The excitement is palpable as the Harvey Cup makes its triumphant return to the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club this Easter long weekend. After an 11-year hiatus following the closure of the Harvey Trotting Club in 2014, the Harvey Cup is back by popular demand, much to the delight of residents and businesses in the Harvey community.

Dating back to the early 1900s, the Harvey Cup holds a significant place in harness racing history. The Pinjarra Harness Racing Club, in collaboration with local engineering company Dwyer Engineering, is proud to reintroduce this prestigious event to its annual racing calendar. General Manager Dale Putland expressed the club’s enthusiasm for reviving the Harvey Cup, emphasizing its historical importance in the Country Harness Racing Club calendar.

With the support of Jack Dwyer and Dwyer Engineering, the club is gearing up for a spectacular event on Easter Monday, offering a free family fun day filled with activities for all ages. From face painting to live music and, of course, thrilling races, including the popular pony trotters, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The roots of harness racing in the Harvey district run deep, with the Harvey District Trotting Club hosting meetings since 1927. In 1979, a new track and facilities were established north of Harvey, marking a new chapter in the club’s history. Despite financial challenges in the late 1980s, the community rallied together, with key figures like Chris King-Lethbridge and the Panetta brothers ensuring the continuity of racing at the track, now known as King-Lethbridge Park.

The return of the Harvey Cup to Pinjarra on April 21 is a cause for celebration, inviting former club members and Harvey locals to partake in the festivities and honor the legacy of this esteemed race. As the horses thunder down the track once again, the spirit of harness racing will be reignited, bringing together generations of fans and participants alike.

In conclusion, the revival of the Harvey Cup symbolizes more than just a race; it represents a revival of tradition, community spirit, and a deep-seated love for the sport of harness racing. As the countdown to Easter Monday begins, anticipation mounts, promising a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the timeless thrill of the track.