Bunbury Cup unlikely to be held at Bunbury Turf Club next year as $25 million redevelopment continues

The 2023 Bunbury Cup looks set to be held in Perth once again next year on the back of redevelopment delays at its hometown track. Bunbury Turf Club chief executive Alex Doble said this week it was his “gut feel” the esteemed race meet would not be held in the South West, as a $25 million overhaul of the venue continues. The works — which will see major upgrades to the turf and drainage — were initially due to be complete by the first quarter of 2023, but construction delays mean the March 4 event is unlikely to go ahead. Mr Doble said a final decision on where the Cup would be held was expected within weeks. “At the moment, we are still an outside chance for Bunbury Cup in Bunbury,” he said. “However, there will be a a lot more definition around that timeline in the next fortnight. “But, my gut feel is that we will miss the Bunbury Cup in Bunbury for 2023. “It would be disappointing — but on the flipside, to give the track a further six to eight months of consolidation is a positive.” Mr Doble said the club’s priority was to get trainers back on track as quickly as possible and they had been well engaged throughout the project. He said it was important the final stages of the project were not rushed. “We are about 14 months into the project,” he said. “We had definitely hoped to have the trainers by now. Having said that, we are still inside (the parametres) of having the project delivered back within 18 months. “There is not a huge blowout in terms of the works being done — but there has been in terms of getting the trainers back. “We do not really want to present it back to the community and customers rough around the edges. Beside the customer, which is obviously an important part of our business, the track itself will tell us. “We do not think the grass will be properly consolidated. It will look good on top, but it is very important that the roots have consolidated.” City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the council would continue to work closely with the BTC, irrespective of whether the Bunbury Cup was held in Bunbury next year. “We have been getting updates along the way,” he said. “Initially, we were all very keen and excited that it was on track and going to be ready for cup time. “Of course, we know now with everything going on in the world, unfortunately with construction times and sourcing materials required, things can be delayed. “We are not involved directly, as it is a BTC and State organisation-funded project, however we are very excited — and if there is anything we can ever do to assist them, we will always be keen to, as we would love to get it up and running as soon as possible.” Trainers in the South West have used temporary facilities at the Collie Race Club and Ross Price’s Capel property since construction started at the Bunbury Turf Club last year. This year’s Bunbury Cup was held at Ascot Racecourse for sponsors and specials guests only because of COVID restrictions.