Warrnambool Carnival 2025 Preview
What is the Warrnambool May Carnival 2025?
There’s nothing quite as unique as the ‘Bool in late Autumn. Every April / May, the coastal city of Warrnambool becomes the focal point of country racing, hosting one of Australia’s most iconic and well-loved racing events featuring both jump and flat races.
When is the 2025 Warrnambool May Carnival?
Held at Warrnambool Racecourse the carnival is a three-day midweek festival, always kicking off on a Tuesday and finishing on the first Thursday in May. In 2025, the carnival is being held between Tuesday 29th April and Thursday 1st May. Over the three days there are 23 flat races and 7 jumps races.
“How Bloody Good is the ‘Bool?!”
Things get underway on Brierly Day, with a strong 10-race card headlined by the $175,000 Brierly Steeplechase and the $125,000 VOBIS Gold Strike. On Wednesday, it’s Galleywood Day, where the jumping horses come are in the spotlight.
Warrnambool Highlights
The main races include the Galleywood Hurdle and the Listed Wangoom Handicap for the sprinters. Thursday is Grand Annual Day, with the $300,000 Warrnambool Cup taking centre stage on the flat, with the jumping feature race being the $350,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase. It is over 5500 metres and tests all the runners as well as the race-caller crying out “How Bloody Good is the ‘Bool?!”
Recent Brierly Steeplechase Winners
In 2024, Stern Idol (73kg) claimed victory under William McCarthy for trainers Ciaron Maher & in 2023, Britannicus (68kg) won with Aaron Kuru aboard for Symon Wilde; in 2022, Vanguard (NZ) (65kg) took the honours with Will Gordon riding, also trained by Symon Wilde.
In 2021, Flying Agent (65kg) saluted for Amy McDonald with Darry Horner Jnr in the saddle; in 2020, Getting Leggie (66kg) got the job done with Clayton Douglas for Nick Smart; and in 2019, Bit of a Lad (66kg) triumphed with Steven Pateman aboard, trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace.
Recent Galleywood Hurdle Winners
In 2024, Chains of Honour (65kg) took out the race with Luca Remondet aboard for trainer Ciaron Maher; in 2023, Saunter Boy (71kg) made it back-to-back wins under Steven Pateman for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace; in 2022, Saunter Boy (70.5kg) also claimed victory with Steven Pateman riding, again for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace.
In 2021, The Statesman (65kg) won the event with Will Gordon in the saddle for Brett Scott; in 2020, Gobstopper (70kg) triumphed under Ronan Short for Eric Musgrove; and in 2019, Big Blue (64kg) got the win with John Allen aboard for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace.
Recent Wangoom Handicap Winners
In 2024, Tuvalu (61.5kg) took out the race with Fred Kersley aboard for Lindsey Smith; in 2023, Outlaws Revenge (56kg) claimed victory under Dean Yendall for Daniel Bowman; in 2022, Frankie Pinot (55kg) got the win with Madison Lloyd riding for Tony McEvoy.
In 2021, Inn Keeper (54kg) saluted with Dean Holland in the saddle for Symon Wilde; in 2020, Order of Command (62kg) triumphed under Damien Oliver for Danny O’Brien; and in 2019, I Am Someone (54kg) was victorious with Dean Holland aboard for Paul Preusker.
Recent Grand Annual Steeplechase Winners
In 2024, Count Zero (64kg) claimed the win with Darryl Horner Jnr aboard for Symon Wilde; in 2023, Rockstar Ronnie (64kg) was victorious under Chris McCarthy for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace; in 2022, Herberite (64kg) took out the race with William McCarthy riding, also for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace; in 2021, Gold Medals (68.5kg) triumphed with Clayton Douglas in the saddle for Symon Wilde.
In 2020, Ablaze (66kg) got the win under Shane Jackson for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace; and in 2019, Zed Em (70kg) saluted with Steven Pateman riding for Patrick Payne.
Recent Warrnambool Cup Winners
In 2024, Mystery Island (54kg) took out the race with Harry Coffey aboard for Shane Jack; in 2023, Rolls (59.5kg) claimed victory under Linda Meech for Maddie Raymond; in 2022, Witchachar Star (54kg) triumphed with Beau Mertens riding for Chris Hyland; in 2021, Le Don De Vie (58.5kg) was the winner with Mark Zahra in the saddle for Anthony & Sam Freedman.
In 2020, Too Close The Sun (56kg) got the job done under Declan Bates for Lindsey Smith; and in 2019, Furrion (58kg) was successful with John Allen aboard for David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig.
Odds and Tips for the ‘Bool 2025
Prices and the Pickabookie.com.au selections will appear here later in April so be sure to check back for our expert updates.
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