As Soldiers Camp bolted to a commanding victory in last Saturday’s Genesis Minerals Leonora Cup (1600m), the profound impact of the race meeting was not lost on racecaller Royce Newton.
From his vantage, the unique community connection racing fosters was obvious, as hundreds of racegoers gathered at the Leonora Racing Club.
“The atmosphere of the community getting together is a pleasure to be a part of,” Newton told Racing WA.
“When you’re calling the races at these tracks, you’re directly above or next to the crowd, which is always a good thrill.
“The races are so important for these towns – it’s usually the social outing every year the community looks forward to and it draws everyone all together.”
Newton, a proud Goldfielder who has been providing descriptions of regional WA races for more than a decade, called his first race at Leonora in 2014.
This Saturday, he will be calling the BHP Nickel West Leinster Cup (1600m), which marks the second of the three northern Goldfields regional cups to be run this October.
Leonora Cup winner Soldiers Camp, prepared by Charlotte Skerritt, is headed to the Leinster District Race Club (LDRC) with aspirations to win the Leinster feature.
With a strong crowd expected, LDRC President Peter Craig said he was looking forward to the event.
“Horse racing has been the backbone of small communities for some time,” he said.
“It’s the one day on the calendar where people from all walks of life in small communities come together and enjoy the day.”
Racing in the Goldfields-Esperance generates $54.3 million of the $1.3 billion that racing contributes to the WA economy annually. It also sustains 430 full-time jobs.
Newton noted the importance of the dedicated volunteers who make regional race meetings possible and offer the community a chance to gather, connect and enjoy a day trackside.
“One of the highlights for me is the people you see that support these meetings,” Newton said.
“The volunteers at each club put in a mountain of work – they deserve a pat on the back for ensuring these country clubs continue to operate.”
The Laverton Cup will be held next Sunday, 27 October.