Our Member Clubs
Broome Turf Club Inc
504 Gantheaume Point Road, Broome
Racing Season: May to August
HISTORY:
Whilst there remains conjecture about its beginnings the centenary of the Broome Cup was celebrated in 1994, indicating that the first Broome Cup was run in 1894. However there appears to be evidence of some horse racing in Broome prior to that date.
The first track was established close to the main town site adjacent to the airport. Some fifty years later a new track was carved out of the scrub at picturesque Gantheaume Point and within a stone throw of the world famous Cable Beach. This is an excellent location, almost surrounded by the Indian Ocean it benefits from cool breezes which are most welcome on race days in the hot and humid climate of the Kimberley.
The beach is a major attraction for trainers and horses relocating from southern areas for the Pearl Coast Racing season. Club committees have strongly resisted numerous attempts to have the land resumed for other major tourism development and will continue to do so. A day at the Broome Races is a unique experience, where worldwide travellers mix with multicultural locals from all walks of life. Additional oncourse activities throughout the afternoon and evening are as entertaining as the horse racing is competitive. In the balmy tropical climate the post race party extends well into the evening and patrons are reluctant to leave. The ‘never fail’ weather of the Kimberley ‘dry season’ adds to the ambience of this truly unique location. Little wonder that those experiencing Broome Racing always return for more. At Gantheaume Point the track/weather report is always ‘fine and good’.
LIFE MEMBERS:K Male, P Hall, D Morrell, T O’Sullivan, M Mason, R Johnston, D Milner, E Carroll, M Ferraz, M Windle, G Manning, R Gardiner
Carnarvon Race Club
111 Cornish street Carnarvon 6701
Racing Season: May to September
HISTORY:
The Gascoyne Racing Club was born on the 12th December 1883, making it one of the oldest clubs in Western Australia. The club was formed in the very early years of the Carnarvon township, before, the town was officially gazetted. The club relocated twice, firstly in 1924 to what is now the current airport site and again in 1944 to the current location of Massey Bay. In 1974 the well known North West institution became the “Carnarvon Race Club”
LIFE MEMBERS:
Mr CW Tuckey Mr DK Dupre Mrs K Lewis Mr CR Shannon Mr Peter Daly Mr Geoff Rodier Mr Tom Day
Collie Race Club Inc.
Lot 5177 McVee Road, Collie WA 6225
Racing Season: September
HISTORY:
The original Race Club was situated on the banks of the picturesque Collie river. In 1928 a Golf Course was developed and after negotiations with the Race Club, the straight of the racecourse was used for the first activity. In 1945 the Race Club was revived with a meeting which featured the Cup.
Interest in racing once again surfaced in the 70s when the shire obtained the lease on an area of Crown Land and vested it in the Collie Sports Club which subsequently become the current Race Club. The first meeting of the new club was held in 1983 to celebrate the Centenary of Collie Coal, a race meeting was held to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary in 2023 with a huge crowd in attendance.
Since then the meeting has been held in OCTOBER each year. Facilities have been gradually improved to meet the expectations of patrons. There is a modern tote, bar, canteen with an undercover area, and grassed area with disabled access to all areas. The track is 1720 metres based on the Belmont track and has a slight incline in the straight. Surface of the track is sand which is always in excellent condition.
