2025 Swan Draught Dongara Cup plays host to more than 4000 punters upon its return to racing

After a year hiatus, the Dongara Cup returned on Easter Saturday with more than 4000 punters turning out for a day of festivities.

The marquee race of the day — race five, the Swan Draught Dongara Cup — was won by Mid West trainer Peter Bamford’s Striking Fella who held middle of the pack before storming home at the final to win by three lengths.

Ava Catarino gave the Bamford stable product a perfect ride ahead of a field of strong competitors including Julia Martin, Ashley Maley and Perth trainer Adam Durrant.

Bamford claimed the Dongara Cup and the lion’s share of the $30,000 prize pool, the first to do so since 2023 as the cup returned with a bang in 2025.

Dongara Irwin Race Club president Pat Ryan said the meeting exceeded expectations.

“It was absolutely awesome to see that many people coming through the gates,” he said.

“To have over 4000 people come when we were a bit unsure of it was even going to happen a month ago was really great to see.

“Everyone had a great time with off the track activities too with Fashions on the Field and what not.”

Only three weeks ago it was unclear if the meeting would go ahead as the club faced its second successive year of cancellation but due to the work to volunteers and the community it was held and was a success for the region.

Last year’s cup was axed due to the condition of the track.

Ryan said the track held up a treat and performed well for the trainers and horses alike.

“The track was great, it really held up nicely and provided a great base for a great day of racing,” he said.

“The trainers were impressed with the track and the crowd which is always a plus for us.

“It gives us a lot of confidence as we eye off the cup for next year.”

Dongara trainer Jackie Scott claimed a win in race four with her five-year-old mare Dirty Chai. Paired with up-and-coming jockey Chanel Cooper, the pair rode a strong race to victory.

In typical Cooper style it was an aggressively ridden race with the pair stamping their authority on the field early in the piece as they stormed home with a win by seven lengths.

Performer of the day was Collie trainer Chris Gilbert who picked up two wins, the first in race two with Talking Heads and then in race six with Bitovemu.

With the 2025 cup marked down as a success, the Dongara Irwin Race Club has now set its sights on the Dongara Rodeo in October as their next major event at the club.

“We were really happy with how the cup went so we now have a really good feeling as we look forward to the rodeo later this year,” Ryan said.

“It is always a great time and is sure to welcome a similar number of people to the region.”