Australia’s Biggest Party (2012 – 2013)

Marketed as ‘Australia’s Biggest Party’, the annual Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Round (‘The Round’) attracts thousands of people from all over Australia – and from all walks of life – to the West Australian outback city, that lies four-hundred kilometres from the coast and six-hundred kilometres from the nearest capital city (Perth). The week-long event is held every September, and features everything from horse racing and fashion competitions, to two-up in a rusty old shed on the outskirts of town.

Over the last two years I have been documenting The Round for various outlets/organisations. These are some of the photos.
(Click on the first image for a slideshow view).

The 2012 Round started in controversy, with the cancellation of the Boulder Cup after a water leak left the track in a dangerous condition. Bookmaker Dave Poletti’s face says it all.

Two-up on the outskirts of town (2012). Once illegal, it is now played year-round and a big feature of The Round.

A track-wide power outage heralded the start of the next feature event – the traditional ladies’ day – Hannans Handicap (2012).

Hannans Handicap – Ladies’ Day (2012)

Thursday night, and it’s time for any revelers who aren’t already tired and broke to head to the Red Dirt Rock Concert. 2012 featured British India and Birds of Tokyo.

Friday night trots (2012)

The Kalgoorlie Cup (2012). The highlight of the week-long carnival, where thousands of racegoers pack the lawn and the tents of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Course.

Rodeo Fest (2013). The last couple of years have seen the DC Solutions Rodeo Fest incorporated into The Round, and is the first event of the week.

Rodeo Fest (2013)

Welcome To The Round Cocktail Party (2013). Sugar Blue Burlesque entertained the crowd on a near-freezing Spring night.

Hannans Handicap – Ladies’ Day (2013)

Hannans Handicap – Ladies’ Day (2013) Well-known local jockey Misty Bazeley reads the form before the running of the Hannans Handicap.

Hannans Handicap – Ladies’ Day (2013)

Hannans Handicap – Ladies’ Day (2013) Melbourne jockey Chris Symonds salutes the crowd as he crosses the line in first place aboard Mr Vadim.

Hannans Handicap – Ladies’ Day (2013) Winning jockey Chris Symonds with Mr Vadim.

Hannans Handicap – Ladies’ Day (2013) It’s all about the fashion.

Red Dirt Rock Concert (2013)

Red Dirt Rock Concert (2013). Jimmy Barnes rocked a packed KBRC.

Red Dirt Rock Concert (2013)

The Kalgoorlie Cup (2013)

The Kalgoorlie Cup (2013). Classique Ivory, ridden by Shaun O’Donnell and trained by Gino Poletti, crosses the finish line to win the $150,000 XXXX-Gold Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m).

The Kalgoorlie Cup (2013). Daniel Kelly is announced as the winner of a trip to an island off Queensland. A crowd of thousands, and the winner is RIGHT THERE in front of the podium. You couldn’t have planned it any better.