Life Members:
Mrs Lee Isbel, Mr Bill Carlisle (dec), Mr Charlie Tylor (dec),
Mr Robert Pimm Snr (dec) Mrs Rosanne Pimm OAM, Mr John Bird, Mr K Gilbert, Mrs C Gilbert, Mr S Rosel, Mr John Lincoln, Mrs Virginia Lincoln
HISTORY:
After the formation of the Irwin District Race Club first race meeting was held on the 26th December 1871 with the Dongara Farmers cup over 3 miles. On the 13th March 1888 race meeting was run on the property of Mr E Clarkson with the inaugural Dongara Cup was won by Irwin and in 1985 the race meeting was held on the farming property of Mr James Criddle. In 1908 the race club run a special train from Geraldton with 6 passengers for the race day. In 1945 the Dongara Amateur Sports Club held a picnic meeting with the with three horses winning doubles. In 1946 the Dongara Amateur Sports Club changed its name to the Dongara-Irwin Race Club and in 1947 The Department of Lands approved the Yardarino Agriculture Area set apart for the purpose of a Racecourse with a 99 year lease. The Dongara-Irwin Race Club has thrived to become a very important day for the Dongara community with the annual cup meeting held on the Easter Saturday being a great day of thoroughbred racing and entertainment for the local community and visitors from all over the state
LIFE MEMBERS:
Mr. E.H. Dempster
Mr. H.G. Bygraves
Mr. E.J. Parsons
Mrs. R.K. Parsons
Mr. L. Weinman
Mr. I. West
A.A. Smith
L.R. Bygraves
I.H. Clarkson
J. Morgan
W.E. Dempster
H.B. Hall
W. Muir
K.B. Mitchell
J.J. Powell
H. Pass
C.W. Dowden
H.G. Philbey
HISTORY:
The Newman Turf Club was the formed in 1980 and was the newest race club formed in Western Australia and the only full grass track in the Pilbara. In 2017 due to water issues and a rabbit plaque the track was declared unsafe for racing and was converted to a sand track. The highlight of the racing calendar at Newman Racecourse is the Newman Cup Day, held annually in August. This event marks the end of the Pilbara race round, which starts in late May in Port Hedland. The race meeting is a significant social event, attracting locals and visitors alike, and features a full program of races, with the main event being the Newman Cup.
Beyond the racetrack, the event includes a camp draft, where local equestrians showcase their cattle-handling skills. The community’s collective efforts shine during this race meeting, as they come together to run the event, prepare the track, judge fashion on the field, and contribute in countless other ways.
Newman offers several attractions for visitors, including the scenic views from Radio Hill Lookout, 4WD adventures, and visits to Eagle Rock Falls. With flights to Newman taking less than two hours from Perth.
LIFE MEMBERS:
| John Dusci, Kevin Byleveld, Nigel Weston, Shane Cusack, Roger Evans, Ian Aldridge, Annie Symons, Paul Alcock, Tod Crawshaw, Greg Seers, Holly Seer |
Eastern Gascoyne Race Club
Meekatharra, Mt Augustus Rd, via Meekatharra
Racing Season: October
HISTORY:
The Landor Races are the Eastern Gascoyne Race Club’s traditional bush race meeting is held annually in October at the racecourse near Landor Station.
In 1921 at a combined mustering camp, of stockmen from stations in the area were having a day off. These men were resting and doing their washing when they started to argue about who had the fastest horse. Following the formation the EGRC was formed and the Landor was born.The event has now been run annually almost continuously since 1921, and has been run on the same principles since the early days – it is strictly amateur race meeting for local station horses and riders. All races are “walk up starts”.
The committee of local pastoralists conducts the event and meets three times a year. A comprehensive EGRC Club Constitution determines the operation of the event with races under the rules and regulations of RWWA. The race meeting is open to RWWA registered horses that are classified as North West Bred, District Qualified (spent six months prior to the meeting above the 28th parallel) or Corn Fed Horses (Class D horses that have not won a race on a Metropolitan track).
