Latest News

By Mark Brassel

Bong Bong picnic races is a meeting steeped in tradition with 139 years under its belt, and it’s also a celebration of community spirit.

This Friday’s renewal is billed as the ‘Southern Highlands’ most anticipated social and sporting event for the year’.

Bong Bong’s origin dates to 1886 when horse racing was a much-loved pastime whereby a plan was hatched by several local gents living near Bowral.

It was battle royale at the finish of the '24 Bong Bong Picnic Cup with Arancione (Wayne Wheatley-green cap) narrowly prevailing from Titled Tycoon (Tony Williams). Image by Bradley Photographers

They gathered with the intention of establishing a racecourse in the Southern Highlands and the chosen area – among 1000 acres – had a hill smack bang in the middle and was known as ‘Bong Bong’.

“On Friday the unique Bong Bong Racecourse will transform into a vibrant celebration of country racing and timeless style,” declared Lucinda Murchie, Secretary/Manager of Bong Bong Picnic Race Club.

“The event draws thousands of members and guests from across Australia for a day of spirited racing, elegant fashion and warm hospitality.

“This year’s six-race program promises a full card of picnic races featuring local and regional stables, with the coveted Bong Bong Cup as the centrepiece.

“The track is in a picturesque countryside setting for both seasoned racegoers and newcomers alike and our raceday is a showcase of Southern Highlands charm.

“The Fashions on the Field competition returns with a $10,000 prize pool and numerous categories. Guests are encouraged to don their finest and stroll our lawns to enjoy gourmet local fare, Sew & Sew wines and live music by Angus Murray throughout the day.

“There’s also a $1000 Lucky Member Gate Prize and all attending members are eligible.”

The Bong Bong raceday is restricted to members and invited guests, however, Club membership is still open.

“Our race meeting reinforces its unique spirit of community, yet its impact ripples far beyond the gates, supporting local businesses, showcasing regional talent and celebrating the enduring spirit of rural Australia.

“The Bowral Co-op’s chairman’s lounge is a great spot with rustic hay couches, picnic blankets and cushions and a welcome from the concierge.

“It’s a space for spectators to enjoy the races with pre-purchased food and drinks in comfort. This is near the hillside bar and access is via a donation to Can Assist Southern Highlands. Can Assist’s our charity partner and they support over 380 local families affected by cancer.”

Lucinda added there are also other top notch food facilities including the legendary Rotary BBQ with sausage and steak sandwiches, bacon & egg rolls and more.

“We also have Magnificup providing Lavazza coffees and teas, as well as commercially baked goodies like muffins and biscuits.

“There’s the Hot Canary Slider Bar, Billy Chan the Dumpling Man, Pizzettaro wood-fired pizzas and Franquette Creperi, and on Hillside will be Southern Highland Rugby League Club’s BBQ.

“We find once a patron has attended Bong Bong they’ll immediately start looking at returning the following year – it’s that good a day!”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Goulburn
Tuesday: Scone
Friday: Grafton, Orange, Bong Bong picnics (non-TAB)
Saturday: Inverell, Cowra (non-TAB), Bowraville (non-TAB), Adaminaby (non-TAB), Hay (non-TAB)
Sunday: Taree