The Toodyay Cup will make its return to the Avon Valley this weekend when the Toodyay Race Club hosts the race meeting for the first time since 2021.
The Toodyay Race Club is anticipating 3000 racegoers on course this Sunday to see the return of family-friendly picnic racing in the tightknit town.
The Shire of Toodyay and the club’s hands-on working committee have worked in unison to upgrade infrastructure at the picturesque racecourse to allow the Cup to return to its home.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Toodyay Cup return to where it belongs, after three years of being held at Belmont Park,” Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said.
“The town of Toodyay uniting to bring the Cup back to the Toodyay Race Club highlights how deeply racing is woven into the social fabric of the community.”
Racing in the Wheatbelt is responsible for generating $93.4 million of the $1.3 billion racing contribute to the WA economy annually. Racing in the region also sustains 725 full-time jobs.
Toodyay Race Club Secretary Brooke Evans reiterated Ian’s comments and said racing was a pillar of community connection in the town.
“The Toodyay races unites members of the community, and the return has been met with enthusiasm and support from far and wide,” she said.
“There has been an outpouring of volunteer support and local involvement in organising and running the event, everyone wants to lend a hand in any way they can.”
Toodyay Shire President Michael McKeown praised the collective support from everyone involved to bring the races back to Toodyay.
“Led by the Club committee, the facilities and track have been revitalised with help from club and community members, local business owners, the Shire of Toodyay, and RWWA,” he said.
“Toodyay Race Club is to be commended for its hard work in organising this exciting event in Toodyay.
“We look forward to the weekend’s meeting that continues the tradition started all those years ago.”