Horse racing, ‘the races’ or ‘The Sport of Kings’. An ancient sport, simple in nature, a spectacle in reality. One of the most widely spectated and celebrated sports in the world, developing its own unique and sometimes conflicting cultures across the globe. In Australia horse racing has two representations, the high flying classy side of the sport, with fashionable fascinators and flowing champagne; and then there’s the excitement of the punt. Between the colourful characters, the people watching, the atmosphere of the track and the adrenaline of the sport itself, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on any given race day, if you’re lucky maybe even a small fortune in winnings to take home.

This January presented by Coastline BMW and the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce is the Sunshine Coast Summer Racing Carnival. Over consecutive weekends in January, starting with an exciting day of golf on the 15^th, culminating in the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce Sunshine Coast Cup Raceday on Monday the 26^th. Included in the carnival are a number of event, including The Big Kart Track family fun day hosted on the 16^th. Obviously a day for the more high-octane of families looking to get together with friends and family for a cheap day of speed and fun on the track in a safe environment for everyone. As a youngster, go-karting was a definite high-light. All your life as a kid you’re driven around, watched movies full of tire spinning, no holds-bared speed and yet unable to experience it yourself. Go-karting gives little dare-devils and future formula one drives the opportunity to feel the speed of racing, the thrill of speeding sideways around corners in a safe environment.

After all the fun and big grins of the race day there’s a night for Mum and Dad to enjoy. On the 16^th BMW Coastline – together with the Wishlist – are hosting the Sunshine Coast Summer Racing Gala ball. A night of fine dining, black tie attire and glamour to present the Racing Ministers Award for contributions to the growth of country racing in Queensland. Ladies, an opportunity to go shopping and see your man dressed to the nines, not to mention drinking and eating yourself silly well into the night with close friends. Men, a night to show your romantic side and win some brownie points, throw in a limo and some flowers to make her feel extra special and you’ll get a free pass for forgetting your mother in laws birthday, for a little while anyway.

The following day will bring about the Coastline BMW Racing Minister’s 2YO Classic Raceday. The day will feature eight races in total and accumulative prize pool of Seven-hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The gates open at 10am and the fun and frivolity can begin. Take a punt, sit back and relax with friends while enjoying the majesty of the sport. The carnival will finish off on Monday the 26^th with the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce Sunshine Coast Cup Raceday. Again, there will be eight races run on the day with a total prize pool of five-hundred and twenty thousand dollars. As well as the races, the Hobnobbers Luncheon will be on offer at the finish line for those willing to pull together a group of ten and splurge for a more exuberant experience. Over two-hundred and fifty people will win and dine throughout the event on a three-course buffet lunch and selected beverages in the champagne garden right on the finish line. Tickets for the luncheon are not available individually, sold only in groupings of ten for nine-hundred and fifty dollars. It sounds astronomical, but split between ten people, for the value of the atmosphere and food provided it’d be well worth organising a group.

For more information on the Carnival and its events visit the Sunshine Coast Turf Club website.