Western Australia have followed in the footsteps of the eastern states, announcing the introduction of a new $4 million slot-holder thoroughbred race for next year.
The race will be known as 'The Quokka' - named after the state's native marsupial - and will become the richest race in WA.
Already boasting multiple Group 1 events including the Railway Stakes, Winterbottom Stakes and Kingston Town Classic, which all have a total prizemoney of $1.5 million.
But the new addition, which will follow the same pattern as the $15 million TAB Everest in Sydney, gives WA a huge boost for next Autumn.
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The race will be held on April 15th, two weeks after the G1 TJ Smith Stakes in Sydney, and will part of a three-day cross-code extravaganza that will also include the $1 million Nullarbor (harness) and $500,000 Sandgroper (greyhounds).
“We’re excited to announce Australia’s first tri-code slot racing event,” RWAA CEO Ian Edwards said.
“Western Australia is new territory for slot races and we are ideally placed to bring the trinity of thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing together for the first time in one sensational weekend program.
“These three races will be among the richest in the state for each racing code. Each race has taken a name with a strongly West Australian flavour.
“We’re delighted to host a unique racing weekend for interstate visitors during a beautiful time of year in Western Australia.
“We look forward to revving up the colour and entertainment of WA’s autumn racing carnival by welcoming the best equine and canine talent from around the country.
“This will create the ideal counterpoint to our popular and successful spring racing carnival.”
Slot holders will need to dish up $200,000 for The Quokka, with 14 spots available in the race.
Perth have struggled to bring in top-quality horses during the autumn and spring in recent years due to the rise in prize money in NSW and Victoria, but the latest addition should help bring some eyes back to their product.
