You can experience great horse racing action at the Mackay Racecourse year in year out. Mackay is the capital city of North Queensland and is located right on the east coast. The racetrack in Mackay is known as Ooralea racecourse and has a total circumference on 1600 meters and a home stretch of 310 meters. Ooralea has four starting areas which are ideal for races of 1050 metres, 1250 metres, 1500 metres and 1800 metres. The race track is operated by the Mackay Turn Club, and while the races here may not offer the biggest prize pools, it makes up for that in quality competition. Races here are held in the middle of winter when the temperature and climate is perfect for a good day at the race meetings.
While not as prestigious as other race tracks in Australia, the Mackay racecourse is wonderful in it’s own right. It is right in the middle of a very busy tourist intersection and offers great competition and great fun for the whole family. It is perfect for both the seasoned punter and new race fan alike. With the undercover betting ring made available to punters, you are able to get favorable odds, especially as you place bigger bets and pay attention to the starting positions, as not all starting spots offer the same chance to win.
The most important racing meet at Mackay is the Mackay Turf Club Cup Carnival and is a three day event that is held in either June or July. The most hotly contested race in this carnival is the $50,000 Mackay Cup, and it serves as a tune-up for the Townsville Cup. Other than the Mackay Cup, many betters and horse racing enthusiasts alike look forward to the 1800 meters North Queensland Derby, as it has a prize of $15,000 available. Other than those two races, the Ooralea Racecourse in Mackay is also home to the 1500-metre H.L. Black Memorial Handicap, the 1500-metre Lightning Handicap and the 1250-metre Mackay Newmarket Handicap.
The Mackay area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, and is used as a base for visitors venturing to the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsundays. Before you head down there, why not catch a few races at the Mackay racecourse? It offers a fun filled day for the entire family. You can contact the course at PO Box 5233, Mackay Mail Centre, QLD 4741, by phone at (07) 4952 1155 and by Fax at (07) 4952 3808.