In 1901, the Yass Picnic Races were established as a meeting place for racing, fancy dress and connection.
125 years later, the tradition continues as we near their anniversary on February 28.
Substantially growing each year, Yass Picnic Race Club President, Hugh Rainger, says they hope to see in excess, with more than 2000 people expected to walk through the gates this year.
Although this year’s anniversary celebration won’t be pulling the strings at anything too new, Hugh says they will continue the much-loved tradition with a few new sights and sounds to add to the community spirit.
“Because the races have been growing rapidly in the last two or three years, we’re adding more features to the day,” he says.
“In the past, there hasn’t been a bar, and we’ve now added one.”
2026 will also see the addition of local Harden DJ, Liv Doolan, who will be playing a two-hour set after the races conclude at 5.00pm.
“We’re riding the wave of interest and traction that we’ve picked up in the last couple of years, because the numbers have skyrocketed,” says Hugh.
Although an expected 2000 people are thought to enter the venue, he reckons this number might be exceeded if the high-ticket sales and increased sponsorship is to be taken as a good sign.
“Everything is pointing in the right direction for what should be a cracking day,” he says.
Thought to be one of the oldest (and most beloved) races in NSW, the Yass Picnic Race’s 125th milestone speaks for itself as a pivotal event in the region’s calendar.
“For the town and for the event itself, for something to last this long is largely unheard of,” says Hugh.
“Especially in today’s age with insurances and things like that.
“For it to get this far and the fact that it’s been passed across hundreds of committees and different people over that time… it’s a testament to the community for an event that has been around for as long as it has.”
According to Hugh, what makes the Yass Picnic Race stand out in comparison to others is their focus on community and inclusivity, ensuring the whole family has a great day out.
“Whether you have your own marquee there to entertain family and friends, or clients to wine and dine, you can also simply come out with your family or kids, sit on a picnic rug and enjoy the afternoon away,” he says.
“There’s a beauty in it being a BYO event, [because] you can bring your own food, bring your own alcohol and sit on a picnic rug.”
For those not whose ideal day out doesn’t involve a picnic rug and shady corner, there are several alternatives.
“We’ve got a fully catered marquee where we can look after you all afternoon,” says Hugh.
“We’ve also got the bar opening this year, which is great, and we’ve got food vans with different foods.”
Activities won’t be in short supply either, with face panting for kids, a bucking bull, the races themselves (in a six-race card slot with record nominations), a Fashions in the Field competition, a footrace and DJ setlist.
This year’s Fashions in the Field competition will see guest judge, journalist and television presenter, Sam Armytage (best known for her work on Sunrise from 2013 to 2021) coming down to put her two cents in about Yass’s classiest fashionistas.
With a keen eye on inclusivity and ensuring the event is accessible to all, Hugh says they will be running bus services from the clubhouse from 11.00am to 1.00pm and then from 5.00pm to 7.30pm, at the conclusion of Liv’s setlist.
Hugh says it’s important to know that the event isn’t just about the horse racing, despite the record number of jockeys and horses gearing up for a great event.
“It’s about the whole community,” he says.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you own 10,000 acres on the edge of town or whether you’re a plumber in town, we want everyone to come out and enjoy the day.
“We’ve got nine bookies coming, with two interstate bookies as wel,l and we’ve got a big screen to show the races on the interstate racing.
“We have tried to cover off on as many things [that] we could think of that might enhance the experience for the town.”
This year’s event follows two successful years that set the momentum going, fuelling the excitement for their anniversary event. Hugh says it’s a huge achievement given the cancelled races due to COVID and poor weather conditions.
Knock on wood, should rain decide to hit the region on the Saturday, all events bar the horseracing are scheduled to take place.
This year will also see another Calcutta event the night before, with 10 percent of profits going towards local charity, Hand to the Land.
Starting at 5.00pm, Hugh says everyone is welcome to come on down and buy a ticket or put their hand up and bid on a horse.
“It’s a bit of fun that adds a little more dimension to the day and to the event,” he says.
Elizabeth Kovacs
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