The Wizard Is Coming to Cairns 

William “The Wizard” Pike — Western Australia’s champion jockey and one of the most recognisable names in Australian racing — is heading to the 2026 Cairns Super Carnival. And he’s not just dropping in for one day. 

Pike will be in the saddle for two of the carnival’s biggest race days — the Ladbrokes Cairns Newmarket Ladies Day on Friday 28 August and the Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup Day on Saturday 29 August — and will join the festivities a day earlier as a special guest at the Ladbrokes Sportsman’s Luncheon & Calcutta on Thursday 27 August. 

With over 3,500 career wins and a Group 1 resume that includes the All-Star Mile, Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes, Railway Stakes and Winterbottom Stakes, Pike is widely considered the standout jockey in Western Australian racing. His arrival adds serious firepower to what is shaping up to be an exceptional two weekends of thoroughbred racing in Far North Queensland. 

Pike said the trip has been a long time coming. 

“I am really excited to ride at the Cairns Super Carnival. I’ve been trying to get to the carnival for a few years now and I finally get to come. I’ve always found it exciting to ride at new places and the track looks fantastic. 

Having never been to Cairns before, I can’t wait to get through my work and then spend some time seeing everything the region has to offer. Come and see me at the carnival and say hello — I can’t wait to meet everyone.” 

— William Pike 

A Must-See at the Sportsman’s Luncheon 

Before a single barrier opens, you’ll have the chance to hear from Pike up close at the Ladbrokes Sportsman’s Luncheon & Calcutta — the carnival’s premier corporate entertainment event. Held on Thursday 27 August at Ladbrokes Cannon Park, the luncheon brings together racing legends, business leaders, and passionate racing fans for an afternoon of premium dining, insider stories from the track, and the live barrier draw for the Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup. 

The event sold out in 2025 and with Pike on the guest list, tickets are expected to go fast. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time. 

Ladies Day & Cup Day — See Him Ride 

Pike will take to the track on Ladbrokes Cairns Newmarket Ladies Day (Friday 28 August), before returning for the carnival’s grand finale — The Red Beret Cairns Cup Day (Saturday 29 August). With quality runners expected from across the country, the back-end of the carnival is going to be something special. 

Get Your Tickets 

The 2026 Cairns Super Carnival runs 21–29 August at Ladbrokes Cannon Park. This year’s theme is the Carnival of Colour — a celebration of Far North Queensland’s vibrant landscape. Whether you’re here for the fashion, the racing, or the chance to meet William Pike himself, there’s never been a better reason to be there.