Bundarra’s race weekend is about more than horses crossing the finish line this year, with locals using the event to help bring much-needed health services closer to home.
The Bundarra Race Weekend returns on Saturday, October 3, after more than 800 people turned out for last year’s revival of racing at the town’s historic track.
It was a big moment for the small community, where volunteers had spent months getting the racecourse back into shape after the Bundarra Cup had been moved to Armidale.
This year, they’re building on that effort with two days of racing, golf and fundraising.
A new charity golf day will be held at Bundarra Golf Club on Sunday, October 4, with money raised going towards plans for a pharmacy, nursing service and resident general practitioner at the Grace Munroe Facility.
Bundarra Racing Club chair Matthew Monk said the weekend was another example of locals getting behind their town.
“Last year proved what this town can achieve when we pull together,” said Matthew Monk, Chair of the Bundarra Racing Club.
“We brought the Bundarra Cup back home through sheer community pride and hard work. This year, we’re taking that momentum to tackle our town’s biggest need… bringing essential medical care, a doctor, and a pharmacy directly to the Grace Munroe Facility so our residents don’t have to travel long distances for basic healthcare.”
Saturday will have all the trappings of a traditional country race day, with six races alongside food stalls, a bar, fashions on the field and entertainment for families.
The following day, attention will shift from the racetrack to the fairways for the inaugural Bundarra Charity Golf Day.
Local social golfers and visitors are being encouraged to take part, with proceeds supporting the push for better access to health care in Bundarra.
The Bundarra Cup dates back to 1906, but racing had disappeared from its traditional home before volunteers stepped in to reclaim and renovate the track in 2025.
That volunteer effort remains at the heart of the event, with locals handling everything from track maintenance to organising the weekend.
Visitors planning to stay for both days can also use Bundarra’s upgraded caravan and RV park facilities, which are within walking distance of the town’s amenities.
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