Thoroughbred Park

Thoroughbred Park Thoroughbred Park, home of the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes, Canberra's first million dollar race day Home of the Canberra Racing Club.

The action takes place both on and off the track with racing 25 times per year. The two-day Canberra Carnival encapsulates the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes and TAB Canberra Cup in March. Thoroughbred Park Function & Convention Centre is quickly developing an enviable reputation for function and conference facilities. We offer the best of both worlds with the freedom and tranquillity o

f the countryside and a beautiful view of the Brindabella and Majura mountain ranges. FUNCTIONS AND CONFERENCE FACILITY

Situated only five minutes from the heart of Canberra with complimentary parking in a secluded and secure environment, Thoroughbred Park is the perfect location for your next event. We offer a wonderful alternative with a relaxed and peaceful setting and spacious light filled rooms fitted with floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the race course. At Thoroughbred Park we know how to make you feel welcome. Our catering and event team are readily available to assist with all your enquiries and understand the needs of your ever-changing requirements. You can be confident that our staff will ensure your event is a great success. Thoroughbred Park offers an extensive variety of menus; however our chefs are flexible and happy to tailor a menu within your budget suited to your needs. We have conference and function facilities for everyone, from a small conference of 12 to large events of up to 2000. With a variety of large outdoor areas, you can get married under the beautiful flowering plum trees or start your event with drinks and canapés in the mounting yard. The outdoor options are endless!

We are almost ready for you, Canberra 🥰🐎🖤Get your ticket to John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Day here: https://...
08/03/2025

We are almost ready for you, Canberra 🥰🐎🖤

Get your ticket to John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Day here: https://bit.ly/3BvmmW2

SOMEONE WILL WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF PROSECCO ON BLACK OPAL DAY 🤯📣🥂Post your happy snap in front of the photo wall, post...
07/03/2025

SOMEONE WILL WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF PROSECCO ON BLACK OPAL DAY 🤯📣🥂

Post your happy snap in front of the photo wall, post it to Instagram, tag and hashtag for your chance to win.

The Prize: De Bortoli Prosecco (one six-pack per month for twelve months) delivered to your address (must be within NSW or the ACT) valued at $1,300
Prize announcement: Following the last race.

The winner will be the most "delightfully fresh & lively" entry to match the De Bortoli Prosecco🥰

Entrants must be 18+ to be eligible. Entries must be posted on Instagram on Sunday, 9 March 2025. The Canberra Racing Club promotes the responsible service of alcohol.

The most important Racing and Sports Profit Pointers of the year....10 races. 5 maximum confidence races 👀Find them here...
07/03/2025

The most important Racing and Sports Profit Pointers of the year....

10 races. 5 maximum confidence races 👀

Find them here:

Racing and Sports Profit Pointers hosts all the important data ahead of John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day.

Gates open at 11am on Sunday (10:30am for Members) 🐎Premium packages open from 12pm.The forecast is 28 degrees and sunny...
07/03/2025

Gates open at 11am on Sunday (10:30am for Members) 🐎

Premium packages open from 12pm.

The forecast is 28 degrees and sunny! 😎

The GOAT is in the building 🐐Damien Oliver is the special guest at the 2025 Carbine Club of the ACT Black Opal Luncheon.
07/03/2025

The GOAT is in the building 🐐

Damien Oliver is the special guest at the 2025 Carbine Club of the ACT Black Opal Luncheon.

The Punters Panel has assembled for the Carbine Club of the ACT Black Opal Luncheon.Barbara Joseph (Joseph Jones Racing)...
07/03/2025

The Punters Panel has assembled for the Carbine Club of the ACT Black Opal Luncheon.

Barbara Joseph (Joseph Jones Racing), Kayla Nisbet (Sky Racing), Simon Dinopoulos (Racing and Sports) & Joe Cleary (Joe Cleary Racing).

Who are you bringing to the Black Opal? 🐎🖤🥰John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes is this Sunday 🐎Get your ticket her...
06/03/2025

Who are you bringing to the Black Opal? 🐎🖤🥰

John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes is this Sunday 🐎

Get your ticket here: https://bit.ly/3BvmmW2

It'll be a Black Opal Stakes for Gerald Ryan & Sertling Alexiou if form analyst Neil Evans is on the money. Check out Ne...
06/03/2025

It'll be a Black Opal Stakes for Gerald Ryan & Sertling Alexiou if form analyst Neil Evans is on the money. Check out Neil's preview of Sunday's Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes here 👇

Form Analyst Neil Evans previews the 2025 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day card.

