Round up the crew because this year’s Black Opal Stakes day is set to deliver big races, bold fashion and a buzzing social scene all in one electric afternoon. Photo: Thoroughbred Park.
Canberra’s favourite high-stakes race returns this March, promising fast horses, fresh fashion and festival vibes at Lyneham’s Thoroughbred Park.
In true Thoroughbred Park style, there’ll be a host of activations for crowds to enjoy on Black Opal Stakes day on Sunday, 8 March.
Expect a premier showcase of the best local food and wine, curated packages for large groups and live music from roving brass bands to complete the party atmosphere.
After the last race, the Winning Post Bar will open to all patrons with none other than The Voice finalist, TAB Canberra Cup and Melbourne Cup winning jockey Robbie Dolan performing from the Mounting Yard.
The John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes race attracts some of the most promising juvenile thoroughbreds in the game. It’s a key lead-up to Sydney’s Golden Slipper (the world’s richest race for two-year-old runners), and with a $200,000 prize pool on offer, the competition is fierce.
Black Opal Stakes day broke records in 2025 when it pulled in Thoroughbred Park’s biggest crowd in recent memory. A whopping 8500 patrons witnessed more than $1 million in prize money and bonuses awarded across 10 races.
Robbie Ringland is head of commercial and communications at Thoroughbred Park and says the atmosphere on days like these is unmatched.
“Around 70 per cent of ticket holders last year were aged 18 to 25, so we’re expecting a vibrant, youthful crowd cheering the horses on,” he says.
“Thoroughbred Park has a super varied calendar this autumn. We just hosted the Dynasty of Combat MMA event and DigiFest electronic music festival.
“Now we’re getting ready for our biggest race day of the year, followed by whiskey shows, car expos, viral food expos and more.”
The track has enjoyed a particularly exciting lead-up this year, with ACT sprinters doing well in preview races.
Gratz Vella & Pierre Boudvillain’s two-year-old gelding, Music Time, took out the $50,000 Black Opal Stakes preview. A local horse hasn’t won Black Opal since 2011, so plenty of Canberrans are rooting for him to win.
Robbie is keen to see local horses perform well at the Black Opal Stakes, naming Music Time as one to watch. Photo: Thoroughbred Park.
Joining the Black Opal Stakes on a bumper nine-race card is the TAB Canberra Cup, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
The Canberra Cup was first held on the original Acton Track, which now lies under Lake Burley Griffin. Past winners and key members of the local racing community boated out to officially launch the centenary celebrations, directly above the original finishing post coordinates.
“We are so proud of the Canberra Cup and we can’t wait to give this momentous occasion the special celebration it deserves,” Canberra Racing Club CEO Darren Pearce says.
“Our Cup is almost as old as Canberra itself and has provided Canberrans with thrills and unforgettable moments for almost a century.
“The centenary celebrations will honour the generations of horses, jockeys, trainers and racing fans who have shaped the Cup’s proud legacy.”
Fashions on the Field is sure to impress with a special Centenary Revival category, open to men and women showing off their best interpretations of 1920s flair.
Competitors go in the running for some pretty awesome prizes, including Canberra Centre and The RUC vouchers, $100 hampers from De Bortoli and a Good Friday Seafood Luncheon experience for two at Thoroughbred Park.
Want to be named a Centenary Canberra Cup Day Owner and share in $5000? Grab one of 100 limited edition Centenary Canberra Cup caps to be in the running.
Each numbered, collectible cap comes with a ticket to the Black Opal Cocktail Party on Friday 6 March, where Centenary Canberra Cup Day Owners will be announced.
Winners are allocated a horse running in the TAB Canberra Cup on 8 March, and get three Owner passes for the full VIP race day experience.
This includes a meeting with their horse’s trainer and jockey (subject to operations) and the opportunity to race for cash – $3500 for first place, $1500 for second, and $500 for third.
Whether it’s million-dollar racing, high-stakes fashion, or the electric crowd that draws you in, Black Opal Stakes Day is a must-see event this autumn.
The 2026 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Day will be held at Thoroughbred Park in Lyneham on Sunday, 8 March. Gates open at 11:30 am, with local racing from 12:40 pm. Tickets available online via Oztix.
Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Region Canberra.
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