The cancellation of country racing events in Western Australia is stirring concerns about the future of racing in rural communities, following the termination of two events in the Midwest over the past year by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA).

The most recent cancellation involved the annual race at Mingenew, where RWWA deemed the track "not fit for purpose" for the March event.

Previously, a race in Dongara was cancelled, and the Yalgoo Turf Club incurred significant costs to maintain its track.

RWWA emphasized that the safety of participants and horses is a paramount concern in these decisions.

During an inspection, RWWA reported insufficient turf growth, particularly from the 1000-meter to the 400-meter mark.

Mingenew Shire President Gary Cosgrove noted that the turf club had invested considerable effort in maintaining the track, including reseeding and watering, following damage from Cyclone Seroja in 2021. However, RWWA's inspection deemed the track's condition inadequate, leading to last-minute cancellations.

Mr. Cosgrove described the communication from RWWA regarding cancellations as arbitrary and suggested that clearer standards and better dialogue are needed to prevent such issues in the future.

The potential rescheduling of events has raised concerns among local stakeholders, particularly in regards to timing with agricultural activities such as seeding.

Former jockey and trainer Rhona Macphilomy highlighted the emotional impact of these cancellations on rural clubs, calling attention to a perceived decline in country racing and urging for more investment.

She stressed the need for RWWA to involve local trainers and riders in discussions about track inspections, given the unique conditions of country tracks which differ significantly from provincial racing venues.

The Yalgoo Jockey Club has proposed expensive changes, including the installation of plastic barriers, which would cost approximately $220,000.

The club's chief executive, Ian Holland, expressed concerns about uneven treatment compared to other racing locales and the financial burden placed on volunteer-run clubs.

Meanwhile, the situation for country racing remains uncertain as funding and support appear to be lacking.

In a separate incident, the disruption of a mixed martial arts event in Sydney highlights concerns for public safety driven by allegations of gangland threats against former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian.

The Dark Matter Fighting Championship, scheduled for April 19, was cancelled following police assessments that cited a significant risk to public safety.

This decision came after Mokhtarian survived an earlier assassination attempt, prompting NSW Police to advise against issuing a permit for the fight night.

Promoter Andrew Delmas revealed ongoing negotiations with authorities to explore alternative arrangements that could allow the event to proceed in a secure manner.

Both cancellations illustrate the increasing challenges faced by sporting events in Australia, amid rising security concerns and the enduring impact on local communities.