LIFE MEMBERS:
2021 Brett Smith
2021 Michael Bain
2018 Mrs Lorraine Sartori
2016 Mrs Carol Bandy
2016 William (Bill) Campbell
2016 Gregory Watters
2014 Craig Wendt
2014 Stuart Maver
2013 Simon Broad
2010 GWE Hammarquist
2010 Peter Capper
2010 Jim Thorn
2010 Mrs Sylvia Thom
2003 MDE Miles) Bain
2003 Dr (Don) Hammarquist
2002 Mrs Jacky A Power
2002 Mrs Maureen M Woods
2002 Alan Blood
2001 Melvin Morris
2000 Mrs A Pass
1996 Robert F Power
1996 Jim Price
1988 John Park
1986 Brian A O’Dwyer
1983 C T (John) Woods
1980 Ronald Pass
1979 Alan E Bain
1979 Laurence W Bain
1979 E R (Ross) Forrester
1978 Mrs Margaret K Dawson
1976 Mrs Barbara J Bain
1968 D.S. (Dudley) Farrar
1968 M.J. (Mick) Dawson
1968 G (Gillie) Isbel
1968 H.M. (Harry) Finlay
1968 E (Ted) Farrell
1967 F.T. (Tom) Steadman
1964 Ben Wilson
1964 Madeline Wilson
1963 K.A.G. (KEN) May
1956 B W (Bris) Ford
1956 Ian Thom
1956 Hubert M. (Joe) Rutter
1955 W.E. (Bill) Butcher
1947 A.E. (Ernest) Potts
1978 Mrs Shirley V Forrester
HISTORY:
The Junction race club is one of the oldest bush race meeting in Western Australia. Originally called “The Lyons and Minilya Amateur
racing club ” JTC was established in 1907. The first race meeting was held on the Box Gully Flats just outside of Gascoyne Junction township. Most Race
horses were from local stations and were walked for several days to the Gascoyne Junction township. From 1908-1930 the races were not held every year
as interest in the races waned due to the great depression and drought. From 1930 the races were held at Dairy Creek station, east of Gascoyne Junction
until the outbreak of the WW11. After WW11 the races club official changed it’s name to “Junction Race Club” and ran the week before the Carnarvon cup
The races have been held every year since 1947.
Life Members:
Mr & Mrs L McTaggart
Mr & Mrs B Smith
Mr E Smith
Mr & Mrs K & D Kempton
Mrs J Symonds
Mr M Fasson
Mr L Bateman
Mr B Steele
Mr J Kearney
Mr P Burnett
Kojonup Race Club
"Wandecla", 103 Ashe Rd, Jingalup
Racing Season: 1 per Year February
HISTORY:
Race meetings have been recorded in Kojonup as early as 1875. Picnic races were first located at Farrar (5km west of town) and moved to the current location of Wandecla, 30km west of town.
Kojonup Race Club is proudly run by the Kojonup Polo and Polocrosse Club, and has done so for over 70 years.
In the past, the annual race day was originally run as picnic races, but now due to popular demand, it is formally a country race meet. The Kojonup Race Club hosts Wandecla Races each year, with the Kojonup Polo and Polocrosse Club members generously volunteering their time to run the race day from the early stages of organisation and planning, to the day itself.
Wandecla Races is a wonderful community event, well-supported by local businesses and now attracts visitors from near and far.
LIFE MEMBERS:
HISTORY:
Kununurra Race Club has been around since 1967. Previously known as the Kununurra Amateur Race Club (KARC) before in became an Incorporated Association in 1973.
The KARC was a picnic race originally support by the surrounding stations who supplied horses and riders. As the club and event grew, the club affiliated with Racing & Wagering Western Australia to ensure its longevity in the country racing industry.
Our committee has a desired goal of putting our race on the map, as we believe we have one of the most spectacularly located race courses in Australia.
LIFE MEMBERS:
Mrs A Peters, Mrs P Bell, Mr D Bostock, Mr R Young, Mr A D Gray, Mrs B Halter, Mr T Vickers, Mr G Adam, Mr E Squire, Mr & Mrs G King, Mr G Warnock, Mr & Mrs J Woodhead, Mr K Lilly, Ms T Halter, Mr K Moore, Mr M Windle, Mr & Mrs C Dobson
HISTORY:
Laverton Race Course/track was established in 1956 by 8 10 local club members. The first race meeting held that year was with locally bred horses, catch weights & stock horses ridden by “Station and indigenous ” Stockmen”. Fifty four horses were nominated for a six event program. No horses had raced previously, so horse size was the measure of the day. Weights varied between 70-100kgs using stock saddles. No starting gates were available at the time so races were started by a “rubber strand”. The first starter was Mr Neil Hatfield and the first Stewards were Mr Bill Biggs and Mr Tom White. As time progressed into the 70’s and 80’s, local horses were ridden by apprentice jockeys with a minimum weight of 70kgs. Two events of the six were reserved for locally bred horses, with the four others for thoroughbreds with apprentice jockeys. Starting gates were manufactured locally and are still in use presently. In the late 90’s, the Club favoured the introduction of professional riders as it is today. We have celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Laverton Race Club.
