The Port Hedland Turf Club’s (PHTC) racing season gets underway this Saturday, with club officials expecting a big turnout on course for the opening meeting of 2024.
It marks the first of the six meetings set to be held by the PHTC this season, headlined by the highlight of the Pilbara racing season, the Port Headland Cup, on August 11.
While the Pilbara is renowned for mining, the vast region – which spans more than 500,000sqkm – is not just home of iron ore but also to four race clubs, including the PHTC.
Racing in the Pilbara generates more than $17.8 million for the State's economy each year, as part of the $1.3 billion the racing industry contributes annually.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards, who will be among racegoers at this year's Port Headland Cup, highlighted racing's social importance to towns across the Pilbara.
"Although racing makes a significant economic contribution to WA, it's the meaningful social impact of race days like the Port Hedland Cup which fosters community connection," Ian said.
"Racing at Port Hedland plays an important role in weaving social connections and providing a fantastic day trackside for hardworking individuals who have busy work schedules."
Port Hedland is home to one of the most unique racecourses in Australia, featuring a dual surface of 1100m of firm pindan dirt which seamlessly transitions to 700m of lush grass in the home straight.
The PHTC is anticipating between 1500 and 2000 racegoers at most race meetings, with PHTC President Troy Morrissey noting the working town was excited for the upcoming season.
"I've been in Port Headland for 17 years, and there's nothing bigger from a social point-of-view than the races," he said.
"Majority of people in town do shift work, and you don't see your friends for weeks or months sometimes, but everyone seems to congregate at the races – racing is all about the entertainment and the social aspect.
"Everyone I know who aren't necessarily racing people always look forward to going because it's such a good day out."
