3 July 2026
The Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival returns this weekend, with a full field of events from 4 July to 3 August. This year's Carnival will showcase the best of Territory racing, fashion, hospitality, and spirit with a month of races and off-field events. Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing Territory racing as we rebuild our economy and restore our lifestyle.
The gates are set to fly open as the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival kicks off this weekend.
One of Australia's most iconic racing carnivals, the Darwin Cup Carnival will showcase the very best of the Territory - and the industry - over the next month.
Launching with the DCOH Darwin Guineas this Saturday and concluding with the Great Northern Darwin Cup Day on 3 August, the Carnival has become a must-do on the Territory calendar.
Minister for Racing, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the Darwin Cup Carnival was one of Australia's signature racing events and a showcase of all that makes the Territory unique.
"The Darwin Cup Carnival is about so much more than racing - it's a chance to celebrate all that makes the Territory one of a kind, with our unique lifestyle, local talent, and warm hospitality.
"This year, I'm particularly proud to see some fantastic local talent on and off the field, from Carnival Ambassador Paige Munson championing Territory fashion to our talented jockeys, trainers, stewards, and entertainers."
Chris Chaffe, CEO of Darwin Turf Club, said that the Darwin Cup Carnival was a destination event for the Territory.
"It's shaping up to be a bumper Darwin Cup. We are seeing increasing interest from interstate visitors, corporate groups and returning patrons who plan their year around Cup Day," Mr Chaffe said.
"Premium experiences including Ladies Day allow us to build stronger momentum across the Carnival and engage an even broader audience, whilst the Ladbrokes Let's Talk Racing Luncheon, the Sportsbet Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball and Great Northern Darwin Cup Day are all selling fast.
"But the Leger Marquee on Cup Day remains one of the stand-out hospitality spaces, with this area needing an increase this year due to an unprecedented demand for hospitality. In fact, it's now sold out, set to host 1000 attendees this year.
"The Club Lawns have also seen significant demand and growth year on year, which will deliver exceptional value and atmosphere for groups wanting to be in the heart of the action."
The 2026 Darwin Cup Carnival features eight race days with events including:
• DCOH Darwin Guineas Day from 11am on Saturday, 4 July
• Rydges Palmerston Ladies Day from 11am on Wednesday, 8 July
• AUFS Chief Minister's Cup Day from 11.00am on Saturday, 11 July
• Ladbrokes NT Derby Day from 11.00am on Saturday, 18 July
• TAB Metric Mile Day from 11.00am on Saturday, 25 July
• Dabble Corporate Race Day from 11.00am on Wedensday, 29 July
• Bet365 Palmerston Sprint Day from 11.00am on Saturday, 1 August
• Great Northern Darwin Cup Day from 10.00am on Monday, 3 August
The Ladsbrokes Let's Talk Racing Luncheon, Fashions on the Field competition, Sportsbet Turf Club Gala Ball, and a Great Northern Darwin Cup Calcutta will also round out a jam-packed list of events.
Minister Boothby highlighted the importance of racing to the Territory economy.
"We know that the Northern Territory is racing Territory, and this year we're putting our racing industry front-and-centre."
"Racing is a $160 million industry, supporting local jobs and filling our hotels, retailers, and hospitality venues - in Darwin, as well as in the regions."
DCOH is returning for the third year as a major sponsor for the Darwin Cup Carnival.
CEO of DCOH, Shane Dignan, said, "For us, it's about supporting the local economy, investing in events that put Darwin on the map and giving back to the city's vibrant social scene."
Minister Boothby concluded: "In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are backing Territory racing and the opportunities it creates for local jobs, local businesses, and locals to enjoy our lifestyle."
