mothers to sit back, relax, and have fun.
Book in a table to avoid disappointment of not having one on the day. Prices include an antipasto share platter, a bottle of quality wine, a special Mother’s Day gift for mum, and exceptional first class VIP table service.
Beyond the thrilling races that will stop the breaths of many, the fun carries on with fashion contests happening with themes announced closer to the date. Previous years have included contest categories such as People’s Choice; Classic Lady, Contemporary Lady, Best Millinery, to name a few.
Non-members have to pay a low entry fee of only $10 while Mount Isa Club Members enter at no charge.
Mount Isa Cup Races
Date: 5 June 2021
Probably the biggest and most exciting day for punters in Mount Isa, the Mount Isa Cup Races attracts patrons by the thousands. With a grand prize not far from six figures, the competition is high, with contestants eager to win more than ever before.
Previous years have seen heated programs of at least 6 races and big nomination numbers as high as 61 horses.
Unfortunately, as a result of Covid restrictions, tickets will be limited and will need to be pre-booked, with patrons showing up on the day to be turned away as a result of the Covid safe plan and restrictions in place. President Mick Tully hopes that restrictions will ease closer to the date, allowing a higher number of entrees, as well as more lenient social distancing measures that will see better engagement and activity.
Nevertheless, the Mount Isa Cup Races is somewhat an annual ritual to many local residents as well as passionate punters in surrounding areas. Proven time and time again to be a thrilling day filled with excitement and enjoyment, families flock toward the event in hopes to join in on the fun. Previous years have seen crowds so big that the angle Core pavilion had to be opened to accommodate the massive crowd.
Enjoy the live entertainment and performances by local artists, as well as a live DJ set in the afternoon. Come in fancy dress and take part in the Fashions on the Field contests that award categories such as Lady and Gentleman of the Day, Best Dressed Couple, People’s Choice and more.
Non-members have to pay an entry fee of $20 while members enter for free.
Other Mount Isa Races
There are other standard Mount Isa races happening on 22 May 2021 and 26 June 2021, for those who are aching for some horse racing action in between key dates.
What to do after the Mount Isa Races
There’s nothing better to do after the Mount Isa Races than to keep the party going into the night.
The Redearth Cocktail Lounge is the place to be for a spectacular way to end the night. Featuring a stylish atmosphere followed by an extensive section of boutique and craft beers, quality local and international wines and spirits, first class service and professional bartenders, you’ll find it all here at this cocktail lounge. Private booths will keep your party exclusive and comfortable, while the open concept bar side serves as a great place to socialise.
If you’re feeling peckish, it’ll be hard to resist the decadent tapas that accompany the cocktails exceptionally well.
Smack right in the centre of the city, and only 4 minutes away from the Mount Isa Race Club, a party at the Redearth Cocktail Lounge is a must for those looking for a fantastic place to end a Mount Isa Race Day.
Banner image credit: Mount Isa Race Club
