2026 Bong Bong Picnic Races

2026 Bong Bong Picnic Races: 140 Years of Racing Tradition in the Southern Highlands

One of Australia’s most iconic country racing events is preparing for a historic celebration as the Bong Bong Picnic Races mark their 140th anniversary. With six races, the famous Bong Bong Cup, spectacular fashions and thousands of racing enthusiasts expected, the Southern Highlands is set for another unforgettable afternoon.

Friday, 20 November 2026 | Wyeera Racecourse, Bowral | Six-race programme | 140th anniversary

The countdown is underway to one of the most anticipated events on the New South Wales country racing calendar, with the 2026 Bong Bong Picnic Races promising an extraordinary celebration of thoroughbred racing, regional heritage and community spirit.

Held at the picturesque Wyeera Racecourse on Kangaloon Road, just outside Bowral, the annual meeting has become one of the Southern Highlands’ most recognisable social occasions.

However, the 2026 edition carries particular significance.

This year marks 140 years since the establishment of the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club, an extraordinary milestone that places the organisation among Australia’s most historic racing institutions.

Since its beginnings in 1886, the club has developed from a modest rural race meeting into an event attracting thousands of spectators, owners, trainers and racing enthusiasts.

The 2026 celebration will feature a six-race programme, traditional picnic hospitality, Fashions on the Field, live entertainment and a special opening ceremony recognising the people who have contributed to the club’s remarkable history.

At the centre of the afternoon will be the prestigious Bong Bong Cup, a race that continues to attract considerable interest from country racing participants.

Yet what makes Bong Bong truly special is not simply the racing.

It is the combination of history, atmosphere, tradition and the genuine community spirit that defines country racing in Australia.

For Kurrinda Bloodstock Syndications and everyone involved in the thoroughbred industry, Bong Bong represents an important reminder that racing’s appeal extends well beyond metropolitan Group 1 events.

Some of the sport’s most memorable experiences occur at regional racecourses where owners, trainers, jockeys and supporters come together to celebrate their shared passion for horses.

Celebrating 140 Years of Racing History

Few country racing clubs can boast a history as extensive as Bong Bong.

Established in 1886, the club traces its origins to racing conducted near the Wingecarribee River.

What began as a relatively modest gathering of local horsemen and racing enthusiasts gradually developed into one of the Southern Highlands’ most treasured traditions.

Over the following decades, the meeting became an important social occasion for the district.

Families gathered to enjoy the racing, local businesses supported the event and the annual picnic meeting became a fixture on the regional calendar.

The club has experienced considerable changes throughout its history, reflecting the broader evolution of Australian racing.

Yet despite those changes, its fundamental identity has remained remarkably consistent.

Bong Bong continues to celebrate the accessibility, camaraderie and community involvement that have traditionally distinguished country racing.

Club secretary Lucinda Murchie has described Bong Bong as the oldest racing club in New South Wales and among the longest-running in Australia.

The 140th anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise generations of volunteers, sponsors, committee members and racing participants whose contributions have sustained the organisation.

A special opening parade is planned to acknowledge the club’s history and those who have helped shape its success.

The celebrations will include traditional ceremonial elements, vintage vehicles and representatives of the local community.

For spectators, the occasion promises to be much more than another afternoon at the races.

It will be a celebration of 140 years of Southern Highlands sporting heritage.

 

The Famous Bong Bong Cup Takes Centre Stage

The feature event of the afternoon will once again be the Bong Bong Cup.

Contested over approximately 1560 metres, the $20,000 race provides an important target for horses competing within the picnic racing circuit.

Although the prizemoney is modest compared with Australia’s major metropolitan events, winning the Bong Bong Cup carries considerable prestige.

For country trainers and owners, success at this historic meeting can represent a significant achievement.

The race demands a combination of tactical speed, stamina and the ability to handle the unique characteristics of the Bong Bong circuit.