LIFE MEMBERS:
John Leahy
Peter Hill
John Williams
Brian Roberts (dec.)
Patrick Hill
John Biggs JP
Michael Williams
Marion Williams
Robin Prentice
Rob Wedge JP
Leinster District Race Club
Lot 1000 North Road, Leinster WA 6437
Racing Season: October
HISTORY:
The LDRC was formed in 1979 when a group of racing Enthusiasts decided that Leinster should have a Race club like Leonora, Laverton and Wiluna so as to create more Racing in the North Eastern Goldfields.
The first president was Mr Leo Boni with Secretary Ms Shirley Cox, and a good representative of experienced racing people creating the first committee. By May 1979 the Club was approved & set about planning and Building the course and facilities.
The track was planned by Mr Jim Steinhauser who was the handicapper in the goldfields at the time.
Jim had come up with the idea of having a 1200M track similar to one he had seen in Queensland, and the club agreed with the idea as it made a good track for spectators to watch the racing.
In October 1979, the first Race Meeting was held and consisted of six Local Bred Races, and two Races for Registered horses.
Like all Clubs, the LDRC has seen some major changes in track conditions and course improvements over the years, and now operate what is considered to be a well run community Club with the support of RWWA and all officials once a year in October.
Life Members:
Mr John Biggs
Mr William Biggs
Mr Peter Craig
Mr Bryson Olsen
Honorary Life Members:
Mrs Kylie Craig
Mr Neil Biggs
HISTORY:
Leonora Racing Club The Leonora Racing Club, one of Western Australia’s oldest, held its first race day in May 1900, marking the beginning of formalised racing in the region. Throughout the 20th century The Leonora Racing Club became a key part of local culture, with the Leonora Cup emerging as its flagship event. Today the Leonora Cup continues as a much-anticipated annual event. This event draws locals and visitors alike, showcasing traditional red dirt racing at its finest. 125 years on horse racing in Leonora remains a proud symbol of the town’s heritage and community spirit
Life Members:
HT Hadfield
AV Wickens
AE Newbon
J Bell
J Steinhauser
W Cleland
WC Biggs
A Cleland
D Fitzgerald
JL Epis
K Biggs
W Johnston
JRV Money
N Biggs
JG Epis
RA Norrie
Marble Bar Race Club
1 Halse Road, Marble Bar WA 6760
Racing Season: 1st Saturday in July
HISTORY:
The Marble Bar races has been held since 1893. The races are held on the first Saturday in July. In the 132 years since the races were first held, there has only been 3 occaisons they were not and this was result of COVID 19.
It is a signicant social event for the town and the Pilbara region. It draws visitors from all over Australia.
The races also includes a fashion on the field event, live band and the famous Undies Run. A race ball is held the night before the races.
LIFE MEMBERS:
Eugene Crawford
Syd Chipchase
Sue Chipchase
Maureen Kelly
Bob Kelly
Olga Potter
Tom Pike
Anne Coppin
Annabell Coppin
Lang Coppin
Cherylee Manurung
Darren White
HISTORY:
The Mingenew Races are a highlight in the Mid-West region of Western Australia, held annually in March at the Mingenew Turf Club. This event features six races, including the prestigious Mingenew Cup. The race day is packed with entertainment, including Fashions on the Field, kids’ activities, live music, and even fireworks. It’s a true rural racing experience that attracts visitors from all over Western Australia.
