Turf club back on track with big crowd set for Lismore Cup

THOUSANDS are expected to attend the Lismore Cup this year with the turf club looking to bounce back from a rain-affected Cup last year.

The event will be held on Friday, September 26 and will be just the second race meeting since it hosted the NSW Country Championships in February.

Lismore Turf Club secretary manager Scott Jones said the track is in top shape and he expects up to 6000 people to attend.

“The track has finally bounced back from the flood in March and damage from Cyclone Alfred,” Jones said.

“We’ve used double the fertiliser and aeration that we usually put into the track over the last six months and it’s really healthy now.

“To finally get a race day in a fortnight ago was a relief. Assuming the weather plays its part, we’re looking at a fantastic day.”

Cup day this year coincides with the Lismore Workers Club Masters Games, which is expected to boost crowd numbers. The feature race is set down for 4.20pm.

“We met with the council events team, and they have tried to reduce as many sports as they could for the afternoon,” Jones said.

“Even if they don’t get here until 2pm or 3pm, they will still see most of the races and the band.”

There will be Fashions on the Field, with a DJ and self-serve bar to suit the younger crowd.

Lismore trainers Daniel Bowen and Sharron Pepper will have horses running on the day. Ballina’s Stephen Lee and Murwillumbah’s Matt Dunn will also bring multiple runners.

Billy Gudgeon will play from 5pm to 8.30pm, with food and buses running back into town.

Tickets are available at lismoreturfclub.com.au/lismore-cup-2025/