Sport
4 February, 2026
Fundraiser the key cause at 2026 Toora Cup
This weekend's 2026 Tooraweenah Cup meeting will feature a party atmosphere for an important cause.
Gilgandra’s six-race Tooraweenah Cup meeting this Saturday afternoon (February 7) at Gilgandra racecourse will feature a party atmosphere for an important cause.
While there will be six races worth a total of $100,000 in prize money, a key function of this year’s Toora Cup card is a huge charity auction fundraiser for Jessica (Jess) Tink.
Jess suffered a life-threatening bleed on her brain after surgery in April 2025 to treat excessive fluid build-up and pressure around her brain.
She is currently in hospital and funds raised will go towards helping Jess and her family secure a pre-modified wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
“It’s a little bit of a different theme for the Tooraweenah Cup,” Gilgandra Jockey Club (GJC) president Jason Tate said.
“The races are usually our number one game, but the fundraiser for Jess and the Tink family is very important to us.
“The club has put its hand up to help out, and it will be a massive day. We hope it is a great success.”
A social media page of the GJC explains: “In April 2025, Jess went into hospital for surgery to treat excessive fluid build-up and pressure around her brain. The surgery was relatively straight forward. Immediately following the procedure, Jess suffered a life threatening bleed on her brain requiring emergency surgery.
“Jess remained in a medically induced coma for close to a week, with the prognosis being her injuries were likely to be unsurvivable. Jess was in the fight of her life and over the next month, with complications upon complications, she began to regain consciousness.
“After sending several months in ICU, Jess was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital during to significant left side stroke like deficits. Jess was transferred to Gilgandra MPS just prior to Christmas where she currently remains, unable to walk or have any functional use with her left arm.
“Funds raised on the day will go towards helping Jess and her family secure a suitable pre-modified wheelchair-accessible vehicle, ensuring she can access medical care, rehabilitation appointments, and most importantly, continue to enjoy life with her three children – Alex, Xavier and Isabella.”
Tate added Jess (30) is a local mum in need that also has links to racing.
Josh Berryman is the GJC vice-president and a local police sergeant and works with Jason Connolly, Jess Tink’s partner and a local police inspector.
It is understood Jason Connolly has taken considerable time off work to care for Jess.
This special event is close to home for both local racing and the wider Gilgandra community.
A six-race card will feature, with acceptances to be finalised on Thursday.
The 2026 Tooraweenah Cup will be feature, worth $20,000 in prize money. It will be a 1550 metre event.
All other races will be worth $16,000 and include two other Benchmark 50 Handicaps (one 1000m, one 1280m) a Class One Handicap (800m), a Maiden Handicap (1000m) and a Maiden Plate (1280m). There is a total of $100,000 worth of prize money on offer across the six races.
Water slides will be available for the kids and food vendors will be on-site to add to the atmosphere.
Wiradjuri Rabbs Entertainment, who has more than 74,000 Facebook followers and is carving a niche as an attendee at country race meetings, will entertain the crowd with his comedy, commentary, and entertaining stories.
Dusty Boots will also be “bringing the soundtrack” to the 2026 Tooraweenah Cup, starting at 11am.
The charity auction to raise funds for Jess has some amazing prizes.
The main auction item is a $5000 racing package, namely four tickets to the Country Championships Finals Day and VIP race day luncheon on Saturday, April 4 at Royal Randwick, as well as one night’s accommodation at Star City (two separate rooms available). This was donated by Racing NSW.
See advertisement for further details on the race day and huge auction.
