Horse racing plays a significant role in the Mount Isa community, which has made its mark throughout Queensland. With waves of excitement that fuels the town during race days, a visit to one of Mount Isa’s renowned races is a must for everyone – both tourists and locals alike.
Without further ado, here is the ultimate guide to the Mount Isa race days for 2020.
The Mount Isa St Patrick’s Day Races
Date: 14 March 2020
Racing punters are bound to descend to the Mount Isa Race Club on Saturday 14 March 2020 in hopes to land some luck on a pot of gold. An annual showcase of Irish spirit is promised as the St Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off with gates to the Club opening at 11 in the morning.
Expectations are high with fiery contestants lined up in the racing action spread out over a schedule of races. Last year, there were 32 horses nominated over five scheduled races. You can expect this year to be no different, with perhaps, even more competition from the anticipation and built up excitement.
Crowds can hit as large as 500 attendees with tables booked well in advance, and hundreds of people just rocking up on the day.
To the Mount Isa Race Club, the St. Patrick’s Day Races is one of the biggest race meetings closely rivalling the Spring Cup and the Mount Isa Cup.
As established from previous years, you can expect a big day with plenty of activities and entertainment for the whole family. The thrill of the event creates an exceptional social scene to mingle and enjoy the day away. To some, it is the equivalent of a nightclub during the day.
With themed fashions influenced by the Irish green, the Mount Isa Club will be one of the greenest establishments in all of town. A big lineup of exquisite food vendors have been arranged, and there will also be bookies, TAB facilities and an open bar throughout the day.
Live entertainment was provided last year with DJ glow on set, so do expect something of an equivalent highlight for this year. Although gates open at 11am, the racing schedule typically starts at around 2pm with the final race usually ending at 5pm.
Mount Isa Club members enter for free with non-members having a ticket entry of $20. Mark this date in your calendar for a great celebration and a way to kick off your month!
The Cloncurry Races
Date: 21 March 2020
A short hour drive from Mount Isa, the Schumacher Park in Cloncurry is set to celebrate the Cloncurry Races on 21 March 2020.
The Cloncurry & District Race Club is host to the races with a history dating as far back as the 1880s. Being one of the most successful race clubs in the North West, the Cloncurry Races will be one of the big ones kicking off in the year 2020.
Popular, exhilarating, and a great place to socialise for residents and those in the surrounding areas, attending the Cloncurry Races is a guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
With plenty of food, drinks, entertainment planned, all you need to do is turn up for a great day.
The Mount Isa Anzac Day Races
Date: 25 April 2020
Probably regarded as Australia’s most important national occasion, Anzac Day is commemorated by the Mount Isa Race Club through the Anzac Day Races.
Come along and join residents and visitors alike as we pay our respects, and have a good day too.
Mother's Day Races
Date: 9 May 2020
With an anticipated couple of hundreds of patrons at the Mount Isa Race Club on 9 May 2020, amusement awaits enthusiastic racegoers.
A day at the tracks in celebration of Mother’s Day promises entertainment for the whole family as activities include plenty of family fun too. This race meeting is a great opportunity for mothers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the day, filled with social interaction, drinks and presentation.
The Mount Isa Club has a dedicated sub committee for Mother’s Day, who are busy tinkering ideas to make the day nothing short of amazing. Tables are available for purchase at around $120 and include an antipasto share platter, a bottle of wine, a gift for mum, and quality VIP table service.
Fashion contest categories will be announced closer to the date. As a reference, last year’s categories included Classic Lady, Best Millinery, Contemporary Lady, and People’s Choice.
Mount Isa Club Members enter for free, while non-members have to pay a fee of $10.
Mount Isa Cup Races
Date: 6 June 2020
One of the biggest, most exciting days in Mount Isa, the Mount Isa Cup Races brings forth thousands of racegoers every year. Last year’s prize was close to $70,000 with a six race program and 61 nominated horses.
Last year, president Mick Tully was shocked to announce that there were close to 2000 pre-booked patrons, with hundreds more showing up on the day itself. Due to the high foot traffic, the Glencore pavilion had to be opened to cater to the crowd.
An annual ritual by local residents and those from surrounding areas, the Mount Isa Cup Races have proven time and time again to be a fantastic day out with a lot of fun and entertainment guaranteed. Live performances normally take place during the day with a DJ playing later on in the afternoon.
Fashions on the Field contests take place with categories such as the Lady of the Day, Gentleman of the Day, Best Dressed Couple, Classic Lady, Contemporary Lady, Best Millinery, and People’s Choice.
Members enter free while non-members pay an entry fee of $20.
What to do after the Mount Isa Race Days
After a great day out, why not continue the party into the night?
Head to the Redearth Cocktail Lounge for an impressive and stylish atmosphere, a wide selection of craft and boutique beers, a good range of quality local and international spirits, exceptional wait staff and bartenders, private booths for comfort and leisure, and so much more.
Accompany your drinks and great company with some tantalising tapas, making this a fantastic place to end your Mount Isa Race Day night.
Located on the ground floor of the Redearth Boutique Hotel, close to the hotel reception, it is ideally situated in the heart of Mount Isa city, just a 4 minute drive from the Mount Isa Race Club.
Image credit: North West Star
