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The Quokka is Western Australia’s richest race — a $5 million slot sprint over 1,200m at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, run each April and decided like Sydney’s Everest: 18 slot-holders buy a spot and pair with a horse. The 2026 running was won by Jigsaw on Saturday 18 April; it returns in April 2027. (Note: The Quokka is a standalone April slot race, separate from Perth’s Nov–Jan Perth Summer Carnival features such as the Railway Stakes and Winterbottom Stakes.) Below: the race details, recent winners, how the slot system works, betting angles and where to watch.
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
The Quokka — Race Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Race | The Quokka (slot race, special conditions) |
| Distance | 1,200m (weight-for-age) |
| Venue | Ascot Racecourse, Perth |
| When | A Saturday in April |
| Prize money | $5 million |
| Slots | 18 slot-holders |
The Quokka — Recent Winners
| Year | Winner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jigsaw | Cindy Alderson / Logan Bates — seventh straight win |
| 2025 | Jokers Grin | first locally-trained winner |
| 2024 | Overpass | back-to-back (Bjorn Baker) |
| 2023 | Overpass | inaugural winner |
How The Quokka Slot System Works
Like The Everest and The Golden Eagle, The Quokka is a slot race: 18 slot-holders purchase a position in the field, then negotiate to put a horse of their choosing in their slot, sharing the prize money with the connections. It means the best available sprinters — WA locals and eastern-states raiders alike — are drawn together regardless of traditional black-type conditions. The Quokka also anchors The Western Trilogy, Australia’s first tri-code slot series, alongside The Nullarbor (harness) and The Sandgroper (greyhounds). The race is named after the quokka, the famously cheerful marsupial of WA’s Rottnest Island.
The Quokka Betting Angles
- Genuine speed wins. A slot field over 1,200m at Ascot rewards proven, in-form sprinters — look for horses peaking into April off strong autumn form.
- Don’t dismiss the locals. WA sprinters know Ascot and have beaten the eastern raiders before; home-track advantage is real.
- Antepost value. Slots and runners firm up in the weeks before — early markets can be the best of the prices.
How to Watch The Quokka in Australia
The Quokka is shown on Sky Racing nationally and via TABtouch in Western Australia, with bookmaker apps also streaming for funded accounts.
Best Bookmakers for the The Quokka
For a full comparison of the top Australian racing bookmakers and their best sign-up offers, see our best horse racing betting sites in Australia guide, or take advantage of the top bookmaker deals below.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Exclusive 365AUCODE referral code: bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers.18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
The Quokka FAQs
What is The Quokka?
The Quokka is Western Australia’s richest race — a $5 million slot-style sprint over 1,200m at weight-for-age, run at Ascot Racecourse in Perth each April. Eighteen slot-holders buy a position and pair with a horse, much like The Everest in Sydney.
When is The Quokka run?
On a Saturday in mid-to-late April at Ascot in Perth. The 2026 edition was run on Saturday 18 April; the next runs in April 2027.
How much is The Quokka worth?
$5 million, making it Western Australia’s richest race and one of the top-10 prize-money races in the country.
Who won the 2026 Quokka?
Jigsaw won the 2026 Quokka, the seven-year-old extending his winning streak to seven straight for trainer Cindy Alderson and apprentice Logan Bates, beating Rey Magnerio with Talkanco third. Overpass won the first two editions (2023–24) and Jokers Grin took 2025.
How can I bet on The Quokka from Australia?
All major Australian bookmakers frame fixed-odds and antepost markets on The Quokka once the slots and runners firm up. It’s shown on Sky Racing and via TABtouch in Western Australia.
More Racing Coverage
Responsible gambling: Gamble responsibly. For free and confidential support call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. 18+ only.