Lightning Ridge Races SOS!

It's not just a horse races it’s a much loved community event, but the Easter Saturday Lightning Ridge Races are in real danger of being cancelled unless a new committee steps up. Photo contributed

The future of the iconic Lightning Ridge Easter Races is in serious doubt, with the entire committee stepping down after eight years of service and seeking new volunteers to come forward.

The Lightning Ridge Race Club has issued what it is calling a “last chance” appeal, with a community meeting set for Tuesday, September 16th to decide whether the 2026 races can go ahead.

In a message posted to the club’s Facebook page, President Charlie Powell warned that if the community does not rally, the long-running Easter Saturday meet will be lost.

“After eight years the current Lightning Ridge races committee is resigning,” the statement read. “After our information night didn’t draw any new members or interest, I thought I would let the community know the seriousness of not having the races in 2026.”

“If the races don’t go ahead, our Easter Saturday date will be given away to another town and they are already lining up and I can guarantee it will not be given back. Secondly the money that the race committee has will be taken back by NSW Racing. Basically, that will be it for Lightning Ridge Easter races which is currently the biggest race meet in the Walgett Shire with just under 2,000 through the gate.” […]

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