The Burns Club Memorial Race Day promises good food, great fun and plenty of Highland action. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Looking for something a bit different to round out the Anzac Day long weekend? Well, pull up those socks and don your finest tartan, because you’re in luck.
Canberra’s home of thoroughbred racing has teamed up with one of the city’s oldest organisations, and together they have grand plans for a race day filled with Scottish flair.
Thoroughbred Park and the Burns Club are old friends. The latter actually helped establish the Canberra Racing Club, way back in 1946.
Almost eight decades later, Thoroughbred Park honoured 100 years of the Burns Club with a birthday bash like no other.
Last year’s centennial race day celebrated all things Highland culture, and it was such a hit that club president Athol Chalmers is thrilled to mirror the event this April.
“Everyone enjoyed themselves so immensely, it just made sense to celebrate our club and culture again with The Burns Club Memorial Race Day,” Athol says.
“There’ll be plenty of food, music and activities to partake in alongside watching the races.
“We are also putting on a special luncheon in the Silks Room, which promises to be fantastic.”
The Scottish takeover will include special Highland Pipeband performances. Athol will lead the band, leveraging more than 50 years of experience on the bagpipes.
Keen to channel your inner thoroughbred? Wearing something tartan (even a scarf) to compete in the traditional 100-metre Tartan Dash race.
Thoroughbred Park has pulled out all the stops for the Burns Club Memorial Luncheon, which kicks off at 1 pm.
Guests will be treated to a delicious two-course meal prepared by the park’s renowned chefs, along with a four-hour beverage package, private amenities, and TAB facilities.
The best part? Events in the Silks Room are framed by a panoramic view of the track, so guests can immerse themselves in all the action.
“Being part of the crowd when those horses hit the home straight is extra special. The atmosphere is just electric,” Athol says.
“Even if you’re no racing buff, it’s a chance to get out in the sunshine and do something a bit different with your long weekend. And race days are family-friendly, so you can bring the kids along!”
Since their event is right after Anzac Day, the Burns Club team decided to raise funds for a military-related cause.
The team landed on Remount, a not-for-profit organisation that offers free horsemanship programs to service personnel and their families.
“Remount believes that horses have an amazing ability to heal, which I think is so powerful in looking after people who have served,” Athol says.
“We’re very proud to dedicate all proceeds from our upcoming race day to them, in a nod to our Anzacs and the whole ADF community.”
The 2025 Burns Club Memorial Race Day will be held on Saturday, 26 April, at Thoroughbred Park. Gates open at noon, with local racing starting from 1 pm.
For more information and tickets, visit Thoroughbred Park.
