39 Usually when people hear the sound of scurrying feet they reach for the mouse trap, but for one Upper Hunter locality it is the beginning of another great day. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Upper Hunter lies the sleepy community of Wybong. Just 25 minutes from Muswellbrook and Denman, the area is home to a rich history of generational farming of horse studs, lucerne farms and grazing properties. Surrounded by glorious mountain ranges and the Wybong Creek running through the valley, this location flies under the radar as a tourist spot – except for the last Saturday in March when the area comes alive to the cheers and chaos that is Mouse Racing. Heading for their 3rd year in 2027, the Wybong Committee has worked tirelessly to create a fun filled and entertaining day for young and old. After a successful inaugural event in 2025, plans were put on hold when, on November 24, the beloved century old hall was lost to fire. Devastating as this was, the committee, along with the support of the community, rallied to ensure that the Mouse Races in 2026 was another outstanding success and that it will continue to grow to become a memorable event for every calendar each year. A BIT ABOUT THE RACES. The mice run on a purpose-built track with each mouse having its own lane. People can purchase a purpose bred racing mouse prior to the day with the ‘owner’ able to name the mouse as well as give it a little ‘form’ to put in the race book, the funnier the better. There have been some hilarious names which always gives the public a laugh when the race caller is calling the race. The winning owner of each of the 10 sponsored races receives a trophy and sash with winning mice then going on to compete for the prestigious Wybong Cup. Several companies have sponsored races both years and their support has been greatly appreciated and each year it has been a race to get a spot as a sponsor as the races’ popularity grows. FOR THE PEOPLE. Bar facilities are on hand along with delicious food served by the Wybong Catering Crew and other food vendors supported by a large range of market stalls, children’s entertainment, live music with mouse race merchandise, raffle and chocolate wheel tickets for sale. Fashions-In-The-Field was run for the first time in 2026 with some very creative combinations vying for great prizes. The thrill of racing mice following on from the Muswellbrook Cup Race meeting on the Friday before over the last two years has created a unique opportunity for visitors to come and enjoy two great days of racing and then wind down on the Sunday with a visit to one of the many cafes or wineries or just soak up the beautiful scenery of the area. Camping, in a limited capacity, is available for those who wish to make a weekend of it and with Easter being the same weekend in 2027, it is planned to make it an even bigger event over the weekend. Further information on the purchase of mice, merchandise, sponsorship of a race or having a stall can be made by emailing the committee on wybonghall@gmail.com or messaging Wybong Mouse Races on facebook. WYBONG MOUSE RACES CHEERS AND CHAOS BRING THE SLEEPY COMMUNITY OF WYBONG ALIVE
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