The Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival is the Territory's biggest social and sporting event, featuring all the colour, fashion and excitement of thoroughbred racing in the Top End, culminating in the Great Northern Darwin Cup.
Each year, the Carnival delivers three unforgettable weeks of racing, fashion, entertainment and hospitality, with premium experiences and key events selling quickly. Racegoers are encouraged to plan early to avoid missing out.
Important update for 2026: Rydges Palmerston Ladies’ Day has been brought forward one week to Wednesday 8 July. The new date falls within the school holiday period and creates greater separation from Derby Day, allowing the Carnival to appeal to a broader audience and deliver an enhanced event experience.
Full details of the 2026 Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival race days and events are listed below:
- Day 1 DCOH Darwin Guineas Day, Saturday 4 July 2026
- Day 2 Rydges Palmerston Ladies’ Day, Wednesday 8 July 2026
- Day 3 AUFS Chief Minister’s Cup Day, Saturday 11 July 2026
- Day 4 Ladbrokes NT Derby Day, Saturday 18 July 2026
- Day 5 TAB Metric Mile Day, Saturday 25 July 2026
- Day 6 Dabble Corporate Race Day, Wednesday 29 July 2026
- Ladbrokes Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon, Thursday 30 July 2026
- Day 7 bet365 Palmerston Sprint Day, Saturday 1 August 2026
- Sportsbet Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball, Saturday 1 August 2026
- Ladbrokes Darwin Cup Calcutta, Sunday 2 August 2026
- Day 8 Great Northern Darwin Cup Day, Monday 3 August 2026
DATE/TIME
Saturday 4 July 2026 - Monday 3 August 2026
Gates Open: 11am (Days 1-6), 10am (Day 7) & 9am (Day 8)
VENUE
Darwin Turf Club
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