The Mingenew Turf Club, located on Recreation Centre Road, has been operating for over 100 years. The racecourse is uniquely situated, surrounded by the local football oval and golf course, with the Mingenew Recreation Centre overlooking the grassed track. This setup provides magnificent panoramic views of the district, enhancing the race day experience.
Mingenew, the town hosting these races, is located about 370km north of Perth and 110km southeast of Geraldton. Established in 1906, Mingenew was named after Mingenew Spring, an Aboriginal word that possibly means “the place of many ants and flies” or “the place of many waters.
LIFE MEMBERS:
Bert Newton
Rodney Cosgrove
David Bagley
Boyd Criddle
Kent Morrison
HISTORY:
Established in 1907, the Moora Race Club has a rich history which is intertwined with thoroughbreds. During the early years, the club had two race meetings on Saturday and Monday over a long weekend. Over 50 horses would travel up by train from Midland. During this time, nearby towns including Dandaragan, Waddington and Three Springs used to have racecourses, but today, only Moora still exists. Its history can still be seen today, with The Bystino Grandstand, which is still in use, being built in 1925.
The track in the 30’s was even used for trotting races. Moora Race Club also used to have two meetings a year, one in autumn and one in spring, with the spring meeting featuring the Moora Cup.
Growing in popularity since 1993, racing at Moora now occurs only in October, though the race meeting is still highlighted by the Moora Cup. It is a family-oriented event with Fashions on the Field, live entertainment and a full day of racing. It is well supported by the local community as well as patrons who travel up from Perth.
LIFE MEMBERS:
Greg Manning
D Cova (dec)
L.L White (dec)
W Begg (dec)
Mount Magnet Race Club
Great Northern Highway, Mount Magnet
Racing Season: September
HISTORY:
The Mount Magnet races are a celebrated event in the Murchison of Western Australia, held I September. Hosted by the Mount Magnet Race Club which was founded in 1896, this event features a six race program featuring the Mount Magnet Cup. The race day is packed with activities such as Fashions on the Field, tug-o-war, foot races, kid’s entertainment, live music and two up. The event attracts locals and visitors from all over WA, offering a true outback experience. Mount Magnet is located about 560km from Perth and is one of the region’s original gold mining and longest surviving gold mining settlements in the state. The racecourse, is located north of the town, provides a picturesque setting surrounds by red dirt and open landscape, enhancing the unique charm of this rural event. The races are an important event for the local community as one of the few remaining in the town.
Life Members:
Mr B.Moses, J.McGorman, Mr B.Wallace, Mrs W.McGorman, Mr G.Scott, Mr A.Dowden, Mrs F.Dowden, Mr J Dowden, Mr M. Maddern, Mr J Desmond, Mr B.Wallace, Mrs F.Munro, Mrs D.Dowden, Mr J.Jones, Mr J Homewood,
Mr J.JensenMr B.Moses, J.McGorman, Mr B.Wallace, Mrs W.McGorman, Mr G.Scott, Mr A.Dowden, Mrs F.Dowden, Mr J Dowden, Mr M. Maddern, Mr J Desmond, Mr B.Wallace, Mrs F.Munro, Mrs D.Dowden, Mr J.Jones, Mr J Homewood,
Mr J.Jensen
Nor West Jockey Club
North West Coastal Hwy Roebourne WA 6718
Racing Season: May - July
HISTORY:
Horse racing in the North West began in 1863 with a race on Settlers Beach for a gold sovereign. The Nor West Jockey Club (NWJC) was formed soon after, with its first official race meeting held on 1 August 1867. Racing moved to its current Roebourne location in 1890. The club has only paused racing during wartime and in 2020 due to COVID.
Originally a weeklong event, Roebourne Race Week featured races, picnics, concerts, and a grand ball. The signature race, the Roebourne Cup, remains the club’s highlight. NWJC endured cyclone damage in the 1980s, secured finances with committee guarantees, and built permanent facilities by 1990.
