Wandecla picnic races in Kojonup set to draw a big crowd from across the region

The popular Wandecla races are back for another year in Kojonup on Saturday with a crowd from all over the Great Southern expected to attend.

The $7500 Kojonup Cup (1770m) is part of a six-race card that will headline the annual picnic races, hosted by the Kojonup Polo and Polocrosse Club.

There is also the popular Chicken and Champagne luncheon, wheelie bin race, dash for cash, pearl drop and fashions on the field.

Gates open at 11.30am and the event will have an on-course tote, bookmakers, bar and canteen facilities, as well as free entertainment for the kids and live music.

Courtesy buses will leave town at 11.30am and 1pm, and returning buses will be available at 9pm for the return journey.

There is also camping available on-course.

Entry is $25 for adults, $5 for children, and under-10s get in free.

Event organiser Beta Eatt said ticket sales were strong.

“Saturday is looking the goods with weather and is set to be perfect,” she said.

“Pre-sale tickets are already sold out but there will still be lots of tickets on sale at the gate.

“It’s an excellent community event that is always well supported by local businesses and punters.

“The club has spent a lot of money this year upgrading our facilities and we are so excited to host everyone again at Wandecla.

“There’s lots of factors that make Wandecla special.

“It’s the smell of the jarrah for me, it’s the happy crowd of people who come together for a good time.

“Even though the club has a small membership base, we can still pull off this huge event.

“There is nothing else like it. If you really want to know why it’s so good you have to come along.”

There is incentives for both trainers and riders this year, so the club is hoping they can get full fields across the six races.