The push for a half-day public holiday on Wyong Cup Day has returned to the Central Coast, with local racing representatives arguing that the annual event could become a major regional celebration.

The Wyong Cup is scheduled for Friday, September 4, and Wyong Race Club has again raised the idea of recognising the event with a local half-day holiday. Supporters say the move could allow more Central Coast residents to attend the race meeting while providing a boost to hospitality, tourism and local businesses.

The proposal follows the success of similar part-day public holidays in other NSW regional communities. The campaign argues that the Central Coast, despite having a much larger population than some areas with Cup Day holidays, does not currently have an equivalent regional celebration.

This year's Wyong Leagues Group Cup Day will run from 11.30am to 5.30pm and will feature horse racing, Fashions on the Field, hospitality and live entertainment. It will be the final meeting of the three-day Carlton Cup Carnival.

Local racing has also highlighted the growing profile of women involved in the industry, including Central Coast trainer Sarah Ryan, who has recently been appointed chief trainer of a major Victorian racing stable.

Supporters acknowledge that creating a public holiday would require consideration of issues including employer costs, penalty rates and essential services. Under NSW legislation, a local public holiday can be declared by ministerial order following an application from a council and consultation with businesses and the community.

The campaign is now calling for Central Coast Council to formally examine whether there is enough community and business support to seek a half-day holiday for the 2027 Wyong Cup.

A consultation involving residents, business groups, major employers, hospitality operators and tourism organisations could help determine whether the proposal should progress.

For now, Friday's Wyong Cup remains a normal working day for most Central Coast residents, meaning racegoers may need to arrange annual leave or an early finish if they want to attend.

The proposal is being presented as more than simply a racing issue, with supporters arguing that a half-day holiday could provide a wider opportunity for the Central Coast community to gather and celebrate a major local event.