Vibrant crowd rock the Hops and Hooves Festival

The Canberra Racing Club is celebrating the success of its fastest growing Race Day, the Hops & Hooves Festival, which drew a record-breaking crowd and cemented its place as one of Canberra’s must attend spring events. 

This year’s festival saw significant crowd growth, with over 4,000 Canberrans flocking to Thoroughbred Park to enjoy the unique combination of live racing, a craft beer, wine, spirits festival and the AFL Grand Final watch party on big screen. 

Canberra’s next generation voted with their feet with over 50% of ticket holders between the ages of 18 and 21. 

This engagement continues a trend for Canberra’s race meetings with John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes day earlier in the year enjoying a similar trend. Canberra Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said the festival’s growth demonstrates the important role the event plays in welcoming new audiences to racing. 

“The Hops and Hooves Festival highlights the appeal of a day at the races to next generation seeking a fun, social, and inclusive setting. 

“The event is about creating an experience where racing, local producers, and community come together.” 

“To see so many young Canberrans choosing Thoroughbred Park as their place to celebrate AFL Grand Final Day and support some great local creators is so exciting.” 

The event also shone a spotlight on local producers, providing a platform for ACT and regional businesses to showcase their craft to a large and engaged audience. 

Jeremy and Heather, founders of Beerded Bro Brewing were first time attendees and vendors at the Hops & Hooves Festival and said, 

"We at Beerded Bro Brewing had an incredible day at Hops & Hooves.” 

“The atmosphere was buzzing, and it gave us a great chance to meet more locals and share what we love doing.” 

Beered Bro Brewing are a new entrant to the market, being based right here in Canberra and utilised the Festival as an opportunity to introduce their brand to thousands of experience seekers. 

“Thoroughbred Park put on a first-class event, and their team was an absolute pleasure to work with.” 

“We are already looking forward to being back next year for more fun and great beers!”

With its mix of premium racing, entertainment, and a festival atmosphere, the Hops and Hooves Festival continues to establish itself as one of Canberra’s signature spring events, attracting Canberra’s youth and delivering real benefits for local businesses and producers. 

Media Contact: Robbie Ringland, Head of Commercial & Communications, Canberra Racing Club M: 0439 832 972