Geraldton Racecourse or Utakarra Racecourse as it’s also known is one of the more prominent tracks used in Western Australia.

While it may not be a major metropolitan venue like Ascot, Geraldton Racecourse is vital for the West Australian racing industry.

It provides jockeys, trainers and horse a crucial second tier of racing where they can either work their way up to the top level or work out a stable living in the same grade.

Like many racetracks of similar size the community feel of Geraldton Racecourse is part of what keeps it going strong.

The circuit is also used for harness events and is often the epicentre of social life in the region.

Geraldton itself is a spectacular seaside community approximately 4.5 hours to the north of Perth.

Racing is conducted by the Geraldton Turf Club  who boast a fairly busy calendar.

The circuit usually holds 16 meetings annually including a series of feature events.

Their major carnival runs across two days in the second week of January.

Their feature race though is the Geraldton Cup which runs outside the carnival period at the end of March.