Mingenew Turf Club ‘bitterly disappointed’ with cancellation of its 2025 race meeting after track inspection

Mingenew Turf Club says it was left with “no choice” but to cancel its 2025 race meeting next weekend after a decision to allow it to make changes to the track was overturned. Racing and Wagering WA announced on Friday that the club’s annual meeting had been abandoned eight days before it was due to be held on Saturday, March 29, after a routine track inspection by Racing WA stewards. “The inspection identified sections of insufficient turf growth near the rail from the 1000m to the 400m mark, and near the crossing,” a RWWA spokesperson said. “Ensuring the safety of participants and horses remains a priority, with this decision reflecting that commitment.” The RWWA spokesperson said Racing WA would continue working with the club to host the Mingenew Cup at an “alternate racecourse at a later date”. Mingenew Turf Club president David Bagley said the club was “bitterly disappointed” by the decision. He said a track inspection was held on Wednesday, March 19, with RWWA stewards in attendance, who instructed the club to make some adjustments. A re-inspection was proposed before the meet. “The club agreed to undertake the required works, including moving over 600m of the inner rail in 1m,” Mr Bagley said. “RWWA senior stewards later overturned the decision of the officiating stewards, refusing to allow our club to move the rail. “The overturned decision has prevented the Mingenew Turf Club from following through with the required adjustments as per the original track inspection. “After much deliberation, it has left our club no option but to cancel the 2025 meeting. “The Mingenew Turf Club are bitterly disappointed with the outcome but remain dedicated to the annual race meet and will be working towards future events.” Mr Bagley said the club wanted to thank the public, key stakeholders, owners and trainers and everyone involved for their input in planning the event. He looked forward to working with them all in the future. The Mingenew club celebrated 100 years of racing in 2023. However, last year the race meeting was cancelled after just one race due to poor track conditions. Part of the track between the 800m and 1200m marks was deemed unsuitable for racing, forcing five of the six races to be abandoned. The club said it would look to fix the issues. This year, a fashions on the field competition, kids and novelty races, other activities for children, food vans, live entertainment and a fireworks display were all scheduled for the annual event. All tickets will be refunded.