Tag Archives: turf
Brisbane Turf Club A Long History
The Brisbane Turf Club has been a premier Queensland racing club since it was incorporated in 1923. Based at Doomben Racecourse, the Brisbane Turf Club has come a long way since those early days at “the creek” when it was a swampy marsh, and now its the trotting venue, Albion Park racecourse. As of 2009, the name Brisbane Turf Club ceases to exist, so read on for the history of this well-known Queensland club.
The beginnings of the Brisbane Turf Club were when G.M. Dash, Barney Joyce and Allan Oxlade bought Albion Park in 1922, from its former owner John Wren. The following year, this consortium formed the Brisbane Amateur Turf Club as the club was originally called.
Only a decade later, the young club expanded by buying the land, which would become the Doomben Racecourse which was opened in 1933. Located 7.5km north of Brisbanes CBD in the suburb of Ascot, Doomben is known as the Garden Racecourse because of its natural beauty.
The Doomben Course was closed during World War II, and US troops were billeted there during the Pacific War. Afterwards, for the last sixty years, the Brisbane Turf Club has built the track up to be one of Queenslands best-known horse racing venues. In 1946, on the reopening of the track, the TM Ahern (now the Carlton Draught Doomben 10,000) and the Doomben Cups (now the XXXX Doomben Cup) were first run. The Doomben Cup is now considered one of the best middle distance races in Australian racing.
In 1982 the Club sold its original course, Ascot Park, in order to fund significant expansion of what is now the world-class Doomben Racecourse. The turf track is a clockwise course with a circumference of 1715 metres with a 350 metre straight.
Other notable dates in the Clubs history were the introduction of the Queensland Horse of the Year Award in 1971, and the extension of membership to women in 1980. It was not until 2001 that the Club was incorporated.
In 2009 comes the biggest change of all for Brisbane Turf Club. On 1 July 2009 the Club merged with long time rival Queensland Turf Club to become the Brisbane Racing Club. The difficulty of running two major racing organisations in a city the size of Brisbane has seen the economic necessity of the two organizations combining resources. For punters, nothing will change, however, as they will still be able to watch their favourite horses and place their racing bets at either the Eagle Farm or Doomben courses.
Although some might say that Brisbane Turf Club is finished, it appears that the Brisbane Racing Club will be a more than worthy successor. The new Club has announced a $10.2 billion master redevelopment plan for both racecourses over the next ten years. Not only will new grandstands be built and new trackside facilities and stables developed, but also substantial new car parking and there is even talk of boutique hotels and apartments on the course.
The Brisbane Turf Club has passed; long live the Brisbane Racing Club!
Review Of Santa Anita Racetrack
Santa Anita Racetrack is a world-class racing facility. Horse racing does not is not as popular as it use to be or not as flare as in the past, however, Santa Anita Racetrack seems to be one of the frontrunners in setting the bar in quality race horse racing.
In terms of the horse racing, Santa Anita Racetrack offers the best. Always expect to see very good horses to race here on a regular basis. You will see lots of stakes races, and the quality of the horses is one of the reasons why I visit Santa Anita Racetrack often. Besides, I only live a few mile from Santa Anita Racetrack. I visit the track just about every weekend that horse racing takes place at Santa Anita Racetrack.
No matter where you are in the park you have a great view of the races all while surrounded by beautiful mountains and sky. And to top it off, the prices at Santa Anita Racetack are cheap($5/person) to get in at Santa Anita Racetrack. Santa Anita Racetrack has plenty of space on the grounds and in the bleachers for general admission and lots of “not as bad as you would imagine” food, and pretty surprisingly stiff drinks.
Santa Anita Racetrack has a history that makes this place great. There is a certain buzz about the place because of its history.
In addition, the venue is pretty big. Expect to do some walking if you are the type that enjoys to look at the horses at the paddock and walking circle, as I do, then make it back to your box seat. Therefore, I suggest that you wear comfortable shoes.
The one major disadvantage it seems like there are not enough betting stations to meet the amount of people that go here as compared to other racetracks that I have visited.
In addition, the valet service is great here. Good service and good value. However, it really is not needed at Santa Anita Racetrack.
I like the clubhouse at Santa Anita Racetrack and always use the side entrance to access the clubhouse directly. As far as I am concerned, this is the best way to get a seat. Also remember to make box seat reservations well in advance for the Big Cap Day and Santa Anita Derby.
Santa Anita Racetrack does require that you must wear suit if you are in the Turf Club. It is only $20 for the Turf Club. Other racetracks usually run you up to $40 for the turf club. A Turf Club visit is always good if you have a date or feel like being classy for the day.
One of my favorite parts of the Santa Anita Racetrack is the paddock and walking ring. This is where you will see the well-groomed scenery, and statues of previous Santa Anita Derby jockey silks. One of the things that stand out to me is the statue of Seabiscuit in the middle of the walking ring. Either way, I feel this is one of the most beautiful parts of the racetrack, and you really get to stand really close to the horses before they head down the tunnel and into the main track.
Overall, given the history of the Santa Anita Racetrack, this continues to be one of the brighter stars in horse racing venues in the west coast. With Santa Anita Racetrack being so popular, expect to run into issues where big crowds play a role – so expect that there be long lines for service-related aspects of visiting the racetrack.