$10,000 boost brings Balaklava Silo Art closer to reality
Excitement is building in Balaklava as the community edges closer to bringing a long-awaited silo art project to life.
The bold horse racing–inspired mural, draws on the town’s rich history with the Balaklava Racing Club and celebrates more than a century of racing in the region.
A joint pledge of $10,000 from Balaklava Racing Club and Racing SA has lifted the project tally to $28,000, almost halfway towards the total needed to deliver the project. Funds have also been raised through a mix of community fundraisers and generous donations.
The mural itself, which will be painted by renowned Australian muralists, Sam Bates (aka Smug), will depict horses thundering down the straight on Cup Day, making the connection between the artwork and the community’s signature event even more powerful. The photo for the artwork features Claire Lindop, one of Australia’s most accomplished female jockeys.
Racing SA Chief Executive Officer Nick Bawden said supporting Balaklava’s project was a natural fit.
“We’re excited to support what is truly a unique canvas,” he said. “Racing plays a critical role in the social and economic fabric or our State and to support a project depicting this with a mural of this scale, dedicated to the story of racing in Balaklava, it will create something special for the local community and visitors alike.”
Balaklava Racing Club Chairman, Andrew Manuel, said the joint pledge was an important step forward, but emphasised that further support was needed to reach the finish line.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate our racing story in a way that will be seen by thousands of people every year,” Mr Manuel said.
“We’re proud to play our part and hope others will join us in making this vision a reality.”
The Greater SA team has joined the plight to raise funds and put their home town on the popular Silo Art Trail. They’re planning a major raffle, a community fundraising event in 2026, and together with the committee, will help facilitate a public information session to keep the community up-to-date on the exciting project.
Once complete, the mural will not only celebrate Balaklava’s rich racing heritage but also brighten a central space in town and create a lasting attraction for locals and visitors alike.
