One of Australia’s oldest racing traditions is set to thunder back into life this summer, with the Deepwater Hotel Top Pub Race Meeting celebrating an extraordinary 161 years on Saturday, 24 January 2026.
First run in 1865, the Deepwater Races are steeped in history. The event began when Emmanuel Barratt, owner of the then Deepwater Hotel, and his friend William Thomas Cadell of Deepwater Station hatched the idea of holding a horse race on the station grounds. Remarkably, 160 years later, the races are still held on the very same land — a testament to the enduring spirit of country racing and community.
Racegoers can expect a full day of action and atmosphere, with a six-race program headlined by the Deepwater Cup, a 1200-metre feature race. Gates open at 10am, with traditional bookmakers, on-course TAB access, multiple food vendors, and full bar service available throughout the day, including Deepwater Brewing on tap. Patrons are invited to soak up the atmosphere from the historic grandstand, built by local hands in 1876.
Fashion will again take centre stage with the ever-popular Fashions on the Field competition, held immediately after the final race. With $4,300 in cash and prizes on offer, categories include Contemporary Racewear (Female), Best Dressed Gent, Most Elegant Lady, Best Dressed Couple, Junior Race Attendee -Girl & Junior Race Attendee -Boy. Whether classic, bold or uniquely country, racegoers are encouraged to frock up and get involved.
As the sun goes down, the celebrations continue with live entertainment from 6pm, alongside food and bar service until 9pm. A free community bus will operate between the Deepwater Hotel — home of the Deepwater Jockey Club Calcutta — and the racecourse, ensuring safe and easy transport. The Calcutta will be held on Friday, 23 January, at the Deepwater Hotel Top Pub.
Entry tickets are available at the gate, with adults $20, concession $10, and free entry for those under 18. The event is cash only, with ATMs available on site, and ample parking provided.
The Deepwater Jockey Club extends a massive thank you to its prize sponsors and supporters: Deepwater Hotel Top Pub, Emmaville club Hotel, Cunningham Valuers & Property Advisors, Roberts & Morrow, Bens Health Pharmacy, Elders Glen Innes, Amys Equine Physiokey, Wallys Workshop, The NSW National Party, Pursehouse Rural Deepwater, Andersens Glen Innes, Deepwater Brewing, Ray White Glen Innes, Braecroft Pest Management, Justin Power Constructions, New England Waste, Bartranz Petroleum, Maximus Glen Innes, Hitech Cool Air Deepwater, Nutrein Harcourts Glen Innes, Efficient Design Building Services, Townes Group, Stanbroke, Colin Say & Co P/L, Horder Family Funerals, Simply Country Tenterfield, Matilda Made Leather, Glen Innes Newsagency and Gifts, The Corner Life & Style, Zaraz Hair, Premier Meats, CM Country Outfitters, Leahy Lawyers, Jim Richie Rural, Timbs Pharmacy, Country Wide Property Glen Innes, Insignia Company, and Highlands Real Estate Glen Innes.
More than just a race meeting, the Deepwater Races remain a true community day – backing local people, local groups, and 160 years of shared history.
