Lifestyle & Entertainment
24 January, 2026
Great Western gears up for today's annual cup
GREAT Western Racing Club will celebrate its 149th anniversary today (Saturday) when it hosts their annual race with the feature on the card, the Seppelt Great Western Cup. Only running once a year, it’s an important event for Great Western and the local community, particularly as they are gearing up for their 150th anniversary next year.
Club president Carl Barry said they have been working tirelessly, and the track and grounds are in immaculate condition.
"We have been working tirelessly over recent weeks getting the grounds ready for our 149th year with some new facilities available this year too, including a new corporate and members' mounting yard viewing deck that was made possible through funding from the Victorian State Government,” he said.
"Our corporate birdcage enclosure was a big hit last year since bringing in Jody & Co to cater for us. The menu was amazing, which we think contributed towards tickets selling out in record time this year.”
Not only will the adults be entertained, but so will the kids with plenty of activities.
"It's a great day for all ages with free kids activities provided by the amazing team at Kelly Sports and a free CRV merch pack available for collection at the entry gate,” Barry said.
"The band will play after the last race and conclude in time for those catching our courtesy buses back to Stawell, Ararat and Halls Gap."
With the club turning 150 next year, Mr Barry wants to emphasise the importance of the milestone and the fact that it is a club anniversary, not a race one, as races have been cancelled over the years due to severe weather.
"With the club proudly celebrating 150 years next year, this year's event is about promoting this significant milestone and preparing for the big celebration happening in January 2027,” he said.
"Our annual cup day is often a bucket list item for many, and we sincerely hope anyone who is yet to visit makes plans to come along next year to celebrate with us.
"We are always humbled by the incredible support we receive from our local community, with patrons returning every year to enjoy the festivities. We may not remember your names, but we definitely remember your faces walking through the gates."
With the temperature expected to reach 39 degrees today, Mr Barry said there is ample shade cover, and they are monitoring the conditions closely to ensure a great day of racing.
"Our track is looking fantastic, and while the weather is going to be on the warmer side this year, our pine trees provide ample shade across the entire stretch of the straight along the rail,” he said.
"We are closely monitoring conditions in conjunction with Country Racing Victoria and Racing Victoria, and encourage people to stay up to date via our Facebook page for further updates.
"Come and join us, see what everyone talks about and experience the Great Western hospitality for yourself."
With corporate packages always popular, the club is expecting huge interest for the 150th anniversary in 2027, so it urges people to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out. They will look at opening 2027 tickets online via the CRV website following this year’s event.
Read More: Ararat, Great Western, Stawell