Guinea Pig World Cup

The inspiration behind the guinea pig races at Pinnacle started in 1978, when a local farmer came home from town with 4 guineapigs as pets for his young children. Once the guineapigs were home he realised his children were too young to look after them so he started looking for someone older to do the job. A family friend had been waiting on the veranda for the farmer to return from town and the children swiftly presented the guinea pigs to him. Taking it all in his stride, the friend promptly named them and announced that they should be raced.


A track was built which was 4 lanes wide and 5 meters long. The race track originally ran parallel to the veranda as can be seen in the early photos. The popularity of the racing increased and it was decided to race regularly on the Sunday of each long weekend through the year. In October of 1979 the Pinnacle Guinea Pig Racing Club and committee was formed and registered as a non profit organisation to fundraise for local charities.

The track was extended to 10 meters and was relocated to the present location to allow for large crowds. Necessary facilities were installed to make the crowd more comfortable including a grandstand, toilets blocks, souvenir tables, covered wet weather areas, shade cloth and a bar. The Grenfell Rotary and Lions Clubs was asked to cater with a BBQ and the Lions Club were asked to provide additional entertainment with their Merry-Go-Round. The inaugural Guinea Pig World Cup was held in June 1980 in front of a crowd of over 2000 and tv cameras and reporters.

The guinea pig racing is now held on the Sunday of the Easter weekend and the Sunday of the June Henry Lawson Festival Long weekend. Well over $67000 has been donated to charity over the years. The program is 20 races half of these being sprint races and half being steeplechases with the guinea pigs jumping over small hurdles which can be seen on the outside of the track in one of the photos. Late entries can be nominated on the day and over the years entries have been received from all over Australia.

The Guinea Pig Races are a relaxing unique Australian experience showcasing the larrikin attitude and laid back nature of Australian rural communities.