The $150,000 Bunbury Cup is returning to the state-of-the-art Bunbury Racecourse this weekend for the first time in three years, with up to 8000 racegoers expected to attend.

The past two Bunbury Cups were held at Ascot during the $30 million upgrade of the South West’s premier thoroughbred track.

Racing resumed in October, paving the way for the Bunbury Cup (2000m) this Saturday, March 9.

“I’m really excited to see the Bunbury Cup return to Bunbury,” Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said.

“The buzz and atmosphere on-course when Paddy’s Shadow won the Cup for Collie-based trainer Raquel Williams in 2021 – the last time the Cup was run in Bunbury – was electric.

“The Bunbury Cup, and racing in general, gives people from across the South West an opportunity to connect, socialise and enjoy a day trackside.”

Racing in WA contributes $1.3 billion to the State’s economy annually, with more than 25,000 people involved in the industry.

The South West region equates to almost seven per cent of WA racing’s value, generating $90.5 million a year.

Almost 3000 people are involved in racing in the South West as an employee, volunteer or participant. The industry supports almost 700 full-time jobs.

Bunbury Turf Club CEO Alex Doble said the region was looking forward to the race day.

“The support we’ve received from the community since we resumed racing at Bunbury last October has been nothing short of amazing,” he said.

“We’re very proud of our top-tier facilities and how they benefit horses, trainers and jockeys.

“The Bunbury Cup is a highlight of the South West’s social calendar and I’m really excited for the community to come together and celebrate.”

Volunteers from Solaris Cancer Care, a Racing WA Community Fund partner, will be at the Bunbury Cup meeting fundraising for regional families affected by cancer.

The Racing WA Community Fund is a driving force for positive change in areas linked to racing, such as the South West, where racing’s presence is deeply felt.