Dongara Cup returns to traditional home as club celebrates 100 years

Dongara is going to be a busy place over Easter as a sell-out crowd is expected to pack the stands of the Dongara Irwin Race Club when the Dongara Cup returns to its traditional home this weekend.

Much like the Mingenew Cup, the Dongara Cup was forced to move to Geraldton last year because of COVID restrictions and will be celebrating its own milestone as the club committee celebrates 100 years.

While the club celebrates a century the group who is delivering the race this year is in its infancy as the club has undergone a major facelift this year.

“We have a brand new committee and I mean seriously brand new, we’ve got a brand new look, as well and we’ve also added some brand new events to the day,” chair Barry Wyse said.

“We’re very excited and so it’s the community the community is buzzing.”

Secretary Keira Street said tickets were going fast and they might have to turn people away at the gate.

“I feel like we’re going to be maximum capacity, we’re probably going to have to be first in best-dressed at the moment as we’re down to half of our available tickets,” she said.

“Our VIP marquee completely sold out within 10 days of them being released so everyone’s very excited and the support is just phenomenal.”

While racing began with a meeting on March 24, 1888 at what was then the Irwin Race Club, the club as it is today was founded 100 years ago on December 1.

Street said it was a fantastic milestone to achieve but it would not have been possible without the support of the community.

“Pulling this event together was not easy especially only coming on board in November but I’ve had a lot of support from previous suppliers,” she said.

“The Geraldton Turf Club and Mingenew Club have also been amazing in guiding us as a new committee and hinting us on the right direction and the amount of phone calls I’ve made to and support from Racing WA has been amazing.”

Like most other regional clubs Street said they have felt the pinch of rising costs.

“Unfortunately putting these events together is quite costly these days, prices are up for every single thing like security is a massive cost to us, the car controllers and stuff like that,” she said.

“We’ve managed this year to bring on board a bunch of new sponsors and that’s been good.”

“For the last two years, we’ve run at a loss so having the event back home this year is hopefully going to boost it and allow us to continue for the next few years.”

Wyse said despite the difficulties the club was looking strong for the future.

“The challenges are, are not insurmountable, because we get a lot of support from the communit,” Wyse said.

“The trades and just regular people who come along and help clean and get the track ready has made the preparation for the event and event itself and while the financial side is tricky I can’t see us going anywhere anytime soon with this much support.”

While fields haven’t been finalised yet the club is hoping for big numbers with the stakes raised to $20,000 for the cup with the expectation of large fields.

They have also added new events with a $400 wheelie bin relay race replacing the traditional sprint while the club will also be offering merchandise with their new logo in the spirit of the club facelift.

For the children, there’ll be a treasure hunt and a family area with a bouncy castle, face painters and other children’s entertainment.

“We’re seriously looking forward to April 8 itself, we’re excited that the community is excited and to see all these faces coming to an event that will be back in its full glory after four years basically,” Wyse said.

Patrons are urged to book their tickets online at eventbrite.com.au with gates set to open from 12pm on April 8.