Racing: Turf club gets ready for new season

Family-friendly Sundays, a twilight meet, and the inaugural South West Autumn Racing Carnival are the focal point of the Bunbury Turf Club’s 2010-2011 season which kicks off in a fortnight’s time.

Turf club CEO Paul Rossiter said the Bussell Highway track had never looked better ahead of the season which starts on Thursday, October 28 and runs until April next year.

"Responsible winter management and ideal growing conditions mean the track looks fantastic," he said.

An 11-day feast of racing is planned as part of the South West Autumn Racing Carnival, which will debut in the region next year.

The $50 000 AHA Cup, $120 000 Bunbury Stakes and $130 000 XXXX Gold Bunbury Cup will all be run in the space of less than two weeks from March 6 to 17.

Another two of the club’s richest races, the 3yo Breeders Classic and the Apprentices’ Cup, will also form part of the carnival.

Six Sunday meets, including children’s entertainment and live music, are another highlight of the 2010-2011 season, as is a special twilight program on December 10.

"Gates will open at 1pm and we’re expecting racing to take place between 2.30 and 6.30pm on that day," Bunbury Turf Club marketing coordinator Brody Russell said.

"It will be the perfect opportunity for the public to come down after work on a Friday afternoon and start their weekends early."

The South Western Times race day takes place on Sunday, December 5.