2010 Introduction of two feature jumps races, the Kevin Lafferty Hurdle and Thackeray Steeplechase, both legs of the J.J. Houlahan Jumps Championship. Company listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement. Exceptionally is a backmarker and they had no hope in the Geelong Cup. The Warrnambool Amateur Turf Club was first formed in September 1859, but didn't become a properly constituted club until April 1873, when a meeting was held at the Commercial Hotel, now the Whaler's Inn, and a committee was elected. The first organised races were held in 1848, only eight months after Warrnambool was proclaimed. Advertisement Ad Advertisement Ad Warrnambool's May Racing Carnival kicks off on Tuesday. In the event of a cancellation made more than 12 months prior to the event date, WRC will provide a full refund of the Venue Hire Fee. "The club and its members should be indebted for his efforts over so many years.". I reckon he's a year away from growing into himself. Frank was elected by the Clubs' members to the Committee three years ago. We care about the protection of your data. The colt was also hailed as a champion show horse and later stood at stud at Kangaroo Flat near Koroit. The horse racing experts at PGR have made it easy for you to select the best Australian bookies. The "splendid" Sarsfield won by a several lengths from Mr W Hood's Warrigal, according to a report in the Warrnambool Examiner, although unexpectedly, as "he seemed too fat to be in racing condition". Kate has been a proud member of the Warrnambool Racing Club Committee since 2018 and, in 2021, was elected as the Deputy Chairperson. With over20 years experience in sales and marketing, Kate is passionate about representing the Warrnambool Racing Clubs member base and fostering community engagement. Pateman poised for . "They have both been very successful in their business careers and bring plenty of great attributes to the committee table. At a time when the Grand Annual stake was 175 pounds, the club went into debt to raise the 1400 pounds to buy the 20-acre parcel of land before auction. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. He is committed to continued improvement and innovation to advance the Club and the sport. This year marks 150 years since the jumps race that is now the Grand Annual Steeplechase was created. Warrnambool Racecourse is run by the Warrnambool Racing Club (WRC), home of the internationally acclaimed Grand Annual Steeplechase. You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west. Today his name lives on in the carnival's day-two feature, the 3200-metre Galleywood Hurdle. Attending his first Grand Annual on course aged 13 further fuelled what has become a lifelong interest in local racing and led to the 2018 publication of his book The 'Bool, the history of racing in Warrnambool from 1848. We accept advertising compensation from companies that appear on the site, which impacts the location and order in which brands (and/or their products) are presented, and also impacts the score that is assigned to it. In later years, the line-up of planes parked at the Warrnambool airport during race week itself became a major drawcard for onlookers. With that fall-back plan in mind, the committee made Granter a final offer of 800 pounds for his 15-acre paddock. After leading most of the way he tired and crashed at the last fence, lying motionless on the track. Updated February 28 2023 - 9:23pm, first published 8:59pm. PO Box 48, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280. The Charity Partner Initiative is a wonderful way for the Warrnambool Racing Club, its members and participants to give back to the community that we operate within. McNamara has only been on the committee for two years after being seconded into the role following Tamara Mahoney's decision to stand down. Securing Granter's, the land between the top of Cox's Hill and Tozer Road, however, was not so straightforward. We care about the protection of your data. Gamble Responsibly 18+. During her time on the Committee . Together with husband Brandt, Laurisa has three children who are all keenly involved in Netball, Football and Pony Club. Home of the TAB Warrnambool May Racing Carnival and the revived Haymes Paint Jericho Cup. The May Carnival in the first week of May is most popular and as such attracts around 35,000 people. Race-starved crowds turned out in droves for the 1947 edition after a six-year hiatus for World War 11, while the deluge of 1971 washed out the last two days of the carnival, Grand Annual included. Rising south-west football stars earn academy spots, Golden Flag saddles up for final Jericho Cup test run, Man in hospital after driving