With the 2024 Cup Carnival imminent, the Darwin Turf Club Board met this week before agreeing to make a significant change to its format.
It was decided to take a cautious approach to operational and infrastructure investment due to a general decline in ticket sales.
This decline is attributed to limited interstate access to the Northern Territory, cost-of-living pressures, and other economic challenges reducing discretionary spending.
Attempts to secure additional funding from stakeholders to enhance the carnival have been unsuccessful.
Consequently, the Board elected to close the centrefield at Fannie Bay and focus resources on improving service delivery to all guests on the grandstand side of the track.
This decision follows consultation with the accommodation, events, and hospitality sectors, reflecting a softer than expected tourism uptake during this year’s dry season.
Despite these challenges, DTC Chairman Craig Trezise remains optimistic about the success of the Darwin Cup Carnival.
“We remain extremely confident we can produce an exceptional event keeping with the highest quality and services that our stakeholders have come to expect from one of the NT’s largest events,” he said.
The 2024 Cup Carnival, which accommodates eight meetings, starts on July 6 and culminates with the running of the Darwin Cup on August 5.
It was only recently that the DTC announced four new board members following its annual general meeting.
New board members on the 10-member panel include Carol Need, Molly Upstill, Raymond Bail and Skefos Tsoukalis.
Trezise made special mention of the efforts of previous board members and added that he is looking forward to working with current and newly appointed board members in facilitating further growth opportunities for the club.
“I’d like to pass on my thanks to our former board members Daniel Banks and Donna Murray for their commitment and their contribution over the last three years,” he said.
“I now look forward to working with our new board members to further enhance our racing product for both industry and our members whilst providing a fantastic customer experience in the coming years for our general racing public.”
Meanwhile, Bronte Pearson, who hopes to be a sports presenter, is the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival Ambassador.
Pearson, who is studying for her Bachelor of Media Communications degree, proved to be the outstanding candidate from a strong list of applicants for the coveted role.
“Having been born and raised in the Territory, I have a deep understanding of the local culture values and community spirit that define our region,” she said.
“I can’t wait to represent the Darwin Turf Club and contribute to the success of this prestigious event, whilst also showcasing some of our wonderful retailers and designers during the carnival.”
2024 Darwin Cup Carnival schedule
- July 6 – Darwin Guineas Day
- July 13 – Chief Minister’s Cup Day
- July 17 – Ladies Day
- July 20 – NT Derby Day
- July 27 – Metric Mile Day
- July 31 – Corporate Cup Day
- August 3 – Palmerston Sprint Day
- August 5 – Darwin Cup Day
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