News

The Farm resounds to sound of success

27th Oct 2010

South West Advertiser - Paul Haigh - Wednesday, 27 October 2010

WARWICK Farm Racecourse has a special place in Liverpool's rich history.

In 1922 the Australian Jockey Club purchased the land.

Official AJC records state the first meeting under its governance was held on January 27, 1925, with more than 25,000 people attending.

Over the years, Warwick Farm has been mainly used for many sporting purposes but also by the military.

During World War II the racecourse was used by Australian, American and British forces.

Camp Warwick and Golden Hind were two of the significant bases.

The iconic venue was also one of the most popular motor sport venues in Australia, between 1960 and 1973.

The great Sir Jack Brabham drove to victory many times around the circuit.

And polo was also played at Warwick Farm between 1956 until 2001.

First and foremost, Warwick Farm is synonymous with thoroughbred horse racing.

Over the years many great horses, including the mighty Phar Lap, have raced to victory at the track.

In more recent times the AJC has implemented long-term plans and strategies to secure its future as a major racing and training centre.

Two years ago the AJC spent $17 million upgrading facilities at the track with the building of state-of-the-art on-course stables, a new all-weather training track and underneath track tunnel for local trainers to take their horses to and from the course for early morning trackwork.

The future looks even brighter for Warwick Farm after the AJC announced expansive plans last year.

They include further big developments to the racetrack facilities for the horses and spectators facilities.

Leading bloodstock agents and equine auctioneer, William Inglis And Son is relocating its Sydney premises to Warwick Farm (Feb draft pictured).

There are more than 800 horses stabled at Warwick Farm either on track or in stables at nearby properties.

Warwick Farm's racing links also extend into the business community providing employment for countless numbers of people either directly or indirectly earning a living from the industry.

Countless numbers of Warwick Farm racehorses are also sent to spelling paddocks and agistment properties on the outskirts of Liverpool and the rural areas to recuperate before their next race campaigns begin.

Next month Warwick Farm has two midweek meetings scheduled for Liverpool racegoers.

The meetings are on Wednesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 24.

At the Wednesday, November 24 meeting, there is a special Christmas luncheon for individuals and groups being held in the Chipping Norton dining room in the main grandstand.

Cost is $110 each for food and refreshments.

Next year, for the first time, the traditional Australia Day Cup (2400 metres), staying event, traditionally held at Randwick, has been switched to Warwick Farm, Wednesday, January 26.

Warwick Farm is selling memberships to the public for $25 a year. This includes race-day admission to all their meetings.

There are 17 more Warwick Farm meetings set down between now and June 30.

Details: ajc.com.au or contact Jill Belford at Warwick Farm Racecourse, 9612 4303.