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Join us for an afternoon of racing, networking and entertainment as we build anticipation towards the 2026 1EQUINE Weetwood Raceday.

Hosted at The Federal Hotel, a highlight of the Weetwood Carnival calendar, the TAB Calcutta Sportsman’s Lunch brings together racing enthusiasts, owners, trainers, industry participants, sponsors and supporters for a memorable afternoon ahead of Queensland’s richest provincial handicap.

Enjoy a lively Calcutta auction, hear insights from trainers with horses set to feature in the Weetwood Carnival and immerse yourself in the excitement and tradition surrounding one of Queensland racing’s most iconic events.

Raffle tickets are available now from the Clifford Park Administration Office. Please call (07) 4634 6066 or email reception@cliffordpark.com.au to secure yours.

Whether you’re a lifelong racing supporter or attending a Calcutta for the first time, this popular social event offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow racing enthusiasts, hear from those preparing their horses for Weetwood and get involved in the excitement building towards the 2026 1EQUINE Weetwood Handicap.

A must-attend event as the countdown begins to Weetwood Day.

*Ticket & booking fees apply

What is a Calcutta?

Calcutta: Sweepstakes conducted prior to a big event with each horse being raffled and then auctioned to the highest bidder.
A Calcutta auction (also known simply as a “Calcutta”) is an open auction held prior to a major horse race.
Originally in Calcutta, India, from where this technique was first recorded by the Colonial British, to bid among themselves to “buy” each of the contestants, with each contestant being assigned to the highest bidder. The contestant will then pay out to the owner a predetermined proportion of the pool depending on how it performs in the tournament.
Also called Calcutta pool: A form of betting pool in which people bid for participating contestants in an auction, the proceeds from which are put into a pool for distribution, according to a prearranged scale of percentages, to those who selected winners.