Racing returns to the Albany Racing Club this Sunday, with newly-appointed General Manager Paul Rossiter excited for the 2025-26 season.
Rossiter has vast racing experience with previous stints overseeing the Bunbury Turf Club and Broome Turf Club.
Speaking with Racing WA ahead of Sunday’s seven-race program, Rossiter said excitement was building among the Great Southern community for the return of thoroughbred racing.
“We’ve had great positivity from the community, everyone’s looking forward to this year’s race season and we’re going to kick it off on a great note this Sunday,” he said.
“The trainers and jockeys are happy with the progress of the track, it’s in really good condition for the opening meeting.”
The Albany Racing Club is set to host 16 meetings from November through to May 2026, culminating in the Albany Cup (2100m) – a highlight in the town’s social calendar.
“The races are a social event that all regional towns need,” he said.
“Race clubs are a good gathering point for people who live outside of town and it’s just a great day out.”
Racing plays an important part of the Great Southern, contributing more than $48 million to the economy annually.
Among those gearing up for a big season at Albany is emerging local trainer Indianna Weinhart.
Weinhart claimed the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra earlier this year with her star gelding Smooth Chino – who had his first trial at Albany and is set to resume at Ascot tomorrow.
The first race at Albany on Sunday will be live and free on Racing WA TV on 7plus from 2:05pm.
Josh Miller