Sport
11 March, 2026
Bright day ahead for Charlton Trotting Cup
Organisers have been racing against the clock as they get ready for more than 150 patrons to come through the gates on Sunday evening for this year’s Community Bank Charlton and District Charlton Cup Day.
CHARLTON is set to errupt this weekend as the town prepares for its biggest event in its harness racing calendar.
Organisers have been racing against the clock as they get ready for more than 150 patrons to come through the gates on Sunday evening for this year’s Community Bank Charlton and District Charlton Cup Day.
Charlton Harness Racing Club president Andrea O’Gorman said the stage was slowly being set for the big meet.
“Mother nature was kind to us with the rain, so the track is looking fabulous,” she said.
“We’re looking at some nice weather for the weekend too.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s one of our favourite days and we know it’s worth it.”
Ms O’Gorman said putting Cup Day together with the town in mind was always worth it.
“We always get so much support from the community, it’s overwhelming,” she said.
“We want to have something for everyone.”
This year’s twilight event is set to see racing start around 2.15pm.
While nominations and the number of races are yet to be determined - with results aiming to be in on Thursday - the time for the Cup itself is also yet to be determined.
The much anticipated Sulky race is back again this year, with the first team of five to cross the finish line set to take home the $1000 prize.
The Great Sulky Race consists of a rely format where a team of five - four runners and one on sitting in the sulky (with at least two women in each team) will run one lap of the track (approximately 225m). It will be run between race three and four of the day.
And if you’re there to support the trots fan in your life, the new Sulky Bar is a place to visit.
“We have a new enclosure where people can enjoy locally catered drinks and nibbles,” Ms O’Gorman said.
And for the fanatics keen on a bit of fashion, this year’s theme is “We’re Still All Country” with a touch of sunflowers.
“We want the ladies to come with outfits and accessories with a bit of a sunflower theme to see if they might win the Best Dressed in our Fashions on the Field,” Ms O’Gorman said.
“We will also have our Bubbles in the Bush fundraiser back for its ninth year.
“It’s such a great fundraiser for ovarian cancer, a cause we’ve managed to raise more than $55,000.”
Ms O’Gorman said there would still be a few surprises in store for patrons.
“We’re excited about our parade, but that’s all I’m going to say,” she said.
Read More: Charlton