Cooma has held race meetings since 1856 – in fact, local meetings are older than the Melbourne Cup.
For the last 22 years, The Sundowners’ Cup has joined the Cooma Cup as a feature of the annual race meeting at Ti Tree racecourse. The Sundowners’ offers great prizemoney for maiden horses (horses which have not won a race) while the prestigious Cooma Cup offers good money for runners over 1600m.
The Cooma races are held on the first Saturday in December each year. Race day has become the biggest single social event on the Cooma calendar, attracting upwards of 3000 patrons to the races.
Not only does race day offer good racing for astute punters, but it allows local fashionistas an opportunity to put on their finest and enter the Fashions on the Field.
This very popular component of the races offers substantial prizes for a variety of categories, including best hat and best dressed couple.
Marquees are available for hire and these include the supply of alcohol. No alcohol can be brought onto the racetrack by patrons, but can be ordered through the club for serving in the marquees.
Race day also sees refreshments available at two bars on the ground. Food is supplied by the St Pats P & C committee and is a valuable fundraiser for the school.
The club also offers transport to and from the racecourse, so patrons don’t need to drink and drive.
