SANTA swapped his sleigh for the straight on Saturday as a big crowd of enthusiastic racegoers embraced the theme ‘Christmas in July’, jingling their way to the iconic Wean Picnic Races.
The race day that stops the North West didn’t disappoint in 2026, attracting one of its biggest crowds with one attendee commenting: “I’ve done Golden Slippers, Cox Plates, Derby Days, this was every bit as good as them – beautiful atmosphere.”
The weather was picture perfect, with the winter sun beaming down on the immaculate track and grounds.
Weeks of working bees by the tireless volunteer committee were on full display, with the venue looking nothing short of sensational for race day, especially the flash new red running rail.
There was plenty of serious racing action, too, along with entertainment for young and old, from Fashions on the Field to jumping castles, music and even a mechanical bull.
Steeped in tradition, the Wean Picnics have long been a favourite day out, brought to life each year by the loyal locals who make the magic happen.
The committee thanked all sponsors and attendees for their support, helping to make Saturday 11 July a race day to remember.
“I always go around and ask people in the crowd, ‘is there anything we can do to improve?’ and I didn’t get a suggestion out of anyone this time,” said committee president Robert Groth.
“That’s great, but it makes my job harder because every year we try to keep making it bigger and better.
“I didn’t even get a suggestion out of the jockeys.
“We’ve got a brilliant committee and people do a brilliant job of coming up with suggestions for everything from fashions to social media – they come up with a lot of good ideas.
“And they make things simple with ideas that work, like the theme Christmas in July.
“It was a bit of fun and people can enjoy themselves; that’s the main thing.
“There were lots of young people, which was good.
“There were businesses that had their Christmas parties out there on the day; things get pretty busy at Christmas time, so it was great they seized that opportunity.
“The quality of the horses racing is getting better and better every year, and yes, the prize money is getting better too.
“It’s a great social day for the community, a chance to get together to socialise, relax and forget all your worries.
“Thank you to everyone.
“The biggest thank you from me to the committee, volunteers and community who helped to make the race day happen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
