This year’s Merriwa Cup has been abandoned following a track inspection that raised safety concerns.
Merriwa Race Club CEO and Racing Secretary Sue Bayliss said local stewards and senior jockeys inspected the track yesterday and identified an issue with a small section of the course.
“It’s been pretty warm and dry of late, and there is just a little section of the track that has been deemed to be pushing the boundaries of safety for jockeys and horses,” she said.
Under the rules of racing, the club was forced to abandon the event, which is the town’s only race meeting for the year.
Bayliss acknowledged the disappointment for the local community, sponsors and visiting racegoers, describing the Merriwa Cup as a major community event for the town.
She said the club would now turn its focus to preparing for next year’s meeting, with plans already looking ahead to the 2027 Merriwa Cup.
