Racing returns to Geraldton Turf Club with 2023-24 season starts next week

The long-awaited break is coming to an end as racing returns to the Geraldton Turf Club with the first race kicking off the season next week. After a five-month break, riders will hit the track for the first time as midweek races return to Geraldton on October 5. Geraldton Turf Club manager David Wrensted said he was excited for the season ahead. “We have a five-month off-season and we spend a lot of that improving the grounds and facilities, and giving the track a rest — then prepping up for the new racing season,” he said. “We’ve got 20 race meetings again this year, and given that we start in spring, that place always looks really good, there’s lots to look forward to.” While the first race is a midweek meeting, the start of the season is some of the best at the club. “The early part of the season through spring is an important part of our racing calendar,” Wrensted said. “The one we look forward to the most, certainly in the early part of the season is Ladies Day, the first weekend meeting of the year. “It’s fast growing into one of our more popular race meetings. . . it’s a big day then not long after one of our biggest meetings is Melbourne Cup day.” The season begins right when the weather starts to pick up in Geraldton, and this year the calendar is set out to work in favour of nicer weather. “So we’ve reduced our meeting in January and February, and extended the season into May, just to see if that works,” Wrensted said. “January and February over the last few years have been so hot, so it’s not the most pleasant of days.” The first midweek race is set to take place on Thursday, October 5 at the Geraldton Turf Club. Ladies Day is on Sunday, October 15.