Scene set for big season with ‘good quality’ field

Punters, locals and tourists are not the only ones who will be drawn to Broome Turf Club this year.

A record number of horse trainers are expected during the upcoming race season, as well as a strong cohort of horses and jockeys from all around the country.

A total of 20 trainers will come to Broome during the race season, an all-time record for the club and an increase from last year’s 16. And 135 horses have already been booked in, including some from Perth and Darwin, with significant interest from the Eastern States.

Manager Paul Rossiter said this number was a strong representation of how popular the event was becoming.

“We hope this number of horses will continue to grow during the season and as we approach the first race,” he said.

“The introduction of our $50,000 Tab Touch Sprint on Ladies Day will hopefully entice racers to bring their horses up to Broome for that event, as well as cup day.

“Not only are we attracting a large quantity of horses, but they’re also good-quality horses.

“Our Broome Cup winner last year, Pretty Blonde, went on to win this year’s Alice Spring’s Cup.”

Committee chairman Michael Chapman said the decent number and quality of horses was beneficial for all involved during the race season.

“When you have a solid number of horses, it is more competitive,” he said.

“People like betting on a bigger field. It is good for punters and it is good for us. This is a good reflection of our solid racing season to come.”

Trainer Rob Gulberti said he was looking forward to the races and was keen to see which horses could handle the Broome conditions.

“This will be my fifth racing season here in a row,” he said.

“It’s good to see the town come together to have fun while we focus more on the competitive side of things.

“A lot of the horses have come from down south, or even Darwin and over east this year. I’m keen to see if they can handle our conditions here in Broome. Our track isn’t like the grass in other places and we’ll soon see which of the horses can handle it.”

Kat Hampson has been a trainer in Broome for six years and said she was very prepared for this season.

“My horses are starting to arrive in Broome and they’re great animals that I have a good connection with,” she said. “Now that the wet season is over, I am raring to go.”