Though downgraded to B Grade in the early 2000s, NWJC rebounded, restoring TAB facilities and expanding to four themed events annually: Family Day, Ladies Day, Swan Draught Day, and the Roebourne Cup. NWJC continues as a proud symbol of racing tradition in WA’s Pilbara region.
LIFE MEMBERS:
1963 Murray Stove
1963 Doug Stove
1963 Angus Richardson
1965 Mr Watson
1965 S G Meares
1987 Max Simmons
1987 Ross Viner
1987 Kevin Eagle
1988 Les Staker
1988 Ian Duncan
1988 Doug Wilson
1992 Basil Kent
1992 Robin Ogg
1994 Peter Nash
1994 David Morgan
1994 Chris Read
1994 Darryl Rooney
2008 Jim Brenton
2010 Shane Edwards
2015 John McGowan
2016 Terry Milligan
2018 David Clamp
2018 Fran Ramsay
2019 Darren Wielgomasz
2020 Kevin Kinninmonth
HISTORY:
The original Race Meet began as a picnic sports meeting on a race course just north of town in a farmer’s paddock. In 1950 the club shifted to the current location at the Pingrup Recreation Ground.
The Pingrup Race Meet runs 6 races throughout the day. The premier race of the day is the Murray Reid Memorial Cup run later in the afternoon. The Pingrup Races boasts a traditional outside bar, wine tasting, fashions on the field, entertainment throughout the day, two-up in the evening and live music at night. Camping sites are available and a recovery breakfast is supplied in the morning for those that stay the night.
LIFE MEMBERS:
Mr & Mrs W.H. Kershaw (dec), Mr & Mrs H.L Reid (dec), Mr & Mrs J.M. Thomes (dec), G.R. Altham (dec), M. Reid (dec), K.L Smith (dec), N.J. Day, M.K. Solly (dec) L. Solly, M Hawley, S. Day, G R Keay and A L Smith
HISTORY:
Port Hedland’s Race Club was established in 1902 with the first race meeting held over two consecutive week days in April with 10 races on the card and a total purse of 137 pound. Early race meetings in Port Hedland included races for cart horses, buggy horses and ponies. In later years races included thoroughbreds, especially from Mundabullangara and De Grey stations, and both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal jockeys raced in the cups.
The Port Hedland Handicap was the feature race of the Port Hedland Annual Race Meet from 1902-1935 and was renamed to the “Port Hedland Cup” from 1936 onwards. It was first run over a distance of one and a quarter mile (2000 metres) in 1902. The first Port Hedland Handicap had a prize purse of 35 sovereigns, and was won by “Bluff”, owned by Mr A. Wilding, by a margin of 6 lengths.
LIFE MEMBERS:
Arnold & Fran Carter
Roger & Kaye Richardson
Len Healey
Eugene Crawford
Darren White
Brian & Jenny Wilson
Tony Barron
HISTORY:
Established in 1983 the West Kimberley Turf Club holds a proud and storied place in the heart of Derby’s community and racing history.
The first track was originally located on the marsh, and then later a relocation & rodeo grounds in the centre. In those early days, racing was a grassroots affair, featuring district-bred and station horses—true representations of Kimberley country life.
Derby was once considered the racing hub of the north, even more prominent than Broome, hosting up to three race meets a year. Local stables were scattered across town—from the old cordial factory to the post office, with notable names like Freddy Brooks and Snow Hogan leaving their mark on local racing history.
Long-time supporter and licensed trainer Kelvin More has been involved for over two decades, continuing a family tradition that stretches back many years. His story, like many others, reflects the deep generational connection between the people of Derby and the sport of racing.
Since those humble beginnings, the West Kimberley Turf Club has grown bigger and better every year. Today, it stands not only as a celebration of local racing culture but as a vibrant community event that brings people together from across the region.
Life Members:
Kelvin Moore, Joanne Moore, Kerry Leamy, Rod Giblett, Dee Giblett, Hilary Carruthers, Paul Noble, Mike Windle