Race day

With beautifully manicured lawns, dozens of old river gum trees and the shade marquees provided, you are sure to find just the right spot to sit, relax and enjoy not only quality racing but all the entertainment provided throughout the day, without worrying about booking your own marquee site. We have food outlets and full bar facilities in this area, so there is no need to bring a thing with you, which just makes your day even more enjoyable.

Set in the magnificent surrounds of the Bedgerabong Showground, the annual Bedgerabong Picnic Race meeting attracts patrons from far and wide. Each year dedicated members of the local community rally together to prepare the track and present a wonderful event which lasts well into the night.

Featuring a five race program, gates open at 10am with the first race starting at 12.30pm. Full tote and sky channel is available on course, along with a selection of local and metropolitan bookmakers for you to have a flutter.

Towards the end of the day, the horse races give way to foot races with entries for men, ladies and the kids. All this before the band strikes up for the rest of the evening.

Racing info


Race 1 - Maiden Plate 1000m
Race 2 - Class A 1100m
Race 3 - Class A 800m
Race 4 - Class B 1400m
Race 5 - Bedgerabong Cup 1400m
Race 6 - Clearview Bracelet 800m

View nominations and acceptances (just prior to race day) on the Racing NSW website.

On-course facilities

There is NO BYOG at Bedgerabong. The Car Parks are patrolled and strictly Alcohol Free Zones and will be locked at 11.30pm and re-opened at 8.00am the next morning - these are as per our liquor license conditions.

Upon entry to the racecourse area, ID will need to be provided as wrist bands will be issued to determine 18+ (No ID - No 18+ wrist band will be issued).

Food and alcohol are available on-course. The bar will be selling a range of beers, wines, spirits and mixed drinks from 11.30am with a drink ticket system operating for quick and easy service. We have a NO GLASS ON GROUNDS rule.

Our caterer's provide a fantastic BBQ facility with a range of tasty goodies and soft drinks, Savoury and Sweet Pancake Van, and Mr Whippy Ice Cream's are available for all kids, young and old!

Please note: There are no ATM or EFTPOS facilities available. Please make sure you have enough cash in your pocket for your whole day, including your trip home! Forbes Bus Lines provide the buses to and from Forbes for race day. They leave the Forbes Town Hall from 11am in the morning, then the buses run every half an hour after 6pm, all for a small cost each way - sure saves driving yourself.

Entertainment

Once again we will be having Footraces after the last race. We call all the kids onto the track and have running races, then we have the Ladies, Mens and finally the 3 legged races with prizes sponsored by McDonalds (Forbes/Parkes) and Shead & Nicholson Electrical Contractors of Forbes. We have become quite renowned for our footraces and some groups return to the race meeting year after year to compete - all in good humour - with the unofficial Major of Bedgerabong, Joe Constable, our race caller and announcer.

There will be a Jumping Castle and Merry-Go-Round for the kids during the day.

We hold an Auction of "Bedgerabong Race Day" merchandise after the footraces to help raise money for our local community. We also have a raffle during the day with great prizes up for grabs - a couple of the boys will walk around most of the day selling the tickets and winners are announced after the last race of the day.

Our live band will be "The Lees".

Fashions on the field

The Bedgerabong Races wouldn't be complete without Fashions on the Field. Judging will take place for the following categories:

Best Bedgerabong Hat
Best Dressed Couple
Best Dressed Young Race Goer 16-25 years
Cutting Edge Race Wear 25-45 years
Most Elegant Race Goer 45+ years

Entries will be taken on-course at the Secretaries Office until 1pm. Judging will take place after the Bedgerabong Cup (Race 5).

Hunks and Spunks

See the best the bush has to offer when the winners of the Land Newspaper "Hunks and Spunks" promotion are announced. The announcement of the winning "Hunk" and "Spunk" will take place after Race 4.

Merchandise

We have a limited number of Bedgerabong Caps, Bucket Hats and Stubby Holders available from the ticket office at the Bar, so hurry and don't miss out!

We will also hold an Auction of "Bedgerabong Race Day" merchandise after the footraces to help us raise money for our community.