Sport
1 March, 2026
Feature-packed program for Boort's cup meeting today
LADY drivers and a familiar name backing the trotters’ cup will be celebrated in Boort today.
Boort Trotting Club’s cups meeting will have not two but five feature races on the program.
The trotters’ cup has been sponsored by Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh, a supporter of the club throughout more than two decades in State Parliament.
Mr Walsh was a key backer of Boort and other country clubs when they lost all meetings at local tracks before having them returned after strong lobbying to the Government and Harness Racing Victoria.
“Peter has been a tremendous supporter of the Boort club, of all clubs, and his sponsorship of the cup throughout his time as the local MP has been appreciated,” said former president and committeeman John Campbell.
“While he is retiring this year, we know Peter will always be backing the club.”
The trotters’ and pacing cups will be joined as feature races by the Central Victorian Championships.
And the ladies race will continue as an important feature on the program.
Campbell said Boort had staged the first registered lady drivers race in 1978. Exhibition races had been presented in the two previous season.
“Boort and promotion of lady drivers in the industry have been a great and enduring partnership,” Campbell said.
Sunday’s cups meeting is the club’s only event of the year after a 2024 restructure of harness racuing halved the number of meetings at several clubs.
Dating back to 1921, the annual Boort Cup meeting has become time-honoured and iconic with harness racing and the general public.
The cup itself has a rich and storied history. It’s been won by many a champion horse, trainer and driver including Grand Voyage, Main Derby and Red Bazil and in more recent times, Flaming Flutter, Motu Meteor and Keyafella.
“There’s a trophy and a rug for every winner ... the day will be a great one,” Campbell said.
“We are expecting to hold 10 races and attract large local community support.”
The program also includes a a pony trotting event, as well as Fashions on the Field with a $500 prize for the Lady of the Day section.