car into home, Delays roll on for city dealers as cars stuck at sea, Killer drug driver warned he's risking more years in prison, Hall of fame honour for former Carlton star, Council hopes to open up 130 new housing lots, Members back $1m plan to cover golf club costs, Terms and Conditions - Digital Subscription, Terms and Conditions - Newspaper Subscription. Sophie has been at the Warrnambool Racing Club for one year in her role of Communications & Administration Officer. Acknowledgement: Special thanks to the late Alan Stoneman who compiled the early history of the club. Sophie knows the area well, having been born and raised in Warrnambool and now having returned here following 10 years in Melbourne. Having graduated from Deakin University, Laurisa has worked as an Accountant at Sinclair Wilson for the past 22 years and was recently name a partner in the firm. 1873 Warrnambools feature flat race, the Warrnambool Cup, is held for the first time in March. I hope to know more about any rides in the new year," the dual Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase-winning jockey said. Her husband Bill is among the owners of Kuakata, so are many of her workmates from the hospital," he said. 2010 Callaghan Motors Trainers Bonus won by Robert Smerdon. Our Committee; Sponsorship; History & Past Winners; Track & Training; Explore the Region; Terms & Conditions; Contact Us; Upcoming Racing at The 'Bool. Mr McNamara is the author of The 'Bool. Max Racing Bonus $100. Purchased by a syndicate of local businessmen and trained by Jocka Baillie, the gelding triumphed on his steeplechase debut in the 1983 Brierly, but narrowly avoided tragedy in the 1984 Grand Annual. Read our Privacy Policy. The former jockey said Run Diego had proven to be a great meal ticket for his connections. To avoid vehicles being locked within the venue, encourage guests to park outside gated area if leaving vehicle overnight. As a member of our Committee, Mark strives to promote the rights and interests of members. The display can be viewed in the Woodford Lounge of the members' area during the carnival. Waterhouse, who is one year into what is normally a two-year term in the role, said personal and professional commitments were behind his decision to stand down from the post. The history of racing in Warrnambool from 1848. Man in hospital after driving car into home, Delays roll on for city dealers as cars stuck at sea, Killer drug driver warned he's risking more years in prison, Hall of fame honour for former Carlton star, Council hopes to open up 130 new housing lots, Members back $1m plan to cover golf club costs, Terms and Conditions - Digital Subscription, Terms and Conditions - Newspaper Subscription. The Warrnambool Racing Club conducts 20 race meetings per season highlighted by feature racing in spring, summer and autumn. . A virus kept Galleywood out of the running for the 1985 annual, but come 1986, the hometown favourite finally claimed victory with jockey Trevor Murphy in the saddle. Their enthusiasm for the Club, the district and jumps racing is infectious. His win in the Grand Annual in 1986 by six lengths evoked emotional scenes as he reclaimed the double victory that evaded him two years earlier. "He had a real passion for jumps racing and that passion helped the club through tough times when jumps racing was under threat. MEDIA RELEASE | COVID-19 Update Please read below the current update on racing at Warrnambool. Guests & suppliers are to enter via Grafton Road. I've been lucky to have worked with passionate staff and committee members during my time on the committee.". Damian is a recent addition to the Warrnambool Racing Club committee, joining late in 2021. Hill's suspension ends at midnight on November 8. Gamble responsibly. #CommitToTheBool2021 Warrnamboolwarrnamboolracing.com.auJoined May 2012 259Following 3,978Followers Tweets Tweets & replies Media Likes Warrnambool Racing Club's Tweets Additional planting of pine trees and fencing of the enclosures. George Bostock, Francis Tozer and Samuel McGregor are the first trustees. "It predates the Grand Annual by one year, the Warrnambool Cup by two years, the formation of the Warrnambool Racing Club by two years and all of the current feature races. Four people have nominated for three vacancies. The hat worn by carnival stalwart Jim Houlahan and the 1875 racecourse committee minute book with quotations for a new grandstand which opened in 1876, are also among the memorabilia. "I don't have the capacity to balance my personal and professional commitments and fulfil the obligations as chairman of the racing club. 1876 Building of a new lawn grandstand, jockeys room, casualty room and ward, cottage, new