TAMWORTH - TAMWORTH CUP

The First City of Light

Formal Display sweeps past Phearson to win the 2026 Tamworth Cup under Braith Nock and secure Big Dance eligibility.

Presenter: Gareth Taylor

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Kylie had a work trip to Tamworth already booked, something to do with a wine and produce showcase, and when I mentioned I was headed that way for the Cup, well, it seemed silly for us to drive separately.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Tamworth doesn’t do anything by halves, mind you.

First thing you see coming into town is the Big Golden Guitar, twelve metres of gleaming fibreglass standing beside the highway, unveiled by Slim Dusty himself back in 1988.

I’ve never seen a guitar quite so large or so completely unembarrassed about it.

Down around Peel Street, the Hands of Fame carries the handprints of generations of Australian country music names, and there are reminders everywhere that this town takes its music seriously.

We wandered up to Oxley Lookout for the view across Tamworth and the Peel River Valley, and even I had to admit it was worth the drive up.

Tamworth has another rather splendid claim to fame too.

In 1888, it became the first municipality in Australia to light its streets using electricity.

Kylie delighted in telling me this twice, in case I’d missed how impressed I was meant to be.

At the Cup itself, a couple of older ladies in the members’ enclosure took one look at us and started up with the “aren’t you two gorgeous together” business.

Kylie thought this was hilarious.

I apparently went a shade of red that had nothing to do with the sun.

One of them patted my arm.

“Don’t you let this one go.”

Kylie looked at me.

I looked at Kylie.

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

Landmarks, a guitar the size of a house and rather more unexpected sweetness than I’d bargained for.

That’s Tamworth for me.

If you’re building a Cup weekend for next year, put this one on the list.

There’s rather a lot of heart in Tamworth.

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THE TAMWORTH CUP REPORT
24 April 2026

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That’s How It Starts

By Cup afternoon, Gareth was feeling rather pleased with himself.

He understood what a leader was now.

Kylie was less impressed.

“Congratulations. Only the rest of racing to learn.”

They found Kenny, Tommy and Finn near the rail.

Finn was already looking at Formal Display, number six.

“That’s the one.”

Gareth looked at Kylie.

She nodded.

“Actually, he’s right.”

Finn smiled.

“Thank you.”

Kenny shook his head.

“Don’t encourage him.”

When they jumped, the pace was on.

Formal Display settled behind it while Braith Nock waited.

And waited.

Coming into the straight, Phearson was still giving them something to catch.

Gareth looked at Kylie.

“Too late?”

“Watch.”

At the 200 metres, Nock asked Formal Display for everything.

The gelding changed gears.

He came after Phearson, reached him, then drove past.

Formal Display had won the Tamworth Cup.

Gareth smiled at Kylie.

“I knew that was going to happen.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“No. But I’m learning.”

Behind them Tommy laughed.

“Careful, mate. That’s how it starts.”