Hundreds trackside for Cotton Cup

The annual Cotton Cup and Marquee Luncheon has wrapped up in spectacular style, cementing its place as a must-attend event on the Macquarie Valley social and racing calendar.

By Supplied

Alison Ruskin-Rowe, Grace Brennan, Katie Hunt, Karene Cosgrove, Tanya Storer, Emma Welsh, Millie Fisher, Vicky McAlary, and Emma Lowe at Sunday’s Cotton Cup races at Warren. Photo courtesy of www.racingphotography.com.au.

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the Warren racetrack was abuzz with hundreds of excited punters, donning their finest spring racing fashions for a day of thrilling bush racing and country hospitality.

The event delivered on its promise of bringing Royal Randwick and Flemington flair to the region. The luncheon was a hive of activity with punters, fashionistas and racing enthusiasts alike enjoying a gourmet lunch by Eat Your Greens, flowing drinks from the private bar, and live music courtesy of Forbes’ own Cameron Sharp.

The ever-popular Josephine’s Drinks cocktail bar proved a hit once again, serving up a fresh selection of handcrafted spring cocktails.

Some of the region’s best thoroughbreds took to the track, competing for over $250,000 in prize money, with thrilling finishes that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The race of the day, the Commonwealth Bank Regional and Agribusiness Cotton Cup was won by the Geoff O’Brien trained ‘Tainui’.

The Best Dressed competition drew plenty of friendly rivalry, with lucky winners taking home the best array of fabulous prizes in recent years, thanks to generous support from sponsors including Peter Bill Australia, Blowes Clothing, By Banks, Queensland Cotton and Brown Brothers Winery.

Best Dressed Lady was won by Warren local Casey Wilson; Best Dressed Gent was Ross Oriel, Best Dressed Couple was Amy Large and Daniel Milsom; and Best Millinery went to Jess Clarke with a handmade creation.

The Marsh Carney Best Strapper was taken out by Peter Taylor from Cunnamulla, while the Warren Services Club Jockey of the Day was Jake Pricey-Holmes.

Warren Jockey Club President Paul Smith thanked the local community, sponsors and all attendees for making the race day and luncheon a resounding success.

“The Cotton Cup is not just about racing; it’s about bringing people together to celebrate the spirit and resilience of our region. This year’s event exceeded all expectations, and we’re already looking forward to making 2026 even bigger and better,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith also wished to acknowledge the generous support of the 2025 Cotton Cup and Marquee Luncheon sponsors, including Commonwealth Bank Regional and Agribusiness team, Nutrien Ag Solutions Red Hill, Elders Warren, Macquarie Toyota, Ecom Commodities, Warren Services Club, RebelAg, Wincott and Kiss Ag Consulting.

“Without the continued support of our sponsors, and punters through the gate we would not be able to keep racing thriving here in Warren. So thank you to everyone who came along on Sunday for another fantastic day of racing at the Randwick of the West, and our generous sponsors.”

But there’s no rest for the wicked, now the Cotton Cup has wrapped up the Warren Jockey Club is straight into preparations for the Twilight Races, on Friday December 12.

“After one of our best events in years last year, the 2025 Twilight Races are already gearing up for a sensational Christmas celebration. Our hilltop events are already sold out; Josephine’s cocktail bar and Forbes musician Cam Sharp are locked in again. Regional rockers Ballz n All are back again plus we hear our most anticipated guest, Santa Clause himself is set to make an appearance. Plus we’ll have jumping castles, market stalls, food trucks, ice cream vans and more,” concluded Mr Smith.