Unlike metropolitan racecourses with extensive facilities and regular racing programmes, Bong Bong stages its signature meeting annually.

This creates an unusual challenge for trainers and jockeys.

Horses must adapt to the racing surface, course layout and atmosphere without the benefit of extensive recent race-day experience at the venue.

The ability to settle into a comfortable rhythm and secure a favourable position can therefore be particularly important.

With the Bong Bong Cup scheduled for 4:25pm, it will provide the centrepiece of an afternoon that celebrates both the competitive and social aspects of thoroughbred racing.

The final field will determine which horses and trainers have the strongest claims to the 2026 title.

However, regardless of the result, the winning connections will join an honour roll associated with one of Australia’s most historic picnic racing events.

Looking Back at the 2025 Bong Bong Cup

The 2025 Bong Bong Cup provided another memorable chapter in the event’s history.

South Coast trainer Natalie Jarvis and jockey Maddy Wright combined to claim the feature race aboard California August, delivering an important victory for their connections.

The performance was particularly significant given the competitive nature of the field, which included a runner representing the prominent Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable.

For Jarvis and Wright, the result demonstrated the opportunities available to regional racing participants.

Country racing regularly provides smaller training operations with the opportunity to compete against horses associated with some of Australia’s most recognisable stables.

That competitive environment is one of the great attractions of picnic racing.

While major metropolitan events frequently feature powerful ownership groups and leading professional operations, country meetings can produce victories for smaller stables whose dedication and horsemanship deserve equal recognition.

The Bong Bong Cup provides an opportunity for those participants to experience the excitement of winning a significant regional feature.

As the 2026 meeting approaches, attention will turn to whether another locally trained horse can claim the historic trophy or whether visiting connections will emerge victorious.

 

Picnic Racing: An Essential Part of Australia’s Thoroughbred Industry

Picnic racing occupies a unique and important position within the Australian thoroughbred industry.

While metropolitan racing attracts much of the media attention through major carnivals and multimillion-dollar events, regional racing provides the foundation for countless owners, trainers, jockeys and industry participants.

Picnic meetings are particularly important because they preserve the traditional connection between racing and rural communities.

They provide opportunities for horses competing at different levels, while allowing owners to experience the excitement of racing in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

For many participants, picnic racing represents their introduction to thoroughbred ownership.

The atmosphere is often more personal than at major metropolitan meetings, with spectators able to enjoy close interaction with racing participants and share in the excitement of the occasion.

The Bong Bong meeting demonstrates these qualities particularly well.

Its annual programme attracts a mixture of experienced racing enthusiasts, local families, business groups and visitors seeking a traditional country racing experience.

Importantly, the meeting also provides opportunities for amateur picnic jockeys, who play an essential role in maintaining the strength of this category of racing.

These riders demonstrate considerable dedication, balancing their involvement in the sport with other professional and personal commitments.

Their contribution deserves recognition.

Without the commitment of trainers, owners, jockeys, volunteers and regional racing organisations, events such as Bong Bong would struggle to maintain their historic importance.

A Racecourse Unlike Any Other

One of the defining characteristics of the Bong Bong Picnic Races is its picturesque location.

Wyeera Racecourse is situated at 460 Kangaloon Road, east of Bowral, surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Southern Highlands.

The setting provides a distinctive contrast to the major metropolitan racing venues.

Rather than towering grandstands and extensive commercial facilities, spectators enjoy a traditional country atmosphere characterised by picnic areas, marquees, open spaces and views of the surrounding landscape.

The Southern Highlands is renowned for its natural beauty, historic towns, agricultural heritage and strong equestrian community.

These characteristics make Bong Bong an especially appropriate location for a traditional picnic racing meeting.

The racecourse also serves a broader community purpose throughout the year.

Its grounds are used for activities including the Bowral Show, dressage, polocrosse and community events.

This versatility reinforces the importance of maintaining regional sporting facilities that benefit multiple organisations.

