Northampton Cup returns to Geraldton Turf Club after 38-year hiatus

This Sunday racegoers will see the return of the Northampton Cup, 38 years after it last ran at the Geraldton Turf Club. Geraldton Turf Club manager David Wrensted said “we’re trying to bring back a bit of tradition”. Northampton had its own race club which amalgamated with Geraldton several decades ago, in the 1980s. “We think it (the Northampton Cup) hasn’t been run for at least 30 years, although the records don’t show it. It was just something we wanted to do and it’s been talked about over a couple of years, the club finally decided to do it,” he said. “Geraldton racing has a long tradition with the Northampton connection, and lots of racing people have come from the district. The club was an important part of local racing.” Mr Wrensted said the main special race would be the feature of the day. “We’re hoping that it’s a re-emergence of the Northampton Cup after many years of not being run. We’re happy to have it back. This is the first time we’re trying it,” he said. “We’re just introducing the cup and hopefully, as the years go by, we can bring a real Northampton feel to the meeting and bring a bit of tradition to it. Sometimes tradition is forgotten when we shouldn’t forget it.” The trainer of Ouqba Ted, Willie Parker, said “it’s a pretty strong field, so if we can run in the first three, I’d be more than happy.” Crowd numbers are subject to ongoing COVID protocols, proof of vaccination is required and face masks are mandatory for this event. The Geraldton Cup is scheduled for April 10.