Country racing on its knees as Meekatharra becomes latest to cancel historic race meet

The Meekatharra Races will not be running this year as country racing is struggling with rising costs, dwindling volunteers and an ever-shrinking field of horses and trainers. With a history spanning more than a century, the Meekatharra Cup has attracted horses and punters from across the State with lucrative winnings since 1910. However, in a statement released on Facebook, the club confirmed it will be calling time on the historic race. “It’s with heavy hearts that the current committee of the Meekatharra Race Club have called time on the iconic Meekatharra Races,” it said. “Due to many contributing factors including rising costs and lack of horse numbers, it’s no longer viable for the club to continue holding its annual meeting. “Thank you to everyone who supported the club in the past and if you can, please country supporting country racing.” John Biggs, secretary and treasurer of the Country Racing Association, said it was a hugely disappointing decision and feared it would not be the last country meet to fold. “We’ve already lost Yalgoo and Leonora and now Meekatharra, we didn’t know anything about it until we saw the Facebook post,” he said. “We’re very disappointed we fought very hard to get them up on Sky and TAB and they’re going to get an extra $15,000 per meeting this year but it’s come too late for these clubs.” “It’s hard to say if other people will come on board to get this race going.” Biggs said country races were about more than being able to put a bet on, and formed an integral part of the social fabric of country communities. “Meets like these are often only run once a year and often marked as the highlight of the social calendar,” he said. “It’s a rare opportunity for communities to come together, dress up for fashions on the field, enjoy entertainment and watch some racing.” Biggs said the conditions facing Meekatharra were not unique and without external help, were not going to get any easier. “The costs of transport are just getting higher and higher and it means fewer trainers and horses are willing to travel,” he said. “Country clubs are run by volunteers and there are fewer people willing to dedicate the time and effort for free. “I believe some Shires and councils could be doing a lot more to support these clubs.” Biggs also called out the conditions imposed on clubs by liquor licensing and racing and gaming, revealing the association had submitted a request to review the laws for the regions. “You can’t have one policy fits all,” he said. “The fact that regional clubs have to fork out huge sums of money to meet requirements based on metropolitan issues is ridiculous. “It costs Dongara $30,000 for securities in their one race meet and with rising costs elsewhere, it’s easy to see how quickly things get out of control. “We hope the new minister (Reece Whitby), who is a keen racing fan, will help drive some change and we as an association will fight our guts out to keep country racing alive.”