Western Australia has long been a source of talent for the Australian horse racing industry whether it be horses, jockeys, trainers or the staff behind the scenes.

The state has produced some of the most recognisable champions in this country’s history and with the current crop still firing it appears as if the West is only getting stronger.

The life blood of West Australian racing is no doubt the Perth summer racing carnival, a period when the eyes of a nation turn West.

The carnival is held during November and December primarily at the state’s major track, Ascot Racecourse.

The feature event of the carnival is without a doubt the Group 1 Railway Stakes although it is now joined by two other major’s.

The Winterbottom Stakes also recently claimed Group 1 status and the Group 1 Kingston Town Stakes provides another top rung test.

The Perth Cup is also a fan favourite which finishes off the carnival at the end of the year.

All these events are run by the West Australian Turf Club, the body that oversees racing at both Ascot and Belmont Racecourse.

There are plenty of other smaller circuits dotted around the state going south to Northam and north all the way to Broome in the top end.

Summer isn’t the only time the West hosts Group 1 racing though, the WATC Derby is a show stopper come March and the autumn carnival.

While Perth is known for sending plenty of talent east for great success, over recent years the tide has turned a bit and you can expect some of the best horses in the country to come west in the search of good prize money as well.