The Scone Race Club has officially announced the dates for the 2026 Scone Racing Carnival, with the landmark two-day event to be held on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May 2026. The Carnival will celebrate its 80th year, with the first Scone Cup run at White Park in 1947.

Held in the heart of Australia’s Horse Capital, the Carnival will feature the $200,000 Listed Darley Scone Cup on Friday, followed by the $250,000 Group 3 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic on Saturday - the only Metropolitan race meeting staged at a country racecourse in New South Wales.

Coinciding with the Scone Horse Festival (8–17 May), the 2026 Carnival will form a centrepiece of the region’s racing, tourism and community celebrations, drawing visitors, industry leaders and racegoers from across Australia.

“The Scone Racing Carnival truly captures what country racing is all about - elite horses, outstanding racing including the Darley Scone Cup and Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic at a world-class venue, with the amazing community spirit that makes Scone such a special place,” said Jason Hill, CEO of Scone Race Club.

“Each year, it provides an opportunity to showcase our region’s equine heritage, hospitality and the partnerships that help bring the Carnival to life.”

New look, fresh energy
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The 2026 Carnival will see the return of the much-loved Fashions on the Field, alongside new wine partners Two Rivers, Tyrrell’s Wines and Samuel Smith & Sons, as part of the Club’s continued focus on enhancing the racegoer experience.

The expanded Carnival program includes the return of the Hunter Belle Trackside precinct, the continuation of the popular family-friendly Saturday format that allows patrons to bring their own food and furniture, and public access to the Darley marquee, complete with live music, bar services and betting facilities.

Guests can expect a renewed focus on style, facilities and racing excellence, with improved amenities, on-course entertainment, premium hospitality experiences and local produce showcased throughout the weekend.

Alongside the Club’s new industry partnership with Magic Millions, the Carnival will welcome a range of new and returning naming rights, hospitality and supporting sponsors, continuing Scone Race Club’s long tradition of strong partnerships with leading thoroughbred studs, businesses and organisations.

Unmissable experiences

Premium hospitality options will be available across multiple venues, including the Darley Marquee, Noel Leckie Function Centre, The Peak Marquee, and Hunter Belle Trackside Precinct, with tailored packages designed for both racegoers and corporate guests.

Scone Race Club members will again receive priority access to General Admission tickets and hospitality packages, with a members’ pre-sale opening in February. Tickets and packages will then be released to the general public shortly thereafter.

“Membership is one of the best ways to experience the Carnival, with members enjoying priority access to premium areas, exclusive benefits throughout the year, and a front-row seat to the biggest event in country racing,” Mr Hill said.

Plan your visit

To help visitors make the most of their Scone Carnival experience, the Club has launched a dedicated Scone Racing Carnival webpage - that will feature accommodation and dining recommendations, stud tours, FAQs and transport information.

With Scone located just three hours from Sydney, two hours from Newcastle and two minutes from Scone Airport, the Carnival offers one of the most accessible major racing events in regional Australia.

Key Details:
Dates: Friday 15 & Saturday 16 May 2026
Location: Scone Race Club, Scone NSW
Feature Races: $200,000 Listed Darley Scone Cup & Group 3 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic
Tickets: Members pre-sale opens mid-February with tickets available to the public soon after
Website: https://www.sconeraceclub.com.au/scone-racing-carnival