The Ceduna Races: A Hidden Gem on South Australia's Far West Coast

Photo: Ceduna Race Club

Ceduna, a coastal haven on South Australia's Far West Coast, offers a tranquil escape into nature's beauty. With its isolated beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush bushland, this hidden gem invites visitors to immerse themselves in a serene and picturesque environment.

Explore the charming coastal towns, witness the annual spectacle of whale migration, surf world-class waves, and savour the freshest seafood. One of Ceduna's most captivating attractions is the Ceduna Racing Club, where tradition meets the bush.

The Ceduna Racing Club is situated on the southern edge of Ceduna, near the grain bunkers. The local economy primarily revolves around large-scale dryland grain farming, as well as fishing, aquaculture, and mining industries.

Trackside. (Photo: Ceduna Race Club)

The Ceduna Racing Club offers a unique blend of the best aspects of both Flemington and Birdsville racecourses. Its classic, well-maintained dirt track, with its gentle curves and wide straights, is highly regarded by trainers and is considered one of the best in Australia. The elevated trackside lawns provide ample seating, shade, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both local and visiting racegoers.

The Ceduna Racetrack is known for its excellent track conditions and to achieve this, the club uses up to three trucks to water the dirt track extensively. Approximately 500,000 litres of water are applied two days before and on the morning of race day, ensuring optimal racing conditions.

The track is 2000 metres in length with a 1000 metre shute and a 1600 metre shute. Race lengths vary from 1000 metres, 1200 metres, 1300 metres, 1400 metres and 1600 metres which is also the length of our cups.

Each race day typically features between 5 and 6 races, including the prestigious Ceduna Cup.

Curtis Cup. (Photo: Ceduna Race Club)

The Ceduna Racing Club offers on-site stables for visiting horses and trainers and connections, who are also welcome to camp for free. For general attendees, there are various accommodation options in Ceduna, including the nearby Shelly Beach Caravan Park. A shuttle bus service is available to transport attendees from the town centre to the racetrack.

The Ceduna Racing Club (as do some other non-TAB clubs) adds extra prize money to the benchmark prize money provided by Racing SA. The total club contribution each year adds up to $15,000. The club also provides float subsidies for each non-winning horse that travels to our races from outside of our region, adding another $10,000 to our industry contribution. Prize money on offer ranges from $8675 for a lower race (maidens and Benchmark 54's), $9675 for a medium benchmark race, $10675 for a higher benchmark race, $12,675 for the Thevenard cup and $15,675 for the Ceduna Cup.

Winners. (Photo: Ceduna Race Club)

Curtis's Festive Season Races

The Ceduna Racing Club is hosting the Curtis's Festive Season Races day on Saturday November 30th, 2024, with a variety of activities for all ages. There will be a "Kids Space" with bouncy castles, Zorb Balls, face painting, and lucky dips. Suvi's Kitchen will be catering for the entire day, including the canteen and marquees.

Santa Photos. (Photo: Ceduna Race Club)

A Festive Fashions on the Field competition will be held, with prizes of $500 for the winning lady, $300 for the winning gentleman, and $50 each for the winning girl and boy. Additionally, there will be a fun, interactive activity where participants can create their own fascinator or race day hat.

For racing enthusiasts, there will be exciting races, ample seating, and on-site betting facilities, including local bookmakers and TAB.

A day of family fun, featuring local food, live music, and plenty of activities for the kids. Indulge in fresh local seafood, including oysters harvested from the pristine waters of the region. Make a weekend of it and camp onsite, enjoying the peace and quiet and stargazing at night.

Face Painting. (Photo: Ceduna Race Club)

Gather your friends and family for a group booking in one of our trackside marquees and enjoy the festivities. Alternatively, there are plenty of seating options available, including shaded lawn areas and air-conditioned clubrooms. To book a marquee, contact Ceduna Race club’s Marquee Coordinator.

The Ceduna Trackside. (Photo: Ceduna Race Club)

The Ceduna Cup 2025

The 2025 Ceduna Cup is set to be a thrilling event, offering more than just horse racing. In addition to the popular races, two exciting new competitions will be held: the Runway to the Races Fashion Competition and the Sportsbet Opened Oyster and Spoon Relay.

Fashion enthusiasts can showcase their style in the first ever "Runway to the Races" Fashion Competition, with a prize pool of $1500 up for grabs. Participants can either pre-register their outfit or enter the traditional Fashion at the Races competition. However, it's important to note that entering both competitions is not allowed.

For those seeking a more active challenge, the Sportsbet Opened Oyster and Spoon Relay is the perfect opportunity. Teams of 3 guys, 3 gals, and an oyster-eating champion from local clubs can compete for a $2000 prize pool. Additionally, the best-dressed club, based on a chosen theme, will receive a $500 prize.

Beyond the competitions, the Ceduna Cup promises a fantastic day out for everyone. Kelli Hoffricter's catering will provide delicious food and drinks throughout the day. Racing enthusiasts can enjoy great fields, exciting races, and plenty of seating and betting options.

For more information on Curtis's Ceduna Race Day on Saturday the 30th of November 2024 and the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Ceduna Cup Races, Saturday 1st February 2025, visit their website and/or Facebook:

www.racingceduna.com.au 

https://www.facebook.com/CedunaRacingClub