UPDATE AHEAD OF JOHN MCGRATH AUTO GROUP BLACK OPAL STAKES 🐎🖤Please be advised that due to heavy rainfall predicted in th...
05/03/2025

UPDATE AHEAD OF JOHN MCGRATH AUTO GROUP BLACK OPAL STAKES 🐎🖤

Please be advised that due to heavy rainfall predicted in the late afternoon and early evening, John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day (Sunday, 9 March) has been brought forward 1 race, with the 1st Race now to be run at 11:36am.

Gates will now open at 11am (10:30am for Members). Timings for premium packages remain unchanged.

Our Ted & Olive Boutique Fashions on the Field stage will move inside the Betting Ring with our contestants outfits in mind. Times remain unchanged.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

04/03/2025

We’re excited to partner with Ted & Olive Boutique for the 2025 Black Opal Fashions on the Field!

Are you race day ready?

With a stunning selection of Australian designer pieces, visit the team in-store to find your perfect race day look.

Planning to enter Fashions on the Field? Head to our website for entry details and style guidelines. ✨

John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day is a smorgousboard for racing fans with the 10-race program featuring...
04/03/2025

John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day is a smorgousboard for racing fans with the 10-race program featuring 4 stakes races 🐎

The Group 3 Black Opal Stakes, Listed TAB Canberra Cup, Listed Seears Workwear National Sprint & the Listed Tooheys Canberra Guineas.

Who will write their name in Canberra racing history this Sunday, 9 March?

04/03/2025

Despite missing the kick, there was only one winner a long way out in the Civium Property Group Canberra Cup Preview (2000m).

Anthony Warren's mare Scarli Japali certainly ticked the 2000m box and looks a great local hope in the Listed TAB Canberra Cup (2000m) on Sunday, 9 March.

It was new Canberra Trainer Anthony Warren's first winner since moving to the Nation's Capital.

203 nominations have been received for Sunday's John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day including defending T...
04/03/2025

203 nominations have been received for Sunday's John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day including defending TAB Canberra Cup (2000m) champion Almania and Civium Cup Preview winner Scarli Japali (pictured) 🏆

27 two-year-olds remain in contention for the 2025 Black Opal Stakes (1200m).

Read more about the nominations👇

203 nominations have been received for the 2025 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day program.

New saddle cloths & strappers bibs have arrived ahead of Sunday 😍What’s better; the new design or Kenny’s modelling?
04/03/2025

New saddle cloths & strappers bibs have arrived ahead of Sunday 😍

What’s better; the new design or Kenny’s modelling?

04/03/2025

Behind the Scenes with Matt Kelley’s Stable Team 🏇

Before the sun rises, the Matt Kelley Racing team is already in action—mucking out stalls, feeding and grooming the horses, and prepping them for morning trackwork. Every detail matters, from the first feed to the final check, ensuring each horse is in peak condition for the day ahead.

Matt Kelley Racing

Food & Bev Pop-Ups coming to Black Opal 👇🍗🍹🤤shack Benny's Bar Ambrosia DistilleryBann's Tanya Thai MXTology Get your ti...
03/03/2025

Food & Bev Pop-Ups coming to Black Opal 👇🍗🍹🤤
shack

Benny's Bar
Ambrosia Distillery
Bann's Tanya Thai
MXTology

Get your ticket here: https://bit.ly/3BvmmW2

Address

Randwick Road
Canberra, ACT
2602

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61262040000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Thoroughbred Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Thoroughbred Park:

Videos

We’re excited to partner with Ted & Olive Boutique for the 2025 Black Opal Fashions on the Field! Are you race day ready? With a stunning selection of Australian designer pieces, visit the team in-store to find your perfect race day look. Planning to enter Fashions on the Field? Head to our website for entry details and style guidelines. ✨

Scarli Japali with an enormous win in the Civium Canberra Cup Preview
Scarli Japali with an enormous win in the Civium Canberra Cup Preview

Despite missing the kick, there was only one winner a long way out in the Civium Property Group Canberra Cup Preview (2000m). Anthony Warren's mare Scarli Japali certainly ticked the 2000m box and looks a great local hope in the Listed TAB Canberra Cup (2000m) on Sunday, 9 March. It was new Canberra Trainer Anthony Warren's first winner since moving to the Nation's Capital.

