Winter Racing Carnival: Country Racing in Narrandera
Some winter weekends are made for staying in. Others are worth getting dressed up for.
In Narrandera, winter arrives with a calendar of country racing that stretches across the three months of the season. From the opening meet in June to the prestige of the Narrandera Cup in July and a family-friendly finale in August, the 2026 Winter Racing Carnival offers three opportunities to experience a highlight of regional Australia.
The season opens on June 13 with the LW Peacock Memorial Race Day. As the first meeting of the season, it’s the perfect introduction to country racing in Narrandera. This year has seen 205 nominations, 53 of which are entered for the LW Peacock Cup so expect competitive racing, a welcoming atmosphere, and relaxed country hospitality.
Gates open at 11am so we recommend arriving early and spending the morning exploring town before heading out to Racecourse Road for an afternoon of racing. With a licensed bar, canteen, coffee van and indoor seating (in case it gets a bit chilly), it’s an easy winter escape.
If there’s one weekend that defines the carnival, it’s the Narrandera Cup. Held on 12 July, the Cup is the headline event of the winter racing season and one of the biggest social occasions on the Shire’s calendar. Visitors travel from across the Riverina and beyond for a day of racing, fashion and celebration.
The festivities begin before race day itself. On 11 July, the Narrandera Golf Club is hosting the inaugural Narrandera Cup Two-Person Ambrose. It’s a 12:30pm shot-gun start and the $40 per person ticket includes green fees, a BBQ lunch from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and prizes. Team nominations close Monday 6 July. Learn more here →
Taking centre stage on Saturday night, the Narrandera Cup Calcutta will be headlined by Malcolm ‘Miracle’ Johnston at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club. One of the most popular jockeys of any era, Malcolm ‘Miracle’ Johnston is a superstar of the racing world. Sky Racing's Graeme White will also be in attendance and a bumper Calcutta will be hosted by Drew Kenna. Tickets will be available from 5pm and there will be live music in the main bar after the auction.
Together, the Golf Day, Calcutta and Cup create the perfect winter weekend escape.
The final chapter of the 2026 Winter Racing Carnival arrives on 15 August with the TC Lee Family Race Day, offering all the excitement of country racing while remaining one of the most family-friendly meetings on the calendar. As winter begins its transition towards spring, it’s a fitting finale to three months of racing and community celebration.
The beauty of Narrandera’s Winter Racing Carnival is that you don’t need to choose just one weekend. Each race meeting has its own character, from the season opener in June to Cup weekend in July and the family-focused finale in August. Together, they create a season-long invitation to discover the Riverina.