Sport
22 October, 2025
St Arnaud racing to cup day
THE stage is almost set for St Arnaud’s biggest day of racing.
THE stage is almost set for St Arnaud’s biggest day of racing.
And needless to say, the whole town is hoping a stables stallwart will finally be able to add the coverted cup to his trophy cabinet.
The Knights family has been linked to the St Arnaud Cup for decades and Bill has been trying to win a main race for almost as long.
And after his horse Holly’s Star‘s recent success at the Manangatang Races, they’re hoping this may be the year.
“I think it would be the absolute dream if Bill and the Knights family finally won one,” St Arnaud Turf Club manager Penny Penfold said.
“There would be celebrations for days.
Last year, the community of St Arnaud celebrated Bill’s 80th birthday.
His wish, after almost 60 years of trying with countless runners, was to own the St Arnaud Cup winner.
And while it wasn’t meant to be then, the town is once again hoping his Toby Lake-trained horse can get the job done.
Ms Penfold said the hard work the Turf Club had put in during the lead up to Saturday’s event was paying off.
“We’ve been flat out getting work done ready for it,” she said.
“We’re thankful we’ve now got the opportunity to irrigate the track, which we haven’t been able to do in the past.
“But we’re hearing there might be a bit of rain between [Tuesday] and the weekend.
“Natural watering gives you a bit more of an even coverage on the ground, so we’re hoping for that.”
With seven races to be run on the day, the nominations are still rolling in.
“People have until Thursday to get their’s in,” Ms Penfold said. “It’s exciting to see so many entries already and we’re keen to see what the spread is like.”
While it’s still not clear if last year’s cup winner Pitsburg Pirate will take another swing, the runners are sure to put on a show in the late afternoon race.
Dubbed the “Cox Plate of the Bush”, organisers hope the Cup will draw a good crowd.
“We’re hoping for about 2000 people this year,” Ms Penfold said.
“We just love the support we get from not only the locals and town itself, but from visitors too.
“It’s a day out for everyone and there’s so many people who just love the thrill of racing.”
Even if you’re not interested in the sport itself, there’s plenty to see and do.
The Mini Marquee and Umbrella Precinct is set to provide a fun atmosphere for those looking to host their Hens Day, Bucks Day or end of year Football or Netball trip. Participants are close to the racing action here, the bar, the band and all the race day energy.
There’s even plenty there for the youngest ones, with a jumping castle, plenty of food, good music and more.
There will be plenty of colour too as fashion takes to the field for both ladies and gentlemen alike.
Ms Penfold said none of this was possible without the help of the Club and others.
“We have so many amazing volunteers and members who put so much time and energy into this day,” she said.
“The St Arnaud Cup wouldn’t be the success it is without them.”
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