Turf Club Centenary

Sunny, fine conditions are predicted for the 100th Young Cup at Toompang Racecourse this weekend.

Young Turf Club has added an extra race to the program to the meet on Saturday. As of Tuesday evening, there were a record 102 nominations coming from regional and interstate interest.

Prize money of $11,000 is on offer for the feature 1600m race of the seven race program that will feature 70 horses, generously supported by Southwest Slopes Credit Union.

Race caller Stuart Maxwell has a history spanning generations with local horse racing.

He recalled the Young Turf Club’s history, as owned by Toompang Race Club Incorporated.

“The history of the race club and the picnic race club goes back a little over 100 years, starting off in about 1920. The war separated them and the meetings used to be held on a Wednesday,” he said.

“Once the war was over and racing commenced here in Young, they made an arrangement to run a train from Cowra to Young.”

The turf club used to host four meets, with the Young Cup held in October. Last year’s COVID-19 restrictions means the centenary celebrations are being celebrated in 2021, instead of on the official date.

“We had to put everything on hold which was disappointing,” Mr Maxwell said.

“Technically speaking, this is our 100th meeting. We would have had it last year but unfortunately a little thing called COVID came along. We were able to transfer our May meet to Wagga... this is basically back to our own track.”

There will be the best dressed lady and best dressed man competitions supported by The Loft and Bruce’s Mensland.

Refreshments and betting facilities will be on offer during the day.

A free bus will pick up from the Australian Hotel and the Young Hotel from 12pm. Tickets at the gate.

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