Sport
31 October, 2025
Redwood Carnival ready to trot into action
The Maryborough Harness Racing Club (MHRC) is inviting residents to embrace a case of Redwood Carnival fever as one of Harness Racing’s most unique and popular events on the Victoria calendar commences today.
Symptoms of the annual fever that sweeps the local community every October include a sore throat caused by excess cheering, goosebumps, and a heightened sense of euphoria.
The club anticipates this year’s program will excite punters, harness lovers and newcomers alike, with an abundance of entertainment on and off the track.
For MHRC general manager Jackson Barby, the club’s premier event will be bittersweet following the passing of long-time secretary/manager Les Chapman in August.
“Everyone’s excited for the celebration of Redwood and we have got a terrific program on the cards,” he said.
“It will feel a little bit different this year without Les being here, but I think the program that we have put on will be a terrific tribute to him.”
Racing action begins today with the Redwood Remembrance Day, which celebrates the contributions of members in the local harness racing community.
Friday’s gallops are just an appetiser for the main event on Sunday, where the best of the harness racing world compete for just under $250,000 worth of prize money across 10 races.
Sunday’s packed racing schedule will be headlined by two Group One races, the Aldebaran Park Redwood Classic and the Yabby Dam Farms Victoria Trotters Derby Final, as well as the Group Three Community Bank Maryborough Trotters Cup earlier in the day.
“It’s a full carnival of trotting and it’s one of the most unique harness race events in Australia,” Barby said.
“There’s terrific prize money on offer on both days — just between those three big feature races on the Sunday, you are already looking at $150,000 in prize money.
“I think for us, we certainly bat above our weight. We have got a small team here and the fact that we can put on races of that calibre in Maryborough is a great thing for the town and something we are extremely proud of.
“The most exciting aspect of that is we are going to get the best trotters here in Australia on Sunday.”
If all that isn’t enough to get you excited, the club is hosting further entertainment across the three-day carnival.
The Redwood Trivia Night will open proceedings tonight, with $5 from every ticket donated directly to Team Teal, who raise awareness and vital funds for ovarian and gynaecological cancer research.
Following the popularity of his performance last year, Paul Costa is once again ready to get patrons to dance the night away, with his Saturday concert sold out for the second year running.
Sunday’s Aldebaran Park Redwood Cup Day will also see the Blue Pyrenees Estate Fashions on the Field, children’s activities and live music.
“It’s developed into a day that everyone can enjoy. It’s a very affordable day out.” Barby said.
“Sunday is going to be a great day for the family. We are trying to make it a bit more family-orientated with the kids’ activities.
“It’s a traditional event that’s been in Maryborough for decades, and some people might not have come out for a number of years. We encourage people to come along and see what we are doing.”
The Redwood Carnival starts today and runs until Sunday, November 2.