For the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club, the annual race meeting provides an opportunity to showcase the venue while generating support for its continued operation.

The club operates as a not-for-profit organisation, with volunteers playing an essential role in its administration and development.

 

Fashions on the Field: A Highlight of the Day

While the horses provide the central sporting attraction, Fashions on the Field has become an equally important component of the Bong Bong experience.

Each year, racegoers embrace the opportunity to showcase traditional racing fashion, with elegant dresses, tailored suits, distinctive millinery and carefully coordinated outfits.

The 2026 anniversary meeting will feature another highly anticipated fashion competition.

Registrations are scheduled between 11:30am and 1pm, with the main parade taking place at 2pm.

Organisers have announced a prize pool exceeding $11,000, providing an additional incentive for participants.

However, the attraction of Fashions on the Field extends beyond the prizes.

The competition contributes significantly to the atmosphere, transforming the racecourse into a colourful celebration of style and tradition.

For many attendees, preparing an outfit for Bong Bong is an annual ritual.

Groups of friends coordinate their race-day attire, while local fashion businesses and milliners benefit from the event’s popularity.

The 140th anniversary provides an opportunity for spectators to embrace both contemporary racing fashion and the timeless elegance associated with traditional country racing.

The Return of the Historic Bong Bong Ball

The 2026 anniversary celebrations have also featured the revival of another important club tradition.

The historic Bong Bong Ball returned on 23 October, following a lengthy absence dating back to the 1990s.

Held at The Hastings in Bowral, the event formed part of the club’s broader anniversary programme.

The occasion included dining, entertainment and a preview of a special film commemorating 140 years of Bong Bong racing.

For members and supporters, the ball provided an opportunity to celebrate the club’s history before the excitement of race day.

Its return reflects the organisation’s determination to preserve the traditions that have made Bong Bong such an important part of the Southern Highlands community.

Events of this nature also strengthen relationships between club members, sponsors and local businesses.

That community engagement is fundamental to the long-term success of regional racing organisations.

 

A Full Afternoon of Racing and Entertainment

The 2026 programme has been designed to provide spectators with a full day of racing and entertainment.

The meeting will also feature live music, local food vendors and traditional picnic hospitality.

A variety of catering options will be available, ranging from barbecued favourites to wood-fired pizza, sliders and other refreshments.

For spectators, the opportunity to combine quality country racing with a relaxed social atmosphere remains one of the event’s greatest attractions.

The meeting is not covered by the TAB, although bookmakers will operate on course.

Importantly, admission is restricted to members and invited guests, with race-day wristbands required in advance.

Annual club membership does not automatically include race-day entry, so attendees should ensure their admission arrangements are confirmed before travelling.

Further information is available through the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club.

The Economic Importance of Bong Bong to the Southern Highlands

The annual Bong Bong meeting provides benefits extending well beyond the racecourse.

With thousands of spectators traditionally attending, the event contributes to regional tourism, hospitality and local business activity.

Visitors travelling to the Southern Highlands frequently utilise accommodation providers, restaurants, cafés and transport services.

Local businesses also benefit through sponsorship arrangements, catering opportunities and involvement in race-day activities.

The club’s strong relationship with regional organisations helps ensure the benefits of the event remain connected to the community.

For Bowral and the surrounding districts, Bong Bong is much more than a sporting fixture.

It is an important social occasion that encourages visitors to experience the Southern Highlands while supporting local enterprises.

The 140th anniversary provides an additional opportunity to promote the region and celebrate its long association with thoroughbred racing.

Why Country Racing Matters to Kurrinda Bloodstock

For Kurrinda Bloodstock Syndications, the Bong Bong Picnic Races represent many of the qualities that make Australian thoroughbred racing so special.

The industry is often measured by Group 1 victories, major yearling sales and the extraordinary prizemoney available through metropolitan racing.

However, the strength of Australian racing depends equally on its regional participants.

