Victoria_racing_club.JPG (13274 bytes) FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE Victoria_racing_club_1987.JPG (9772 bytes)
 

Records show that racing has taken place in Melbourne since at least 1838 when a two day meeting was held on the 6th and 7th of March of that year on Batman’s Hill. There was a similar meeting the very next year before racing was moved to Flemington and the Port Phillip Turf Club began organizing the racing in 1840. It was to last almost 10 further years before the Victoria Turf Club took over the lease in 1848. By 1864 the Club merged with the Jockey Club to form the Victoria Racing Club and in 1871 they were given legal control of Flemington.

 
Victoria racing club 1935.JPG (19218 bytes) The course is rich in facilities and can house a crowd in excess of 120,000 spread throughout 3 main grandstands. It hosts at least 14 Group One races including the Australian Cup run in March over 2000 metres, and the Victoria Derby and Oaks, each run in November over 2500 metres.  
 

The Victoria Derby was first run in 1855 when it was won by Rose of May. The latest 2008 winner was Rebel Raider.

 
  Also run in November over 3200 metres is the Melbourne Cup which was first competed for in 1861 when won by the J. Cutts ridden Archer. The same combination won the second running of it. The latest race, run in 2008, was won by Viewed ridden by Blake Shinn.  
If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net