Louth Races 2021 Abandoned

Its been two years without a race meeting at Louth. Alex Murray and Louth Turf Club President Jim Strachan are pictured with the 2019 Louth Cup. Photo supplied

The Louth Turf Club has announced that the club will not race in 2021, due to the possibility of COVID-19 entering the community.

To date, Western NSW has been very fortunate to remain COVID-free, and the race committee wants to protect the western community from the possibility of virus infection.

The huge influx of visitors for the Louth Races, along with the logistics of managing a COVIDSafe event were considered when reaching the difficult decision.

President of Louth Turf Club, Jim Strachan, said the committee was incredibly disappointed to cancel for a second year in a row.

“The health and safety of our local community is of paramount importance to us,” Mr Strachan said.

“We want to thank our many supporters and sponsors who stick with us year after year, and rest assured the Louth Races will return triumphant in 2022.

“Louth Races isn’t just a one-day event.

“For most, it is many days of fun and frivolity on the banks of the Darling River, with camping, fishing, golf, live music, damper making, fete attending and pub activities, Mr Strachan said.

Louth Turf Club Publicity Officer, Liz Murray, said the committee simply didn’t have the confidence to continue with preparations.

“Given the situation unfolding in the eastern parts of the state, and not having a crystal ball to know what the next few weeks holds with rules and restrictions, we couldn’t proceed,” Mrs Murray said.

“The preparation and work for all involved is huge, not to mention the outlay for the club, for Shindy’s Inn, the on-course bar and our catering suppliers.

“Cancelling closer to the date would be all the more devastating for the small businesses involved,” Liz said.