Dongara Irwin Race Club undergoes a revamp ahead of this Saturday’s Dongara Cup

Easter has long symbolised rebirth and renewal — something the Dongara Irwin Race Club has experienced ahead of the Dongara Cup this weekend.

Much like the Mingenew Cup, the Dongara Cup was forced to move to Geraldton last year because of COVID restrictions.

Its return this year coincides with the club’s centenary and a major facelift to the organisation.

“We have a brand new committee and I mean seriously brand new, we’ve got a brand new look as well, and we’ve also added some brand new events to the day,” chair Barry Wyse said.

“We’re very excited and so is the community, the community is buzzing.”

Secretary Keira Street said tickets were going fast and they might have to turn people away at the gate.

“I feel like we’re going to be maximum capacity, we’re probably going to have to be first in best-dressed at the moment as we’re down to half of our available tickets,” she said.

“Our VIP marquee completely sold out within 10 days of them being released so everyone’s very excited and the support is just phenomenal.”

While racing began with a meeting on March 24, 1888, at what was then the Irwin Race Club, the club as it is today was founded 100 years ago on December 1.

While not finalised the stakes for the cup have been raised to $20,000 with 16 horses nominated for this year’s feature race.

It’s an experienced field and at this stage Karnup trainer Yannick Valenti’s In the Bag looms large with six wins in his last eight starts, though he did not run in his last start at Narrogin.

Unbreakable, trained by Geraldton local Kylie Craig, is the most recent winner but is stepping up in distance for the cup.

Gerard Hammarquist’s Uni Queen looks good for a place with top-three finishes in four of his last five starts.

Last year’s winning trainer Rhona MacPhilpmey is back this time with six-year-old Billy Jack and while recent results have been uninspiring he is not to be underestimated.

Glen Cortes’ Mistinguette and Catherine Godden’s Street Fair are the other top prospects heading into the weekend.

There is also a new event for racegoers, with a $400 wheelie bin relay race replacing the traditional sprint while the club will also be offering merchandise with its new logo in the spirit of the club facelift.

For the children, there’ll be a treasure hunt and a family area with a bouncy castle, face painters and other children’s entertainment.

“We’re seriously looking forward to April 8 itself, we’re excited that the community is excited and to see all these faces coming to an event that will be back in its full glory after four years basically,” Wyse said.

Patrons are urged to book their tickets online at eventbrite.com.au with gates set to open from noon on Saturday, April 8.