Covering nearly one-fifth of Western Australia’s land area, the Mid West is a vast region home to top-quality racing highlighted by the Geraldton Cup.

About 2000 racegoers are expected to attend the 2024 edition of the $125,000 TABtouch Geraldton Cup (2100m) at the Geraldton Turf Club (GTC) on Sunday, April 7.

The GTC is one of six thoroughbred race clubs based in the Mid West, with each serving as an important hub for the community to connect and enjoy a day trackside.

Racing in the Mid West generates $37.6 million of the $1.3 billion the racing industry as a whole contributes to the WA economy each year.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards, who will be among racegoers at this year’s Cup, said racing was an important part of WA’s social fabric.

“While making a healthy contribution to the Mid West’s economy, racing’s social impact is also significant, especially at meetings like the Geraldton Cup,” Ian said.

“Regional race clubs, especially those across the Mid West, are important social hubs for the community.”

GTC Manager David Wrensted, who has been in the role for almost 18 years, said the club was anticipating attendees from Carnarvon and Perth at this year’s Cup meeting.

“The Geraldton Cup is one of the best days of the year and is a fantastic day out,” he said.

“I’d really like to acknowledge the hard work of our team, and the supporters of the club, that make our racing season possible.

“As a town, there’s lots of positives taking place in Geraldton at the moment and racing is very much a part of that.

“I’m looking forward to racing continuing to make a strong economic contribution and positive social contribution in the years to come as Geraldton continues to grow.”