A Brief History of Horse Racing in Australia

Horse Racing In Australia

Horse racing in Australia has been part of our culture for over 200 years – long before footy fever took over weekends. It all kicked off way back in 1810, when Governor Lachlan Macquarie put together a race at Hyde Park in Sydney. It was a bit of a celebration for the growing colony as it was back then, and from there, the sport just took off.

History

By the 1820s and 1830s, racing clubs started popping up around the country, including what’s now the Australian Turf Club. Back then, it was mainly the upper crust who got involved – squires in top hats, showing off their best horses. But it didn’t take long before everyone else jumped on board. Us Aussies love a punt, after all, and racing gave people the chance to have a flutter and enjoy a big day out.

The Melbourne Cup

Fast forward to 1861 and along comes the Melbourne Cup, a real game changer. Run at Flemington, the Cup quickly became the race that stops the nation. It’s the one day a year when even people who’ve never been to a racetrack still put a bet on and argue over who’s wearing the best hat or dress. It’s not just big in Australia as the Melbourne Cup now attracts interest, runners and plenty of betting from all over the world.

Phar Lap

The 20th century really cemented racing as a national pastime. Tracks were booming, crowds were huge, and the racing calendar was packed. Then along came Phar Lap in the 1930s – a big-hearted horse who became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. He won just about everything, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup, and remains a true legend in the sport to this day.

Premium Australian Races

Racing continued to evolve through the decades, with more premium races like the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Golden Slipper being the pinnacle of them. In the last ten years, Royal Randwick now hosts the Everest which has quickly become one of the most sought-after races to win given the prize money on offer marks it out as the most valuable race on turf anywhere in the world.

Choisir & Black Caviar

As the prize money has grown so has the quality of horses, and Aussie trainers, jockeys, and breeders have gained serious respect on the world stage. Let’s not forget how well Australian sprinters go at major international meetings such as the likes of Choisir and Black Caviar both winning at Royal Ascot this century.

Major Aussie Races

These days, horse racing in Australia is a huge industry and made a huge contribution to society during the pandemic as the sport was able to continue.

There are races happening every day somewhere across the country, from big city tracks to bush meetings where locals gather for a yarn, a bet, and a beer or two. Major race days like Derby Day, Oaks Day, and of course, Cup Day are treated like public holidays in some states and territories – and in Melbourne, it is one.

Winx

In our brief look at the history of Aussie Horse Racing we can’t not mention the mighty Winx. The mare won 33 consecutive races including the incredible achievement of winning four Cox Plates, something which no-one thought they would ever witness.

Animal Welfare

Racing has had its share of controversy, too – from questions around animal welfare to the gambling side of things – but the industry continues to be fully focused on making improvements to animal welfare and the treatment of the horses once they retire.

In equal measure the sport has had to stay relevant as part of people’s entertainment spend in a fast-changing world. So many meetings tend to now host DJs and Music events after racing to give race goers even more for their hard earned (or won) dollars.

An Aussie Way Of Life

Whether you’re into fashions on the field, the punt, or just love the sound of thundering hooves down the straight, there’s no denying that horse racing is still very much part of our Aussie way of life.

It’s a sport steeped in history, full of many characters, and always good for a story… we all know someone who was so close to winning a massive Quaddie or land a first four that would have paid thousands of bucks. Hopefully all our tips, previews, reviews, lists and guides to horse racing and betting will help you create your own great memories and find a few winners too!

Please remember that however you select your bets please gamble responsibly., set limits, stay in control, and seek help if needed. Gambling should be fun, not a problem. For more information visit https://www.betstop.gov.au/