Canberra Racecourse Explained

Canberra
Location:Lyneham, Australian Capital Territory
Owner:Canberra Racing Club
Opened:1962[1]
Coursetype:Oval
Racetype:Flat racing
Notableraces:Black Opal Stakes[2]
Canberra Cup[3]

Canberra Racecourse, also known as Thoroughbred Park[4], is the major racecourse in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. It is located in the suburb of Lyneham, 6 kilometers north of Canberra's central business district.[5]

The Thoroughbred Park turf track proper has a circumference of 1815m (5,955feet), while the smaller all-weather Acton Track, built in 2004, has a circumference of 1597m (5,240feet).

The racecourse hosts two major race days. The Black Opal Stakes is Canberra's feature event on the racing calendar, held annually in March, while the Canberra Cup is held annually in November.

History

The Canberra Racing Club was formed in 1925, with the first race meeting conducted at the Acton racetrack, now submerged beneath Lake Burley Griffin.[6] Approval for a new racecourse at the contemporary site was granted in 1950, but racing continued at the Acton racetrack until 1962 when the club moved to its current location in Lyneham.[7] [8] [9] The first meeting at the racecourse was held on 3 November, 1962.

The original grandstand, built in 1962, was demolished and replaced by a new complex in 1987.[10] The following year, during a royal visit to Canberra as part of the bicentennial celebrations, Queen Elizabeth II attended a race meeting at the course and opened the new Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand.[11] [12]

In 2022, the ACT Government released a draft strategy document that proposed options for redeveloping the racecourse for housing, but later distanced themselves from an intention to close the racecourse entirely.[13] In 2024, the ACT Greens announced a plan to compulsorily acquire the racecourse to redevelop it in entirety as a new suburb.[14]

Transport

Transport to and from the course can be found at the nearby EPIC and Racecourse light rail station on the Canberra Metro R1 Civic to Gungahlin line. There is also a taxi rank[15] and parking available on-site.

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Hourigan. John. Racecourse is 10 years old . . 47 . 13,270 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 2 November 1972 . 6 August 2024 . 28 . National Library of Australia.
  2. Web site: Black Opal Stakes. 31 July 2024. Horse Racing Info (Australia).
  3. Web site: Canberra Racecourse. 31 July 2024. HorseRacing.com.au.
  4. Web site: Thoroughbred Park . About Us . 6 August 2024.
  5. Web site: Racing and Sports . Canberra ACT - History . 31 July 2024.
  6. News: Kelly. Graeme . Racing A new track and TAB have created a boom . . 39 . 11,102 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 12 March 1965 . 6 August 2024 . 31 . National Library of Australia.
  7. News: Blood . Greg . . Canberra's sporting history hidden under Lake Burley Griffin . 15 January 2021 . 31 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230409025548/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7081541/capitals-hidden-sporting-history/ . 9 April 2023 . subscription.
  8. News: Coleman. James. The RiotACT. Canberra's horse-racing boss prepares to hand over the reins. 25 September 2022. 5 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20231203102715/https://the-riotact.com/canberras-horse-racing-boss-prepares-to-hand-over-the-reins/587064. 3 December 2023.
  9. News: ACT Due for Principal Club . . 61 . 18,781 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 6 March 1987 . 6 August 2024 . 8 (Supplement to the Canberra Times) . National Library of Australia.
  10. News: The ACT Racing Club's New Grandstand . . 61 . 18,781 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 6 March 1987 . 6 August 2024 . 1 (Supplement to the Canberra Times) . National Library of Australia.
  11. Web site: 1988 Royal Visit. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
  12. News: Features. An era of service to horse racing . . 66 . 20,616 . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 22 September 1991 . 6 August 2024 . 18 . National Library of Australia.
  13. News: Frost . Harry . . ACT government distances itself from plan to demolish Thoroughbred Park, Canberra's only horse-racing venue . 3 November 2022 . 5 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230619124657/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-03/plan-to-demolish-canberras-only-horse-racecourse/101606206 . 19 June 2023 .
  14. News: Lindell . Jasper . . Greens unveil plan to ditch horse racing track for 5000 homes . 27 June 2024 . 5 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240704090908/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8676337/greens-up-for-compulsory-acquisition-to-turn-racecourse-into-homes/ . 4 July 2024 . subscription .
  15. Web site: Taxi Ranks in Canberra. 31 July 2024. ACT Cabs. 2024.

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