Racing returns to local racing club as it prepares for Tatura Cup

By Aydin Payne

Nov 17, 2022

Up for grabs: Come Saturday all eyes will be on the Tatura racecourse to find out whether last year’s Tatura Cup winner Turbeau can go back-to-back. Photo: Racing Photos Photo by Brendan McCarthy

For the first time this spring, punters and racing lovers will be track side to witness racing return to Tatura.

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And expect a big celebration from those in attendance as they cheer home the 2023 winner of the Tatura Cup (1450m).

It has been a difficult and frustrating period for many in the local racing industry, with wet weather playing havoc on race meetings and track facilities.

The past two race meetings scheduled for Tatura were abandoned due to the wet weather and it’s starved the community of any racing action.

Tatura and Shepparton Racing Club general manager Jon Dight said the past few months had been challenging.

“It has been a very difficult start to the season already for us,” Dight said.

“We have already had two race meetings called off and with all of the recent flooding in the district we weren’t sure if it was right to go ahead or not.

“But a few weeks ago we decided to continue on because we felt it would be great for the local community, especially after all the adversity they’ve been through.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back on track and hopefully the rain can stay away.”

More than 1000 punters attended last year’s Tatura Cup and expect there to be a similar number after the community has been starved of any recent meetings.

Dight said while live music would be on offer, there would be no fashions on the field competition this year.

But you can bet the on-track racing will be captivating and there’s plenty of it.

The time-honoured cup headlines an action-packed day of racing.

Nine races are on this Saturday’s card, with the Tatura Cup pencilled in to take place at 4.36pm.

A field of 11, which includes last year’s cup winner Turbeau, has been put together as they all vie for a slice of the $50,000 prizemoney.

The track is currently rated a Soft 5 and the rail is in its true position.

“I’m really pleased to say that the track is in really nice shape since we haven’t raced in a while,” Dight said.

“We’re always going to make ourselves available to help out with any transferred meetings, but I don’t envisage there to be another race meeting this year.

“We’re just hoping to get through what will no doubt be a great Tatura Cup day and then looking forward to next year.”

There will be a complementary shuttle bus service from the Eastbank Centre bus stop on Nixon St that departs at 10.30am and 11.30am and returns following the final race.

Gates open at 11am and the first race kicks off at 12.16pm.

To buy tickets head to the country racing website.