25th Annual Bylong Mouse Races

The Melbourne Cup is known around the world for its fine horse racing and huge crowds. Not far behind in popularity is the Bylong Mouse Races. Yes, that is right, mouse races. The township of Bylong in NSW Australia has a huge increase in population for the race weekend as people from all over Australia and the globe gather for a fun time to watch the mouse races and see if they can win some money on a bet or two.

The 25th annual Bylong Mouse Races will be on SATURDAY 23rd MARCH 2013.The Bylong Hall Committee Inc is pleased to present this unique event that has attracted visitors from far and wide and were named “Community Event of the Year” at the Mid Western Council Australia Day Awards ceremony in 2008.

Mouse Race Day Gates open 10am, first race is at 11am, the day consists of an 11- race program (ten heats, followed by the Bylong Cup at 5pm which decides the champion mouse of the day)  the day finishes strictly at 7pm due to liquor licensing regulations. All mice are provided for the days racing & have been trained for this championship event by leading trainer Ms Gai Watermouse.

Entry fee is still only $5 per person & kids under 12 years are free. The day is fun filled for all ages, the kids tent operates all day with body and face art, lucky dips & showbags. For the adults there are great opportunities to walk away with prizes from the raffle, the chocolate wheel or have a bet with the bookies. 

A BBQ and full bar facilities will operate and there is a guarantee you won’t have eaten a better steak sandwich. Other attractions include, music, Pooka the Clown and his magic show, an auction of donated items, Calcutta, guess the weight, a jumping castle for the little kids and a mechanical bull ride for all ages. 

All money raised on the day is distributed to charities and causes throughout the local area. Our community is proud to announce that over $450,000 has been distributed since its inception 24 years ago. 

Bylong is a small village about 77kms from Mudgee, 100kms from Muswellbrook and a 250km drive north west from Sydney. Accommodation can be found on the web sites www.sandyhollow.com or , www.rylstone.com or www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au . Make sure you have a designated driver otherwise you can book a camping site on the grounds call  0428 663 722 or 63798281. Buses will be available on the day from Muswellbrook, Denman & Sandy Hollow, phone 6379 8252 to book a seat.

It is too expensive for most people to race a horse in the Melbourne Cup. The good news is that anyone can race a mouse at the Bylong Races. Just phone 02 6379 8252 to get your mouse for the big day. Only 80 mice are available with a limit 1 per family at a cost of $25 per mouse which must be paid before the day.

For a GREAT day of fun at a very unique event don’t forget the Bylong Mouse Races 23rd March 2013. 

Remember - STRICTLY NO CATS ALLOWED!