The annual potato race was founded following a decision at the meeting in November, 1968. The meeting decided to run a potato carrying race at the 1969 show, the event to be restricted to residents of the Berrima District.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The success of this event led to it being made an open competition with a special $50 prize for the best performance by a local competitor.
The Potato Race quickly became a popular attraction to the show, with widespread interest, and the 1972 race was won by a competitor from Orange.
A runner from Orange won the now famous potato race for the third successive year and Norman Gair of Fitzroy Falls finished second for $50 in prizemoney, plus $50 for being the first local competitor past the post.
By 1975 the prize money had increased to $245, with contestants from many parts of the state competing.
The 1976 show was held under seemingly “normal” conditions for Robertson of rain and fog, with the 15 entrants having a tough race, which was won by Ron Thomas of Albion Park, ahead of Wilf Whatman from Mittagong.
The Winds of Change only goes as far as 1979 but the potato race results book from 1992 is in our archives.
Between these years Ladies and Juniors races were introduced and prize money raised to today’s levels.
Shane Whatman from Mittagong was a notable potato “racer” with 6 straight wins from 1996 to 2001, with another win 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.
The Australian Championship Potato Race has gone from strength to strength, and has attracted many sponsors vying to have their name associated with such a drawcard to the show.
The Robertson Show will run from Friday, March 2 to Saturday, March 3.
Details: www.robertsonshow.org.au
