Community
16 January, 2026
Camperdown Cup This Weekend
FINAL preparations are being made ahead of this weekend’s Camperdown Cup.
The Camperdown Turf Club has completed works over the past four months to prepare the marquees for racegoers.
The club have also been successful in securing funding for new tables and stools for marquees and the public bar area.
Club president Rose Henry said the committee were extremely grateful for the support from the State Government for these projects which continue to put the club in a positive position moving forward.
The funding also allowed for upgrades of Racecourse Road to enable easier exits for those driving.
Mrs Henry said she was delighted with the response from the local community, which has led to all of the packages on offer being sold out.
“We have 60 umbrella packages, the most we have ever had and a couple of large marquees as well,” she said.
“The bookings have been fabulous.
“The day has eight races, with the first scheduled for 1.04pm and the last at 5.16pm.
“Pan Pacific Melbourne Fashions on the Field will be a hotly contested affair for the Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gent on the Day.
“Registrations will open at 1pm and judging will commence at the catwalk at 2pm.”
Mrs Henry encouraged people to get behind the local community event and come out to support the club.
“Plenty of kids activities will be on course with Kelly Sports sports and crafts activities, animal nursery, giant slide and face painting all available as well as free merchandise bags for all kids who visit the Kelly Sports activities,” she said.
“Live music will commence at 2pm and run through until 5.30pm.”
Camperdown Turf Club secretary Karen Van Kempen said the committee was looking forward to a great day out for racegoers.
“We’re looking for a good community event,” she said.
“It’s a well-supported race day and we’re certainly hoping we’ll get that again.
“We’re pretty confident what we’ve been doing in the past is what people want because they keep coming back.”
A milestone celebration will also be seen trackside, with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) marking 20 years of partnership with Country Racing Victoria (CRV.
As part of this long-standing collaboration, the TAC and CRV have worked together to ensure racegoers get to and from races safely – a commitment that continues this year with TAC’s Ready campaign at more than 20 country cups across Victoria.
It encourages people to be race-ready and have an alternative to driving – taxi, bus or a lift – to get home from the races if they plan to have a drink.
The TAC presence includes on-site breathalysers, important road safety messaging and advice, and shuttle bus services to support racegoers coming from locations where public transport may be limited.
TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said it was important to ensure travel plans were secured before race day.
“Country cups are the social event of the year in many regional Victorian towns – by ensuring we’ve planned a safe way home at the end of the day, we can guarantee it’s a day to remember for all the right reasons,” she said.
“Planning your trip home before the first drink isn’t just smart, it’s lifesaving.”
CRV chairman Charles Armytage said CRV would continue to work with TAC to promote road safety.
“Country racing is about celebration and connection, but it’s also about responsibility,” he said.
“As we mark 20 years with TAC, we’re doubling down on our commitment to help racegoers plan ahead and get home safely.”
Gates for the Camperdown Cup will open at 11am.
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