judges box, ticket boxes, booths, carriage park and saddling enclosures. Damian believes that the WRC has a huge role to play in growing enthusiasm and engagement in jumps racing. As far back as 1888, an estimated 10,000 punters were on hand to witness Adeline salute, while in 1891, some 12,000 racegoers turned out, double the town's entire population of 6000 at the time. There are the standouts like the moustacheod local jockey Tommy Corrigan who cut his teeth at Warrnambool and rose to legendary status; the record-breaking club chairman William Lindsay who steered the club for 32 years until his death in 1934; the trainers synonymous with the annual like Jim Houlahan, Kevin Lafferty, Teddy Byrne and more recently Ciaron Maher; and then there's the great modern-day rivalry of newly-retired champions Gold Medals and Zed Em. Brierly and Granter's, as they are still known, were privately owned then and with 150 acres of Brierly set to go under the hammer for housing lots in November 1890, the club had to act quickly. Away from the racetrack and his business, Nick maintains an interest in farming, running beef cattle on his Grassmere property. The support from our sponsors, members and. Venue Hire Fee of $400-1500 (inc. GST) is to be paid in full at time of booking. WHEN five upstanding citizens put their heads together in 1872 to lay out a cross-country racecourse for the entertainment of the race-loving community of Warrnambool, they could never have imagined the legacy they were creating. Venue management reserves the right to control the quality and volume of all entertainment. The first steeplechase over the now famous cross-country course was run on 13th June 1872 then known as the Grand Annual Steeplechase. Exhausted, he failed to move and officials placed a screen around him. "It's a great honour to have served the racing club for 18 years. We care about the protection of your data. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. And, through his company, he sponsors some significant jumps races in Warrnambool, the Hammonds Novice Hurdle in May and the Thackeray Steeple in July. In the event of a cancellation made less than 12 months prior to the event date, the Venue Hire Fee is non-refundable, unless another client hires the venue on the cancelled date, in which WRC will provide a full refund. Log In. For Dallas, the thing he enjoys most about being on the Committee is being part of a great team. We do not feature all providers on the market. Seeing the tangible impact of financial grants which charity partners have received, and the opportunity to support community group messages and networking during race club events has been a highlight of the Charity Partner Initiative. To receive the 10% discount a minimum booking of 50pax is required. Halls Gap Golf Club. Access unlimited content, the digital versions of our print editions - Today's Paper, as well as The Courier, The Standard and Bendigo Advertiser apps. Part of the present racecourse of 100 acres was set aside as a racing and recreation reserve in August 1855. 1952 Hill Grandstand removed in two sections and reconstructed on the southern side of the Lawn Grandstand. Nick is very much a part of the jumps-racing fraternity with part ownership of a few solid jumping horses. The paddocks now know as Brierly and Granters were first used on that date. McNamara will create history on two fronts if he takes over the main job. "We're not the only ones that are trying to win the Lexus. The name Grand Annual was first used for this steeplechase in May 1895. COMMIT TO THE BOOL A message of support from our friend & chairman Nick Rule! "It's also great that Tamara has been voted back for another term.". This has created problems on many occasions when horses have tried to veer left rather than right second time around. Meanwhile, about 40 members attended the annual general meeting of the racing club last Friday. Warrnambool Racing Club committee member and historian Mark McNamara couldn't agree more. 1972 New totalisator and administration building completed. WRC chairman Nick Rule announced at the club's annual general meeting on Thursday that Michael McCluskey was unsuccessful in his bid to gain a spot on the committee. All functions held on a Victorian Public Holiday will incur a 15% surcharge on total invoice. Recent developments; including the Matilda Room upgrade and the Jericho Cup has open our doors to new members and visitors to our region. July 27, 1978 saw the dawning of a new era of greyhound racing in Warrnambool when the lights of the new $290,000 track were turned on for the first time at the Showgrounds site. 1909 Building of the hill grandstand commences. Set