King Island Tourism, Media Release, 8 December 2021

Country racing always has a story to tell, but none like King Islands. Situated in the middle of the Western Entrance to Bass Strait. The King Island Racing Club Incorporated should logistically not have survived over 125 years of racing.

In 1892 the winner’s cheque was paid in wallaby skins, a form of currency in those days, the jockeys were predominately the owner, his son or worker for the owner.​

These days, they fly in the stewards, jockeys and bookmakers. The drivers for the Pacing are local owners/trainers.

Every September, as the sun unfolds over Bass Strait, it is not just the dairy farmers that are out and about, 80 odd horses are in work, preparing for the summer racing carnival.

Rather uniquely, King Island’s race programs are dual code; a mix of gallops and pacers which both race on the one mile grass track. A number of clubs throughout the world could lay claim to staging dual meets, but it is unlikely many of them would have them both running on grass.

The main thrust of King Island Racing is having fun. Always has been, always will be. Our race club would not have survived the past century if racegoers didn’t have one helluva good time!

Nevertheless, after the uncertainty of 2020 and 2021, King Island Racing Club is ready to mount-up for another season! Here is a listing of the planned race days for 2021-2022:

Boxing Day – Sunday 26 December 2021

Our first meeting of the summer carnival, where we see many horses hit the track for the first time will also be host of the Fashions on the Field Day, this includes the trendiest tradies so come on tradies of King Island (or away) come have a great day at the track.​

King Island Beef Day – Sunday 2 January 2022

King Island Beef Day being hosted by Cody Whiteman focusing on World Renown King Island Premium Beef and other King Island products. ​

King Island Maritime Day – Saturday 8 January 2022

Today’s events help finalise the fields for the King Island Cup feature races and welcomes friends and families to continue celebrating the festive season.​

King Island Cup/ Ladies Day – Saturday 22 January 2022

This day celebrates both the Carlton United Breweries (CUB) Pacing Cup and Jim McKenzie Agencies Galloping Cup, who for years have proudly supported the King Island Racing Club by providing our horse saddle cloths and horse handler bibs.​

King Island Fly in Day – Saturday 29 January 2022​

King Island Recreational Day – Saturday 5 February 2022

Final Race day for the King Island Racing Club season. Why not come and enjoy a great day at the races or stay for the weekend and enjoy King Island’s hospitality. An action packed day with both our dual codes of racing and the Hole in One golfing competition throughout the day.

Thank you for your patience.

​For more information on any of these meetings email:​Secretary: Heather Archer – kingislandracingclub@gmail.com or hgarcher@skymesh.com.au