Hawker Races

SATURDAY 26TH MAY 2018

The annual Hawker Races are held in late May. The Hawker Jockey Club was first registered in 1882, however it lapsed for a period starting in the 1920’s but was reactivated in 1953 as The Hawker RSL Racing Club and has been active ever since, changing the name again in 1962 to The Hawker Racing Club as it is still called today. Public interest in country racing has been growing considerably and Hawker has averaged 1000 attendees for the past few years. These numbers were also boosted by the re-introduction of the after races Cabaret which is still proving to be a popular way to finish off the day. A dedicated group of locals volunteer their time and services to organise the day and of course the committee relies heavily on donations from local businesses and at present there are over 25 sponsors contributing to the success of the day.

WHAT

With the Flinders Ranges as the backdrop, the day starts with the Calcutta at 12 Noon sharp and reaches a climax with the ‘Toyota Australia’ Hawker Cup, an 1800 metre sprint with a $12,000 prize up for grabs. When the horses aren’t thumping down the track there is plenty of family entertainment including a Kid’s Play Centre, Jumping Castle and Fashions of The Field. On-course bookies and Sky Racing Channel are available for the serious race-goers. Full bar facilities are operating all day including a Wine Tent offering a range of wines for tasting. When the hunger hits you can choose between the Outback BBQ Shed, freshly made sandwiches and hot coffee from the local ladies. The after-races Cabaret will be on again in 2018 and will feature the live band ‘The Krazy Katz’ A hot dinner will be available to purchase between 6pm and 8pm before the band starts playing. If you are planning on having a dance and staying the night there is a range of accommodation in town to suit all tastes and budgets. In addition a shuttle bus will be operating between the town of Hawker and the race track for most of the day and into the evening. A gold coin donation is greatly appreciated for the use of this service.

WHERE

Hawker is situated in the central Flinders Ranges just 379kms North of Adelaide and 110kms from Port Augusta. The Hawker Cup is the major highlight on the Hawker district calendar, attracting a large crowd from all over the state as well as those just passing through. So for any race-goer who has not experienced the friendly atmosphere of country racing, then the Hawker Races in May is the place to be.

WHEN

Late in May every year will see the horses running at the Hawker Cup. Be sure to put it in your diary!

HOW MUCH

Adult ticket  $15
Pensioner Ticket $10
Children 17 and under free