Spirits not dampened by Cup Day rain forecast

Turf Club officials are hoping forecast rain does not put a dampener on today’s Bunbury Cup. A crowd of almost 10,000 is expected on course for the South West’s richest Thoroughbred race, but the Weather Bureau yesterday predicted showers.

A late storm is also possible. The expected maximum is 23C.

Industry heavyweights are divided over the forecast.

Bunbury Turf Club chairman Craig Chadwick remained optimistic of a “great day” for racegoers but several trainers are hoping for rain, saying a wet Cup would boost their gallopers’ chances.

Bureau of Meteorology climate and weather information officer John Relf said there was an 80 per cent chance of 5mm to 10mm of rain.

“There is some low level cloud about as well as a small low pressure system to the north which has created unstable atmospheric conditions,” he said.

“It looks like the majority of the rain will fall further north than Bunbury, but in terms of lightning it really is impossible to predict either way at this stage.”

Chadwick said an equally gloomy forecast for Bunbury Stakes Day had not materialised and was expecting a big crowd to descend on the club today.

He said the track could hold 50mm of rain before it was affected.

“It’s more a case of wishing any rain doesn’t come in until after the day’s racing, if at all,” he said.

“We’re ready to go. We think the weather forecast is more favourable than what it was for Stakes day and we got through that OK.

“We’re hoping for a big crowd. All the marquees and corporate facilities have been fully booked out.”

Racing and Wagering WA deputy chief Thoroughbreds steward Dave Hensler said a special machine, the “Lightning Man”, was used to detect storm activity.

“If there is lightning within 10km of the track, that’s when we cease racing and wait for it to clear,” he said.

“We had a couple of cases at Northam and Pinjarra where races were either delayed or rescheduled last season.”