in a natural amphitheatre where all 33 fences are visible to spectators watching from the iconic "hill", the Grand Annual course was once described by respected racing author Les Carlyon as "one of the world's great turf panoramas". The first steeplechase over the now famous cross-country course was run on 13th June 1872 then known as the Grand Annual Steeplechase. Over the 150-year history of the Grand Annual, only war and Mother Nature have prevented the race from running. "He's won four of his 15 starts but finished in the first four in 13 of those races," Peterson said. Lord Wimble gave top jockey Kerrin McEvoy a gold ride in the $100,000 race over 1600 metres. Nick also serves on the Australian Jumping Racing Association (AJRA) Committee, currently in the role of Deputy Chair. Fortunately, he accepted, securing the course for future generations. He farmed land at Wangoom that is still known as Tozer's. Some came by sea, while special trains ran from Melbourne and around the Western District to cater for the racing crowds. 13,164 were here. The WRC is committed to engaging with its community and in 2020 launched the Charity Partner Initiative to provide cash financial grants to local organisations in need of support. Racing Bonus Bets only. 10% discount on Venue Hire applies only to WRC Members, Colts & Fillies Members, Galleywood Club sponsors and Feature Race Day sponsors, provided they are financial at time of booking. Since 1936 all of the fences have been brush. The program has provided an amazing opportunity to partner with a range of organisations which are having a strong impact in supporting our community. WARRNAMBOOL RACING CLUB. That meeting was held on Jetty Flat, the only place without trees and scrub and level enough to require little preparation. This year marks 150 years since the jumps race that is now the Grand Annual Steeplechase was created. Sportsday. Man in hospital after driving car into home, Delays roll on for city dealers as cars stuck at sea, Killer drug driver warned he's risking more years in prison, Hall of fame honour for former Carlton star, Council hopes to open up 130 new housing lots, Members back $1m plan to cover golf club costs, Terms and Conditions - Digital Subscription, Terms and Conditions - Newspaper Subscription. 1920 Airplanes transport patrons to the racecourse for the first time. Galleywood, provided one of the most memorable moments in Grand Annual history in 1986. Sophie will soon become a mum with her first baby due in early January next year. Moving forward, Frank wants to ensure that he does all that he can to help make jumps racing get stronger through horse numbers and prizemoney. The newly developed Matilda Room boasts a double-story, modernised venue overlooking the racecourse with floor to ceiling windows, full bar and experienced in-house catering. Sophie is excited to join the judging panel for this years JUMP Charity Partner Initiative after witnessing the positive impact this project has had on local charities and organisations. It was a great ride by Kerrin. The 2021-22 annual report was tabled showing an operating profit of $464,000 and a record membership of 2294 people. Gamble Responsibly. Warrnambool Racing Club @wboolracingclub Official account of the Warrnambool Racing Club. Any discounts and rewards cannot be used in conjunction with each other. Nick owns and operates a paint retail and service business, Hammonds Paints, and brings these management skills to his role on the Committee. The Warrnambool Racing Club has been a part of the South West community since 1848, providing a place to gather and enjoy racing and entertainment. Related Pages. He joined because of hispassion for the racing and breeding industry, wanting it to prosper locally and ensuring the jumps racing heartbeat remains at the Bool. Confirmation of a venue hire must be made within seven (7) days of a tentative reservation with the Booking Form returned. Contact Australian Racing Tours for more details. The new grandstand is officially opened by the Governor of Victoria, Sir George F. Bowen at the annual March race meeting. Description and details including a map of the racecourse, T&Cs apply and available on website. WRC plays a significant role in the community and is the key racing destination for South-West Victoria, as such he would love to see a wide range of applications all charity groups will benefit from the support and knowledge sharing found through this fantastic initiative. However, one plane was said to have followed the Grand Annual field around the course, contributing to as many as five runners falling in the 1920 steeplechase. 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