Country trainers, owners, jockeys, stable staff and volunteers make an enormous contribution to the sport.

They provide opportunities for horses to compete at different levels while maintaining the community connections that have traditionally supported racing.

For syndicators, regional racing also demonstrates the importance of creating enjoyable ownership experiences.

Not every horse will develop into a metropolitan stakes performer.

Some achieve their greatest success in country racing, where a well-placed victory can provide owners with tremendous satisfaction.

The excitement of winning a race is not determined solely by the prizemoney involved.

For an ownership group, watching their horse cross the finishing line first can create an unforgettable experience regardless of whether the race is conducted at Randwick, Flemington or a country venue.

Bong Bong captures that spirit.

Its combination of racing tradition, community involvement and genuine enthusiasm for the thoroughbred makes it an important part of the Australian racing landscape.

Supporting the People Behind the Sport

Another important aspect of Bong Bong is the contribution made by volunteers and community organisations.

The race club relies heavily on individuals who dedicate their time to maintaining the venue, organising the annual meeting and ensuring spectators enjoy a successful event.

These contributions frequently occur away from public attention.

From preparing facilities and coordinating sponsorships to organising catering, security and race-day logistics, considerable work is required to deliver a meeting of this scale.

The 140th anniversary provides an appropriate opportunity to acknowledge those efforts.

The longevity of Bong Bong demonstrates what can be achieved when successive generations remain committed to preserving a shared sporting tradition.

It also reinforces the importance of ensuring regional racing remains sustainable.

Supporting country racing clubs, maintaining suitable facilities and encouraging participation are essential to protecting the industry’s future.

The Importance of Thoroughbred Welfare

As with every form of horse racing, the welfare of competing thoroughbreds must remain a priority.

Picnic racing provides opportunities for horses at different stages of their careers, but appropriate veterinary oversight, soundness assessment and responsible training remain essential.

Horses should be placed in races suited to their physical capabilities, fitness and level of experience.

The unique characteristics of country racecourses also require careful consideration by trainers and riders.

For the wider thoroughbred industry, responsible horse management extends beyond a horse’s competitive career.

Retraining, rehoming and supporting suitable opportunities for retired racehorses are important components of long-term welfare.

Kurrinda Bloodstock’s commitment to life after racing, including supporting retired thoroughbreds and equestrian participation, reflects the importance of recognising the horse’s contribution beyond the racetrack.

Events that celebrate the thoroughbred should also encourage continued attention to its welfare throughout every stage of life.

A Historic Celebration Awaits

The 2026 Bong Bong Picnic Races promise to deliver one of the most memorable editions in the event’s long history.

With the club celebrating 140 years, the meeting will recognise generations of racing participants who have helped establish Bong Bong as a treasured Southern Highlands tradition.

The six-race programme, highlighted by the Bong Bong Cup, will provide the sporting excitement.

Fashions on the Field, live entertainment, picnic hospitality and the anniversary celebrations will contribute to the atmosphere.

However, the true significance of Bong Bong lies in something much deeper.

It is a celebration of the enduring relationship between thoroughbred racing and regional Australia.

For 140 years, the meeting has brought people together through a shared appreciation of horses, competition and community.

While the Australian racing industry continues to evolve, with increasing prizemoney and international competition, events such as Bong Bong preserve the traditions that helped establish the sport.

They remind us that racing’s greatest strength is not simply the financial rewards available to successful connections.

It is the friendships, experiences and memories created along the way.

On Friday, 20 November, another chapter will be written in the history of the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club.

Another horse will claim the Bong Bong Cup, another group of owners will celebrate a memorable victory and thousands of spectators will enjoy an afternoon that represents the very best of country racing.

For Kurrinda Bloodstock Syndications and everyone passionate about the thoroughbred industry, the 2026 Bong Bong Picnic Races provide an opportunity to celebrate 140 years of history while looking confidently towards the future of Australian country racing.

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