- Prize money of $1 million for new 'Golden Saddle' slot race
- Investment will boost Goldfields tourism and ensure the future of Provincial racing
- Biggest regional slot race in nation to increase appeal of the Kalgoorlie Race Round
Tourism and horse racing operators in the Goldfields will benefit from a $1.5 million Cook Government commitment to establish a significant new sporting drawcard as part of the annual Kalgoorlie Race Round.
The new 'Golden Saddle' slot race will attract prize money of $1 million and be run over 1100 metres on the same Saturday as the $150,000 Kalgoorlie Cup.
Premier Roger Cook made the announcement while in the Goldfields today to present the Kalgoorlie Cup trophy. The extra race will dramatically boost the annual Kalgoorlie Race Round, which also features the $150,000 Hannans Handicap on the Wednesday before.
A slot race is a unique type of horse race, where slot holders - usually owners, syndicates, or corporate entities - purchase a 'slot' in the race.
Each slot gives its holder the right to nominate a horse, either owned by them or leased in partnership with another owner/ownership group, to run in the race. This structure adds a commercial element to the traditional race format, as slot holders can trade, lease, or partner with others for access to top-tier horses to represent their slot.
Event organisers, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club, will evaluate the impact of the first slot race in 2025 and use the findings to deliver the event in 2026 and 2027.
The funding, which is over three years, will also support event promotion and tourism development, with the aim of maximising both the short-term and long-term benefits to the Goldfields community.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Racing has been an important part of the Goldfields since 1896 and remains integral to the local economy and community.
"We are proud to invest in a local industry that supports 430 full-time jobs and accounts for $54.5 million of the $1.3 billion that racing contributes to the WA economy every year.
"The Kalgoorlie Race Round provides a significant economic injection to the region, while bringing the community together at key social events.
"Adding the biggest regional slot race in the nation will further increase the popularity of the Kalgoorlie Cup."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Events form an integral part of our overarching tourism strategy right across the State, helping to boost visitation while supporting and diversifying our regional economies.
"This new 'Golden Saddle' slot race adds another exciting element to what's already a drawcard on the annual events calendar for Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields region, and I'm sure it will be embraced by locals, the racing industry, and of course the tourists who travel each year to attend."
Comments attributed to Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia:
"The Kalgoorlie Race Round attracts racegoers from around Australia and the State to the Goldfields region and the new slot race is a significant new sporting drawcard for both tourists and locals.
"Every year the Kalgoorlie Cup attracts thousands of people and it's a major boost for jobs, tourism and the local economy, as well as an increase in support for the racing industry.
"The revamped Kalgoorlie Race Round and new slot race, offering attractive prize money, will also ensure the future of horse racing in the Goldfields."
Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"The Kalgoorlie Cup is an iconic event on our sporting calendar and the Cook Government is excited to take it to new heights by helping to create the new Golden Saddle slot race.
"Establishing the biggest regional slot race in the country is an investment in tourism and sport, and the local community, which will benefit Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields more broadly."
Comments attributed to Racing and Wagering WA CEO Ian Edwards:
"The announcement of this new slot race, aptly named The Golden Saddle, follows the tremendous success of other high-profile WA thoroughbred slot races such as The Quokka, worth $5 million at Ascot.
"The new slot race at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club is anticipated to generate significant interest from across the racing industry and beyond, enhancing the Race Round's prestige both locally and nationally.
"The Goldfields has long been an integral part of Western Australia's racing history, with our sport deeply embedded in the region's social fabric.
"The Golden Saddle slot race will strengthen racing's role in fostering community connection while drawing racegoers to the town, providing a boost to local businesses in the process."
