The 2023 Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival saw an incredible few days of food, wine, fashion, friends and racing! Glorious weather greeted punters on Thursday and Saturday of the carnival. Everyone was in high spirits as one of the premiere events on Kangaroo Island got underway. There were punters who travelled from all over Australia to be at this iconic event, some made the short trek across from Adelaide, whilst others travelled down from as far as Queensland to enjoy everything the Carnival had to offer.
Thursday was Day 1 of the Carnival with a strong turnout for the day’s event. Slightly hotter weather didn’t deter punters who wanted to get a first look at the horses that would be taking part in the races across the two days, with a seven-race card. Day 1 of the Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival offered a slightly more relaxed day of food, wine and racing with several hundred punters coming through the turnstiles. The day was very successful for Stephen Lenehan trained horses, winning Race 1, 2 and 4. I’ll Be Gone ran an incredible race in Race 4. After an abrupt right turn, out of the barriers and following the field by ten lengths, jockey Nichola Yuen produced an incredible ride to win by the tinniest of margins!
Saturday, Day 2, was the main event of the Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival, drawing a massive crowd excited for everything the day had in store. There were incredible fashions on display with multiple categories to enter as part of the Fashion at the Races competition. There were considerable prizes to be won across all categories. In the Ladies Fashion category, Melissa Gregorace took out first place with Jaimee Bruggeman coming in as runner up. Emma Turner took out the Best Millinery section, whilst Jason Ryan won the Best Menswear competition. It was the largest field of entrants that Kangaroo Island Fashion at the Races has ever seen and everyone brought their best form, showcasing unique personalities and styles.
On the track the Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island Cup was won by Hamslette ridden by Britney Wong and trained by James & Lisa Dodgson. In a field of 10, Hamslette produced a strong run and was leading as the field rounded the home turn. With 100 meters left, Britney Wong was able to hold off Splash Some Cash and Aussie Sojourn to claim the Cup!
It was another wonderful instalment of the Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival and we already can’t wait for next year’s carnival!
Check out some of the shots from the carnival below…
Photo Credit: Sean McGowan, Photographer