Behind the Scenes with Matt Kelley’s Stable Team 🏇 Before the sun rises, the Matt Kelley Racing team is already in action—mucking out stalls, feeding and grooming the horses, and prepping them for morning trackwork. Every detail matters, from the first feed to the final check, ensuring each horse is in peak condition for the day ahead. Matt Kelley Racing

Are you race day ready? 👗🏇 We’re excited to partner with Ted & Olive Boutique for the 2025 Black Opal Fashions on the Field! With a stunning selection of Australian designer pieces, visit the team in-store to find your perfect race day look. Planning to enter Fashions on the Field? Head to our website for entry details and style guidelines. ✨ https://thoroughbredpark.com.au/race/2025/03/john-mcgrath-auto-group-black-opal-stakes-race-day/?utm_content=sked_67c5139c1b8f12d05c418598&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook

Farcited was an impressive winner of the Black Opal Preview
Farcited was an impressive winner of the Black Opal Preview

Just like his father did, expensive colt Farcited broke his maiden right here at Thoroughbred Park in terrific fashion. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Farnan-colt was simply a class above in the ETS Refrigeration Black Opal Preview (1000m) and booked his spot in the Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (1200m) alongside Steel Knight.

Sun 'n' Sand books a berth in a 2025 Tooheys Canberra Guineas
Sun 'n' Sand books a berth in a 2025 Tooheys Canberra Guineas

Sun 'n' Sand pushed herself into the clear on the turn and was too strong for them in the 2025 Casino Canberra Canberra Guineas Preview (1400m). The Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones-trained filly booked herself a spot in the 2025 Tooheys Canberra Guineas (1400m) alongside Danielle Sieb's Xcessive Force. The Canberra Guineas is one of 4 stakes races to be run on John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Race Day on Sunday, 9 March.

Fashions on the Field – Presented by @ted_olive_boutique We’ve teamed up with Ted & Olive for this year’s Thoroughbred Park Fashions on the Field, and we can’t wait to see your show-stopping looks! Will your outfit be on-trend, bold, and something we’ve never seen before? Now’s your chance to bring the WOW factor to the track! 🌟 Think you’ve got what it takes?

Minx Written is ready to shine in the Black Opal Preview this Friday, 21st Feb! ✨🏇 From Goulburn to Canberra, she and her trainer Anthony Warren Racing have been thriving in world-class facilities, preparing for the occasion. Stay tuned as she takes the next step towards the prestigious Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes! 🏆 We caught up with Anthony to discuss Minx Written’s journey, why Canberra’s top-tier facilities are ideal for young horses, and how she’s gearing up for race day.

Tommy Berry's Black Opal
Tommy Berry's Black Opal

It was an emotional first Black Opal win for star Jockey Tommy Berry in the 2024 Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes when Holmes A Court exploded in the final furlong for Peter & Paul Snowden in front of a record crowd 🐎🥰 Canberra's million dollar race day including the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes is Sunday, 9 March 2025. Don't miss it: https://bit.ly/3BvmmW2

Hear from CRC Racecourse Manager Adam Ayre ahead of our race meeting tomorrow and following a summer renovation 🐎
Hear from CRC Racecourse Manager Adam Ayre ahead of our race meeting tomorrow and following a summer renovation 🐎

Hear from CRC Racecourse Manager Adam Ayre ahead of our race meeting tomorrow and following a summer renovation 🐎

Shortcuts

Share

Our Story

Canberra's Premier Racecourse & Event Facilities Provider

The action takes place both on and off the track with racing 25 times per year. Canberra's premier race day the John McGrath Black Opal Stakes day takes place in March or the annual TAB Melbourne Cup Race day in November. Other fortnightly TAB meetings (23) are scheduled and may be available for sponsorship and race day functions. FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

Enter the Canberra Centre Fashions on the Field competitions for the best prizes in the region. Please note that the Fashions on the Field competition has strict guidelines for each category entry. Categories are Classic Ladies Racewear and Classic Mens Racewear. Please take note registration for all categories will be between 12:00pm and 1:30pm on the day, no late entries accepted.

FUNCTIONS AND CONFERENCE FACILITY Thoroughbred Park Function & Convention Centre is quickly developing an enviable reputation for function and conference facilities. We offer the best of both worlds with the freedom and tranquillity of the countryside and a beautiful view of the Brindabella and Majura mountain ranges. Situated only five minutes from the heart of Canberra with complimentary parking in a secluded and secure environment, Thoroughbred Park is the perfect location for your next event. We offer a wonderful alternative with a relaxed and peaceful setting and spacious light filled rooms fitted with floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the race course. At Thoroughbred Park we know how to make you feel welcome. Our catering and event team are readily available to assist with all your enquiries and understand the needs of your ever-changing requirements. You can be confident that our staff will ensure your event is a great success. Thoroughbred Park offers an extensive variety of menus; however our chefs are flexible and happy to tailor a menu within your budget suited to your needs. We have conference and function facilities for everyone, from a small conference of 12 to large events of up to 2000. With a variety of large outdoor areas, why not utilise our Fashions on the Field stage for your fashion parade, get married under the beautiful flowering plum trees or start your event with drinks and canapés in the mounting yard. The outdoor options are endless!