Icehouse ticket entree to races

Broome Turf Club general manager Ron Johnston is predicting bumper crowds will attend the forthcoming Pearl Coast Racing season from June 1 to August 17.

Mr Johnston said Tourism WA events agency Eventscorp and Racing and Wagering WA are underwriting a promotion that will get the turnstiles clicking for the opening round on Saturday.

Anyone who buys a ticket to see legendary Australian band Icehouse play at the Cable Beach Ampitheatre on Sunday automatically receives free entry to the public area for Broome International Airport Race Day the day before.

Mr Johnston said he was pleased Broome was one of two other regions chosen by the State Government for WA Country Cups initiative.

“Our season heads-off with the contribution from Eventscorp and Racing and Wagering WA, which is our peak body,” he said.

“They are sponsoring Icehouse on Sunday to raise the public profile of country racing, especially country cups throughout Western Australia.

“Broome, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie are all a part of that, which is very exciting for us.”

Mr Johnston said the emphasis this year has been placed on the beginning of the racing season, rather than the finale Broome Cup on August 17.

“We have concentrated on our opening weekend, which is always a long weekend, into another must attend attraction for WA,” he said.

Broome has nine race meetings and Derby has two during the season.

“This is the biggest sporting event in Broome and is the social event of the year,” Mr Johnston said.