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When did horse racing start in Australia?

Horse racing has been practiced for millennia across the globe by numerous civilisations. Chariot racing became a staple in the ancient world while single mounted horseback racing was also practiced in the Eurasian Steppe. These practices later became common-place in the middle ages, synonymous with knightly past times such as jousting.

However, horse racing as we know it only became popular in late 17th to early 18th century England at the behest of King Charles II. Documentation from the time shows evidence of the introduction of organized racing, complete with rules for the size of horses allowed to compete and the rules of the race itself.

From the 1700’s onwards, horse racing became a staple in Western Europe practiced by the nobility but enjoyed by the general public.

Horse racing in Australia

As a result of Australia’s ties with England, horse racing made its way to the Australian colonies in the 1790’s with Sydney’s first recorded race. While the initial horses were those that were available on the continent, thoroughbreds were introduced at the dawn of the 19th century due to the growing number of wealthy colonists who were financially capable of importing them.

The advent of the bookies

While horse racing was solidifying its place as a pastime in colonial Australia, the first bookmaker was introduced.

First noted to have appeared in the 1850’s, the bookmakers occupied a small stall on the racing premises as a means of attesting to his authenticity. Some individuals were known to accept bets and run off with the funds, so an allotted stand ensured security and peace of mind to race attendees.

The “fall and rise” of Australian horse racing

Around the time WWII ended, horse racing began to experience a lull in popularity. Historians pin this down to the rise of alternative forms of entertainment including movie theatres as well as other forms of gambling such as including the pokies and greyhound racing.

However, the races became popular once more thanks to television coverage during the 1950’s, ensuring the Melbourne Cup event was broadcasted into every Australian home at the arrival of each November. With the races now becoming accessible to more people and bookkeeper’s located at nearby TABs, racing had once again become a staple on the Australian calendar and solidified its place in the Australian public consciousness, gaining the title, “the race that stops the nation.”

Getting the most out of the races

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