Harold Park Paceway - History

History

Founded in 1902, the course was first known as Forest Lodge, and for the first meeting there were five events with total prize money of ninety-nine sovereigns.

Just prior to the turn of the 20th century, and before meetings commenced at Forest Lodge, the present Harold Park course, trotting and pacing was confined primarily to match races between enthusiasts without any serious attempt at organisation. Following some preliminary discussions, thirty-three of the sport's keenest supporters met on 4 June 1902 at the saddlery shop of J. McGrath, a well-known harness maker of the day. Those present at the meeting raised the sum of 19 pounds 17 shillings and 6 pence to launch the proposed Club. The general contribution was 2/6 per person, while the maximum donation was 10 guineas by Mr. J.A. Buckland, owner of the famous horse "Fritz."

The Club was incorporated on 10 October 1902, with twenty-two members paying a subscription of two guineas, and the inaugural meeting was held on 19 November 1902, the Forest Lodge course it was then known, being leased from the Metropolitan Rugby Union. Following two meetings at Forest Lodge, racing was continued at the old Kensington Pony course where it was conducted until June 1904. Racing was then resumed at Forest Lodge, which had in the interim period become Epping.

1911 was an eventful year in the history of harness racing in New South Wales. It marked the recognition by the Colonial Secretary of the Day, of the New South Wales Trotting Club as the Controlling authority of the sport in the state. From that year onwards, successive Governments have continued to give that recognition, until 1976 when the control was transferred to the Trotting Authority of NSW. 1911 also included the Club purchasing the course from the Metropolitan Rugby Union for 10,400 pounds.

The track was known as Epping until 21 March 1929, when, due to the confusion of the name with the Sydney suburb, it was renamed Harold Park, after the imported trotter Childe Harold – one of the great progenitors of the stock of the early night trotting days. The Kentucky-bred Childe Harold was imported from Glasgow, Scotland by Mr. Andrew Town of Richmond, New South Wales.

1 October 1949, marked the advent of night racing, as the result of legislation enacted with the support of all parties in the State Parliament. From its early obscurity, Harold Park has become known worldwide as the venue of one of Australia's most spectacular night entertainments.