More than 20,000 people descended upon the Rockingham foreshore this Sunday for the spectacularly revitalised Channel 7 Beach Cup, an event widely considered unique in Western Australia.
A Champion's Victory
In a thrilling finale, jockey Jessica Gray secured a memorable victory aboard the retired racehorse Dark Waters. The pair triumphed in the day's final race, earning cheers from thousands of spectators gathered at the exclusive Palm Beach Oasis. Gray, who has taken several retired turf racers into her stables, was ecstatic about the win. "He's a really nice animal, and he's just my little pet. I love him," she enthused after the race. "I've always wanted him to win something." Following their exertions, the competing horses were treated to a refreshing post-race dip in the ocean.
Fashion and Fundraising Shine
The event was about more than just racing, with the Fashions in the Field competition drawing fierce competition. Jasmine Rogers was awarded the title of best dressed, with Christine Badia named runner-up. Badia, fresh from being ranked among the top ten best dressed at the Melbourne Cup, acknowledged the high calibre of style on display, stating, "When I saw these girls, I thought, wow, there's some real competition." The men's category was won by Peter Grygiel, who shared that his entire outfit was brand new, a result of a recent house fire and a subsequent life change that brought him to Rockingham.
Beyond the glamour, the event had a strong charitable heart. An auction organised by the Palm Beach Rotary successfully raised more than $10,000 for Variety WA and MS WA.
A Perfect Day for the Community
The foreshore was alive with activity throughout the day, offering visitors a full program of live music, market stalls, and gourmet food. As the sun began to set over the Indian Ocean, the celebration continued with revellers taking to the dance floor to cap off a perfect afternoon. The 2025 Rockingham Beach Cup successfully combined world-class horse racing, high fashion, and community spirit, solidifying its status as a premier event on the WA calendar.
