Sheppard to Miss Penrith Carnival of Cups Due to Major US Tour

23 January 2025

It’s bittersweet news for Harness Racing New South Wales and Sheppard fans this morning with the announcement the band has been forced to cancel its engagement for the Penrith leg of the Carnival of Cups series in March.

Due to a change in their touring commitments in the United States, Sheppard is unable to return to Australia in time for the Carnival of Cups.

“We are really disappointed at not being able to get back to play for fans at the Carnival of Cups,” Sheppard said.

“However, we promise to return soon and play our best shows ever for our Australian fans.”

US fans have embraced Sheppard over the past few years, keeping the band on the road in North America and Canada.

Harness Racing New South Wales has agreed to the change.

“We love the Sheppard family and have built up such a wonderful relationship with George, Amy, Emma, their partners and even their Mum Linda since working with them at Young in December so there’s no way we would stand in the way of such a wonderful opportunity,” HRNSW Marketing Manager Paul Cochrane said.

“It’s hugely disappointing though nonetheless and I must admit to being pretty shattered when I got the news because we were so excited about putting them on our stage again on what is going to be potentially the biggest night the Penrith Paceway has ever seen.”

“As with all our artists we consider them part of the Carnival of Cups family that we have built up over the past 18 months since we revamped the concept, but there is a special spot on the top shelf for Sheppard after the way they really embraced the concept and spent time out and about in the Young community last month. So for that we are forever grateful.”

“We wish them every success as they make giant strides abroad and I remain hopeful we get to work with them again trackside at the harness racing. They will forever be part of the Carnival of Cups family!”

The good news for harness racing fans and ticket holders to the Penrith leg of the Carnival of Cups is a very high-profile replacement band has already been secured to fill the spot vacated by Sheppard.

They will support rock Queen Sarah McLeod and the sublime Birds of Tokyo, together with Fathers Favourite and Brooke Supple.

Harness Racing New South Wales is finalising the plans around that engagement and looks forward to announcing who that is next week.

Tickets for the Penrith Carnival of Cups on 15 March have been in high demand since the event was announced late last year. It is FREE to attend but you do need to register for a ticket to secure your spot.

To register for a ticket CLICK HERE