Course just picture perfect

Broome may be famous for its iconic beach and unique attractions, but now it has become a frontrunner in another field after its racecourse was declared one of the most stunning in the world.

Popular online racing forum Punters.com.au recently compiled a bucket list of the top 10 must-see racetracks and highlighted Broome’s for its unique peninsula location and vibrant landscape.

Switzerland’s snowy St Moritz, Tuscany’s medieval Piazza Del Campo and England’s “glorious” Goodwood racetracks also made it onto the list.

Broome Turf Club manager Doug Milner said it was great to discover the town’s facility had been recognised among some internationally-renowned courses.

“Most of those other tracks are world famous and always have been so to get included with them does come as a surprise.”

Mr Milner said the annual race round attracted visitors from all over the globe and said this recognition would further broadcast the premier event and hopefully draw even more spectators.

“I get emails regularly from people from the UK, from the US and Singapore, various places, who want to come to Broome for a holiday and include the races while they’re here,” he said.

“There will certainly be those sorts of people who go around the world to go for the races wherever they travel… if they’re in WA they might say ‘we must go to the race track while we’re here.’”

Long term bookmaker Mike Windle said the unique surrounds and perfect seasonal weather made Broome’s racetrack special.

“There wouldn’t be many race tracks in the world with water on three sides,” he said.

“Every race day is around 30 degrees in the middle of winter.”

Australia’s North West Tourism chief executive Glen Chidlow said it was great promotion for the town.

“The coastal setting of Broome’s racecourse is what sets it apart, and the vibrant colours of the red earth and blue water are equally impressive to both locals and visitors,” he said.

“The racing season in Broome is one of the major drawcards for visitors to the town and this article provides a great endorsement for that experience.

“It’s an excellent advertisement for the town of Broome.”

Fact box**

Punter.com.au’s top 10 racetracks around the world

St Moritz, Switzerland

Broome, Western Australia

Churchill Downs, Kentucky

Piazzo Del Campo, Tuscany

Goodwood, England

Santa Anita, California

Chantilly, Paris

Dunkeld, Victoria

Rossbeigh Beach, County Kerry

The Tibetan Plateau, Sichuan Province and Qinghai Province

For more information visit www.punters.com.au.