Shearers, punters abuzz as Pacers Cup returns to Junee

HUNDREDS of people converged on the Junee Showgrounds for the annual Junee Pacers Cup and the town’s inaugural Speed Shear contest on Saturday.

Billed as Junee’s premier harness racing event, it’s the first time the Junee Pacers Cup has been held in the town since 2023.

Last year’s Cup meeting was held in Wagga after the Junee Harness Racing Club failed to come to an arrangement with the Junee Showground Trust.

Following negotiations and support from Harness Racing NSW, a resolution was reached cementing the Cup’s return to Junee.

The evening was filled with fun for the whole family, with face painting, an ice cream van, a mechanical bull and jumping castle for the kids, and plenty of entertainment for the adults including live music, bar and TAB facilities—and of course, harness racing.

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin

But the $18,360 Australia Day feature wasn’t the only drawcard, Junee Harness Racing Club’s first-ever Speed Shear contest also proved popular with punters, with total prize money across four divisions exceeding $10,000.

Contestants sharpened their combs and battled it out for a place in the finals, before being placed into an entertaining Calcutta auction with 40 per cent of the proceeds being injected back into the Junee Harness Racing Club.

Organisers have been praised for their efforts, with those attending hailing the event a huge success.

“It was a great atmosphere,” one punter said. “A great turnout for their first night back”.

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin