The Famous Potato Races will be held in Centre Ring from 3pm – 4pm on Saturday 11th March. Come and watch the best of the best haul a bag of potatoes over 400 metres. Or join in yourself on the day!

STEWARDS: T Donovan, B Donovan, T & J Hill, T Strode, T Fisk
ENTRIES: Names and entry fee to be taken by stewards between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm at entry gate to ring (opposite Pavilion).

FRIDAY BARNES – GIRL DETECTIVE JUNIOR GIRLS’ POTATO RACE:

OPEN TO:  Girls only
AGE:  12 years & under 16 years
ENTRY LIMIT:  30 entries only
ENTRY FEE: $4
ENTRANTS CARRY: 8kgs potatoes for approx. 400 metres
PRIZES: 1st = $150, 2nd =$50, 3rd =$25, 4th =$15, 5th =$10 – sponsored by ‘Friday Barnes, Girl Detective’

ROBERTSON SHOW JUNIOR BOYS’ POTATO RACE

OPEN TO:  Boys only
AGE: 12 years & under 16 years
ENTRY LIMIT:  30 entries only
ENTRY FEE: $4
ENTRANTS CARRY:  Entrants carry 12.5kg potatoes for approx. 400 metres.
PRIZES: 1st =$150, 2nd =$50, 3rd =$25, 4th =$15, 5th =$10

THE STAN HUNT MEMORIAL LADIES’ POTATO RACE

OPEN TO: Women only
AGE: No limit
ENTRY LIMIT:  30 entries only
ENTRY FEE: $5
ENTRANTS CARRY: 12.5 kg of potatoes approx. 400 metres.
PRIZES: 1st =$1,000 and sash, 2nd =$250, 3rd =$150, 4th =$75, 5th =$50, 6th =$25, 7th – 9th =$10 – sponsored by Robertson Electrical Services
SPECIAL PRIZE: $300 to first Wingecarribee woman to finish (must be Wingecarribee Shire resident) – sponsored by Prize Equality Fundraisers. Additional donations from Mrs T Hunt & Mr M Graham

ROBERTSON SHOW SOCIETY THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP POTATO RACE

OPEN TO: Men and women
AGE:  No limit
ENTRY LIMIT:  30 entries only
ENTRY FEE: $5
ENTRANTS CARRY: 50kg of Potatoes approx. 400metres.
PRIZES:  1st =$1,000 and sash, 2nd =$250, 3rd =$150, 4th =$75, 5th =$50, 6th =$25, 7th – 9th =$10.
SPECIAL PRIZE: $300 for the First Berrima District Competitor to finish (must be a resident of the Wingecarribee Shire – previously referred to as the Berrima district) – sponsored by the Robertson Women’s Potato Race Equality Fundraiser Group

The annual potato race was founded with a 1968 meeting resolution to run a potato carrying race at the 1969 show and restricted to residents of the Berrima District. The event’s success led to the competition becoming open to all Australians. Many entrants came from the Sydney Markets, but a special $50 prize was introduced for the best performance by a Berrima District Resident.

Mr Stan Hunt, from the Sydney markets, was a great supporter of the Potato Race for many years, and Mrs Terry Hunt has carried on the tradition. In recognition, the Womens’ race was named the Stan Hunt Memorial Ladies Potato Race.

The Potato Race quickly became a popular attraction at the show, with widespread interest and the 1972 race was won by a competitor from Orange. By 1975 the prize money had increased to $245, with contestants competing from many parts of the state. The 1976 show went ahead under Robertson’s seemingly normal rain and fog conditions making it a tough race for the 15 entrants. Ron Thomas of Albion Park won, ahead of Wilf Whatman from Mittagong.

The 1992 potato-race book ‘The Winds of Change’, which only goes as far as 1979, is in our archives. Ladies and Juniors races were introduced during these years, and prize money grew to today’s levels.

Shane Whatman from Mittagong was a notable potato “racer” with six straight wins from 1996 to 2001, then in 2003 and second to Ian Hindmarsh in 2004. The fastest men’s time on record was from Ricky Garrard, 1.20.24, but even faster was Sally Vaughan with a blistering 1.20.00, although slightly less handicapped carrying a weight of 12.5kgs as opposed to 50kgs for the men.

Names and entry fee will be taken by stewards between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm at entry gate to ring (opposite Pavilion). But if you’re serious make sure you’re at the stewards right on 1.30pm because each race is limited to 30 entries only and first in first served!

The Robertson Show Society & The Potato Race Committee thanks the following Donors for their generosity & support:

• Robertson Electrical Services
• Barnes Girl Detective
• Mrs Terry Hunt
• Robertson Women’s Potato Race Equality Fundraiser Group

​IMPORTANT NOTICE

All competitors must read the following information carefully:

• Entry in any Show Event is at your own Risk.
• All competitors in all events must sign a Waiver to comply with the rules of our state body.
• ​No Waiver, No Competition.
• Once you (or your parent/guardian) have signed a Waiver you are covered for  every event and will receive an armband (only one Waiver needs to be signed).
• ​No armband, No Play!

Events planned for Saturday Entertainment are scheduled to start at listed times BUT REMEMBER this is Robertson and all events are subject to the weather on  the day!! We make no apologies for climatic conditions. Have Fun!

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