Outback racing returns for the annual Mount Magnet Cup

The historic town of Mount Magnet will host the biggest event of its social calendar this weekend – the Mount Magnet Cup.

The Mount Magnet Race Club (MMRC) is anticipating 700 racegoers at the capacity race meeting, with ticket allocations selling out last month.

The MMRC hosts the one-off race event annually, consisting of a six-race card culminating in the $30,000 Mount Magnet Cup (1800m).

Dating back to 1896, the MMRC has a rich history of outback racing, that’s been bringing people together to enjoy a day out for over 100 years.

Racing and Wagering Western Australian CEO Ian Edwards said the Mount Magnet Cup’s popularity reiterated racing’s social benefit, especially in regional communities.

“The continued community support for the Mount Magnet Cup is a great representation of the importance that racing has as a social pillar in regional towns,” Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said.

“The red dirt and open outback landscape at the Mount Magnet Race Club provides a fantastic spectacle for anyone lucky enough to experience it.”

Racing in the Mid West generates $37.6 million of the $1.3 billion the racing industry contributes to the WA economy each year.

Mount Magnet Race Club Secretary Travis Hollins said the support from the town’s residents and visitors for the annual cup meeting was enormous.

“The races are a great community event that brings everyone together – it’s the biggest social event of the year,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone to catch up and it brings tourists to town to enjoy the outback races, which also helps boost the local economy.”

Mount Magnet Race Club committee member Jorgen Jensen reinforced Travis’ comments regarding the importance of racing in Mount Magnet.

“The races are the last large event we have in the Shire, it has withstood the test of time and has been getting bigger over the last few years,” he said. “We usually get an influx of people on the day, and it’s a big boost for the roadhouses, shops, pubs, and any local business.”

Josh Miller