The richest thoroughbred race ever held in Western Australia will be broadcast on the Seven Network next month.

Announced during Seven’s horse racing broadcast on Saturday, an historic agreement with Perth Racing grants the broadcaster exclusive free-to-air broadcast rights to The Quokka, WA’s first thoroughbred slot race, hosted at Ascot Racecourse on 15 April.

With $4million in prize money, The Quokka is the grand finale of the world’s first tri-code race series, The TABtouch Western Trilogy.

Seven Melbourne Managing Director and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin said,

“On behalf of everyone at the Seven Network, we are rapt to add The Quokka to our extensive thoroughbred racing coverage in 2023.”

“With thoroughbred racing coverage 52 weeks of the year, the Seven Network is undeniably Your Home of Racing, and we cannot wait to see what unfolds on Saturday, 15 April, live and free from midday AEDT on Seven and 7plus.”

Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said Seven’s broadcast would amplify the buzz of excitement around The Quokka.

“We are proud to partner with Seven to broadcast The Quokka on the national stage,” Ian said.

“Slot races are new to Western Australia and we want the whole country to see the greatest racehorses from across Australia take on our local stars in the inaugural Quokka, WA’s richest race.”

Perth Racing CEO James Oldring said the agreement also included free-to-air broadcast of the $400,000 WATC Derby on 8 April and $500,000 Karrakatta Plate ahead of The Quokka on 15 April.

“We are delighted to have the Seven Network broadcast features from our autumn carnival and we hope this is the start of a long-term relationship that will help promote the very best of WA horse racing to the broadest possible fan base,” James said.

The TABtouch Western Trilogy totals $5.5 million and includes the $500,000 Sandgroper at Cannington, the $1 million Nullarbor at Gloucester Park and the $4 million Quokka at Ascot.