SPORT
Hawkesbury Cup Day tickets now on sale
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Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Hawkesbury Cup Raceday, set to take place on Saturday 2 May 2026, promising another unforgettable day of racing, entertainment and community celebration.
A highlight on the local sporting and social calendar, the Hawkesbury Cup has long been a proud tradition in the region, with racing in the Hawkesbury dating back to the 19th century. Since the introduction of the stand-alone Saturday Cup Day in 2006, the event has grown into one of Western Sydney’ s premier race days, attracting visitors from across the state.
“ We have packages to suit all budgets, including all-inclusive food and beverage options,” said Hawkesbury Race Club CEO James Heddo.“ Alternatively, the Front Lawn Precinct offers reserved trackside seating in a prime position to enjoy the day’ s festivities for just $ 55 per person, which includes gate entry.”
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Early bird buyers can take advantage of a 20 per cent discount on General Admission tickets, with prices starting from just $ 20.
“ Hawkesbury Cup Day is always a special and memorable occasion to share with family and friends. We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our sponsors, whose contribution helps make this event such a success each year,” Heddo said.
This year’ s event also marks 21 years since the inception of the modern standalone format, a milestone that reflects the race day’ s continued growth and popularity.
Racegoers can look forward to a massive 10-race program boasting more than $ 1.8 million in prizemoney. The feature event, the Group 3 $ 250,000 Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup over 1600 metres, will once again headline the day.
Beyond the track, there will be
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plenty of entertainment, including the ever-popular Fashions on the Field competition, offering fantastic prizes and showcasing race-day style at its finest. Adding to the excitement, iconic Australian rock band Dragon will take to |
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the stage after the final race, capping off what is set to be a sensational afternoon. Gates open at 10.30am. For more information or to book tickets and hospitality packages, visit www. hawkesburyraceclub. com. au |
Model Railway Exhibition
The Hills Model Railway Society Inc. is once again bringing its muchloved Model Railway Exhibition to the Hawkesbury Race Club in Clarendon, promising a fascinating showcase for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
This popular event features an extensive display of model railway layouts and accessories, offering something for everyone from seasoned hobbyists to families simply looking for an interesting day out.
The exhibition runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday. Convenient on-site parking is available at 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon, while those travelling by public transport can easily access the venue via Clarendon Railway Station on the T1 or T5 lines from Blacktown or Richmond.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or pre-book tickets to take advantage of the popular‘ preloved’ sale, featuring a wide range of locomotives, rolling stock, track and accessories. Whether you’ re just starting out or expanding an existing layout, there are plenty of unique finds ready for a new journey.
Following strong feedback from last year’ s event, the 2026 exhibition has expanded across three function areas, showcasing larger and more diverse layouts in a variety of scales and styles. Displays will include contributions from local and regional clubs, as well as privately owned layouts.
A highlight of the event will be the Rails in the Garden group, presenting their impressive large-scale‘ live steam’ locomotives in action as they shunt and haul rolling stock around the display area.
Local model railway retailers will also be on hand, offering products, accessories and expert advice for both beginners and experienced modellers. Several vendors have generously sponsored the traditional raffle, which will be drawn on Sunday afternoon and promises a range of exciting prizes.
Exhibits will span Australian, American, British, Asian and European railway prototypes, across the three most popular modelling scales- HO, OO and N. Club members will be available throughout the weekend to share their knowledge, answer questions and inspire visitors of all experience levels.
The exhibition also highlights the evolving technology within the hobby, including conventional control systems, wireless operation and even mobile phone or tablet-controlled layouts- a great opportunity for those interested in combining creativity with technical skills.
The Hawkesbury Race Club offers excellent amenities, including a canteen serving hot food, a barista coffee bar, and comfortable seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
For more information about the exhibition or club membership, contact Bruce Roberts at secretary @ hmrs. org. au, visit www. hmrs. org. au, or follow the Hills Model Railway Society on Facebook.
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28 ISSUE 130 // APRIL 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT