Sport
17 October, 2025
The Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup readies to entertain on and off the track
The magic of the cup will return to the Pyrenees tomorrow as the prestigious Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup saddles up for action.
With gates opening at 11 am, the cup hopes to provide hours of entertainment on and off the track for racing purists, punters and families alike.
According to Avoca Shire Turf Club president Wayne Lawes, the club is ready for its premier event to frolic into action.
“We are thrilled to invite members, sponsors, patrons and the community back to Avoca for the town’s biggest race meet,” he said.
“It’s always a fantastic opportunity to showcase our club and everything the Pyrenees region has to offer.
“Nominations are really quite strong for the eight race field, the prize money for the Avoca Cup has increased from $30,000 to $40,000 this year, so that should attract a stronger field.
“I love seeing the buses rolling in and just hearing the noise and the laughter as people filter in through the gates and really enjoying themselves.
“I would also like to thank and acknowledge club manager Lisa Evans, track manager ‘Yogi’ Brennan and our fantastic volunteer committee for all their hard work in relation to preparing for the big day.”
This year’s Avoca Cup marks a slight changing of the guard, with Evans overseeing her first Avoca Cup in her new role as club manager after taking the position previously held by Kate Kirkpatrick.
Evans said the opportunity to implement fresh, exciting ideas in the long, proud history of Avoca racing drew her to the role back in April.
“There are a few iconic race meetings across the state and certainly the Avoca Cup is one of them,” she said.
“COVID created new challenges within the racing industry, so being able to come along and put a different lens on the race club with different ideas on entertainment is what excited me in coming along.
“We have a new layout this year, which is all about bringing the community together, all in the one space, which is effectively on the outfield part of the track.”
Among the changes to the layout is the always popular Fashions on the Field, which is moving from its historic position at the back of the racetrack to the front lawn to help boost participation.
With a DJ, roaming entertainment, kids’ activities, marquees and wine tasting also present, Evans said country racing has something for everyone.
“I think the good thing about the country is that it can fit everyone,” she said.
“There are people who will come along dressed up to the nines, but it also suits the bucks parties, the football/netball club breakups, the families that want to come along and have a great day with their kids.”
“Certainly, the excitement is building, crowd numbers are looking great. We should have a crowd of around 3000 on race day from all different parts of the state.
“We do have the ability to drag people to what is effectively a small town and swell up the population for a day, which is pretty exciting.”
Tickets are still available for purchase online or at the gate on race day, with tickets at $25 for Adults and $20 for Concessions at the gate. Children aged 16 and under enter for free when accompanied by an adult.
Shuttle buses are also available from selected locations.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit avoca.tickets.countryracing.com.au