Filled with glamour and style, stunning horses and their dashing jockeys, and incredible food and wine, the SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival is a must-do event
The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival is a cultural institution that holds its rightful pride of place on Kangaroo Island’s events calendar. It is the single most important event on the island that sees thousands of racing enthusiasts gather to celebrate sports and sportsmanship.
KI Cup is more than just horse racing itself. It's a great opportunity to celebrate Kangaroo Island, and indulge in fabulous food and wine from the region while upholding the wonderful tradition of the event. Held every year in the month of February, the KI Cup is the perfect blend of elegance and excitement. Set against the stunning landscape of Cygnet River in Kangaroo Island, the KI Cup draws racing enthusiasts from around Australia.
1. Take in the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a destination like no other. In fact, we’re surprised it took the world this long to notice this hidden gem. Kangaroo Island was named as one of the best places to visit in 2023 by New York Times. From stunning beaches such as Vivonne Bay and Stokes Bay to otherworldly landscapes such as Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch, and of course incredible food and wine, Kangaroo Island has something for everyone. As soon as you get off the SeaLink ferry at Penneshaw, you will be transported to a unique nature haven. The KI Cup takes place during summer, which is a great time to visit KI and enjoy its natural beauty.
2. Thrilling action on and off the track
KI Cup is the perfect way to experience the exhilarating and adrenalin-filled world of horse racing. The event sees the best of jockeys, trainers and their magnificent thoroughbreds compete for the cup and the title. On the main race day, the energy is palpable and can be felt on and off the track. For those of us off the track, the fun of betting on a horse and the anticipation of a win is quite thrilling. So, whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a newbie, the rush of witnessing majestic creatures in action is unparalleled.
3. Put your best fashion foot forward
You can’t talk about horse racing without mentioning the beautiful showcase of couture and style. At KI Cup you will witness the finest race-day fashion as attendees take it up a notch with bespoke fascinators, hats, and dapper suits. The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup is a runway for fashion enthusiasts to express their best stylish selves. The Fashion on the Field competition adds an extra layer to the overall excitement. Participants work on their outfits for months and ensure their love for fashion and the equestrian sport shines through. And you can still enjoy the fashion without participating in the competition by posing in front of the many selfie booths spread across the venue. So, bring your friends and family to make a perfect day out of it.
4. A long lunch to remember
If you are one of those few lucky ones to get a ticket to the legendary Ki Spirits Long Lunch Marquee, you are in for a real culinary treat. A three-course sit-down lunch, with a menu featuring dishes made using locally sourced ingredients, complimentary beverage on arrival and private betting facilities are included in your ticket. It’s the best way to spend the Race Day weekend during KI Cup.
5. Meet and greet
As the biggest event on the island, the SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup attracts the biggest names from the community, racing enthusiasts from around the world and like-minded people. The off-track events such as the Long Lunch or the many exclusive after-parties are the perfect opportunities to network and form long-lasting connections.
The KI Cup is more than just a horse race – it’s the perfect blend of fun, meticulously curated fashion, electric excitement of the races, and of course, the unique island that makes for the perfect setting. So make sure to book a spot for SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup 2024 for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the biggest event on the island, the SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup attracts the biggest names from the community, racing enthusiasts from around the world and like-minded people. Off-track events such as the Long Lunch or the many exclusive after-parties are the perfect opportunities to network and form long-lasting connections.
The KI Cup is more than just a horse race – it’s the perfect blend of fun, meticulously curated fashion, electric excitement of the races, and of course, the unique island that makes for the perfect setting.
