Celebrations for the 136-year-old Wentworth Cup will start on Saturday night with rock and country bands playing in town, followed by a paddle steamer parade on the Darling River on Sunday, and a black tie ball on Monday before the races on Tuesday.

Barb Law, ball co-ordinator, said the Wentworth Cup was nearly put to rest earlier this year but the community responded to protect its history.

“A motion was pushed that this was to be the last meeting but at a special meeting the people said we needed to keep it going,” Mrs Law said.

“A few new people were put on a committee to keep it going.

“It wasn’t very pleasant but it’s all ended amicably.

“The town and committee have gotten behind it to save the races for Wentworth because it’s such a historic club. Its been around nearly as long as Flemington and it’s one of the oldest race clubs in NSW, so the history is there.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Friday’s Sunraysia Daily 30/10/2009.