The much-loved Canni Creek Picnic Horse Races are set to return on Valentines day, with the Buchan and Gelantipy Racing Club preparing for another big day of grassroots racing, community spirit and country hospitality beside the picturesque Canni Creek on Saturday, February 14.
Run in a relaxed bush setting and supported entirely by volunteers, the picnic races have long been a highlight of East Gippsland’s sporting and social calendar, drawing locals, visitors and racing enthusiasts together for a uniquely Gippsland experience.
Club treasurer Ian Dunkley said he was looking forward to another successful meeting, highlighting the importance of picnic race days to regional communities.
“Preparations have been coming along really well, we’ve been getting the course ready throughout the week and we’ve extended the shelter space,” Mr Dunkley said.
“The weather is also looking good, so we’re very excited.”
This year, organisers are offering a special deal – buy four tickets for the price of two.
However, there are a limited number of tickets, so get in quick.
For those more interested in the Fashions on the Field, this year there are seven categories to enter into, an increase from last year’s four sections.
On the track, the feature event will once again be the Buchan Cup, a 1900-metre race that regularly attracts gallopers from New South Wales and metropolitan Melbourne. This year’s edition is shaping as a strong contest, with many entries received.
The Buchan Cup begins from a chute at the top of the home straight, with the atmosphere building to a roar as the field turns for home, punters cheering as they hope to outsmart the local on-course bookmakers.
Gippsland-based trainers are traditionally well represented, with familiar names such as Ensay’s Rob Gillahan, Sale’s Sharyn Trolove and Traralgon’s Troy Kilgower often featuring near the winner’s stall, along with regular interstate visitor Georgie Boucher from Cooma.
While the 2025 meeting was cancelled due to heavy rain in the week leading up to the event, organisers still hosted a social gathering on course, reinforcing the strong community ties that underpin the races.
With last year’s setback now behind them, organisers are optimistic about a successful return, promising competitive racing, a welcoming atmosphere and another memorable day at one of the region’s most iconic picnic race venues.
