On 1 February, Racing WA announced that it would be introducing a ranking system to determine the fields for its premier harness racing events in 2024. The first feature race subject to the ranking system is the Group 1 $300,000 Retravision Fremantle Cup on 26 April at Gloucester Park. The rankings and final field are […]

Following an internal review and consultation, Racing WA is introducing a new and comprehensive ranking system to determine contenders for prestigious harness racing events. Rankings will now be determined based on a set of criteria, considering performances in a list of races, including preludes in some instances. These rankings will be regularly updated in the […]

Racing WA has announced plans for altered race times at Ascot Racecourse on November 25 due to forecast hot weather. In line with well-established hot weather policies, the contingency plan for Railway Stakes Day is: Race 1 will be abandoned. A RTG 66+ Handicap 2100m will be added to the race program for next Saturday, […]

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) are hosting outreach sessions for industry participants across the State. The sessions will cover a range of topics including an overview of the code strategic plans, code performances, distribution, infrastructure and welfare initiatives. Please note that outreach sessions are code specific and require a minimum number of 10 attendees […]

The richest racing weekend in Western Australia is getting even richer as prize money rises to nearly $7million for the world’s first and only tri-code slot race series, The TABtouch Western Trilogy. Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Executive Officer Ian Edwards said the prize pool included an extra $1million to elevate The Quokka in […]

Legends of the past and present will be celebrated in a night of racing excellence when the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and Australian Racehorse of the Year awards are held in Perth. The two events, hosted by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), will coincide with The Pinnacles spring racing carnival at Ascot. RWWA […]

West Australian riders Keshaw Dhurun and Brayden Gaerth recently took on the country’s top apprentice jockeys and won during their heats of the National Apprentice Race Series 2023. RWWA Racing Training Manager Sharyn Lancaster said the winning pair competed in Australia’s premier race series for emerging talent, known as NARS, alongside teammates Cassey Martinan, Luke […]

A new funding source is available for research which has the potential to help horses thrive during their racing careers and beyond. The Racing and Wagering Western Australia Research Fund is now open and Head of Animal Welfare Dr Anna Smet welcomes applications for racehorse study projects. “Our aim is to ensure the highest and […]

The first standing MRI machine installed in Western Australia has scanned twice the expected number of horses in its initial month of operation. The MRI technology can diagnose a wide variety of lameness conditions caused by musculoskeletal injuries, which cannot be accurately assessed with radiographs or ultrasound. MRI is particularly useful for diagnosing soft tissue […]

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) acknowledges the announcement today by the WA Government, regarding the sale of the WA TAB. RWWA and the broader racing industry are disappointed that the sale of the WA TAB could not be concluded successfully. RWWA was committed to the sale process and had worked collaboratively with the State […]

COVID testing protocols in racing are being amended in line with lower rates of virus infection and reduced isolation periods. Fewer COVID cases, the cut to isolation time from seven days to five and high vaccination rates have combined to significantly bring down the risks to both the continuation of racing and individual health. Racing […]

Highly experienced investigator Tony Walton has been appointed to help safeguard the rigorous standards of racing integrity in Western Australia. Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Racing Integrity Officer Denis Borovica said Mr Walton, a long-serving WA police detective, was selected from a large number of quality applicants for the position. “Tony’s impressive career includes […]

A leading guardian of racing integrity is retiring after 16 years with Racing and Wagering Western Australia. Chief Racing Integrity Officer Denis Borovica offered his thanks for the dedicated service of Senior Investigator Geoff Johnson. “Geoff has been instrumental to many significant and important investigations across all codes of racing,” Denis said. “He has facilitated […]

The education program for apprentice jockeys in Western Australia is being strengthened and refreshed. Racing Training Manager Sharyn Lancaster said a new classroom created at Lark Hill Thoroughbred Training Facility was the first step in a wider move to restructure the program and elevate the quality of apprentice training “Apprentices were finding it hard to […]

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) welcomes new leader Karen Farley and farewells long-serving Board Chair Jeff Ovens. Karen is a Senior Appeals Consultant at Legal Aid WA and has taught at UWA, Notre Dame and Murdoch University law schools. She is a member of the Peppermint Grove Shire and chairs the Racing Penalties Appeal […]

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) has repealed the local rule of racing which requires COVID-19 vaccination for racing participants. Chief Racing Integrity Officer Denis Borovica said the rule, which has been in place since 5 February 2022, had been vital in safeguarding the operation of racing through the pandemic but was no longer required. […]

Western Australian racing expert David Hunter has been appointed Acting Chief Racing Officer of Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA). Over the last 18 years, David has been an integral part of the organisation’s leadership team across several business areas. From Manager Thoroughbred Racing, David moved into tri-code management as Commercial Racing and Planning Manager […]

WA racing will receive its biggest-ever uplift with a three-year financial commitment, which will see an extra $30 million in recurring funding by 2025. Strong revenue growth and careful financial management has allowed Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) to raise funding for all three codes of racing and provide the certainty of a three-year […]

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) today announces the resignation of Chief Racing Officer Charlotte Mills after more than 13 years of service to the State’s racing community. Charlotte has successfully led the strategic direction of the racing division to maximise commercial performance, revitalise the relevance of WA racing and maintain strong welfare standards. During […]

The West Australian racing community is saddened by the loss of well-known thoroughbred owner and breeder Ron Sayers. Yarradale Stud owner Ron, who died this week at the age of 70, was a leader in both the racing and mining sectors of WA. He matched business success through his company Ausdrill with racing success and […]