19 MARCH 2026
The prospect of increased fuel costs is one everyone is aware of.
St Pats as a committee have met and made the decision to extend the rebate program from 2025 to assist the trainers and jockeys.
“Last year we offered a $200 rebate to the trainers for every horse that started at our meeting, “Club treasurer Ryan Coulter said.
“It was introduced to celebrate our 60th meeting but with the increasing cost of diesel and unleaded we will carry that rebate into next week’s event.“
“We want to do everything we can to support the trainers who support us.“
“If a trainer has 5 starters he will receive at the end of the day $1,000 in rebates which will cover their expenses.“
“If they also have a place getter they will have the added bonus of prizemoney.“
The club will once again provide a travel allowance for visiting jockeys, an allowance worth $250 each.
“We introduced the allowance last year and again with the fuel situation we will continue with it as we want to help offset the cost of jockeys travelling to Broken Hill,“ Mr Coulter said.
“We are fortunate that the BHP Hotel and Elders Insurance have agreed to back us with the
rebate and travel allowance, it’s a win for everyone and we are so grateful for their support.“
Tickets sales boom
St Patrick’s day on Tuesday was one to celebrate for the St Pats Race Club as a surge in ticket sales had office staff and volunteers working overtime.
“I don’t know if it was the day or the weather, but our team was busy from the time they
opened the door until they closed it.“ St Pats Vice-President Leanne Barber said.
“It was our busiest day of the year.“
“The majority of enquiries were for our hospitality areas which are 90% sold so we made the
call to release additional tickets in Wacky’s Bar to cater for the number of enquiries.“
“Many of them have already been snapped up.“
Office open
The ribbon cutting took place this week at the club’s office to officially open St Pats 2026. Broken Hill Mayor Tom Kennedy and Kristy Ryan from naming right sponsor the Broken Hill Bank did the honours.
“It is an exciting time, “Mayor Kennedy said, “It really kickstarts Broken Hill for the year ahead, the buzz around town is great for everyone from our small businesses to the hospitality sector and the entire community.“
“As a council we throw our support behind St Pats as we know how important this event is.“
With more rain falling during the week combined with the additional work on the surface the club is confident of having the racetrack in prime condition by race day.
The momentum builds from this weekend as workers will be on site every day in the lead up to the 28th of March.
“It is hectic but exciting,“ Mrs Barber said.
“Our volunteers will be taking annual leave to get everything ready at the racecourse while our office will be humming all week.“
“With the forecast of a sunny day with a temperature in the mid 20’s we are hoping for a wonderful weekend.“
St Pats Races Broken Hill: Saturday 28 March 2026
