Cluden Racecourse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cluden Racecourse |
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Grandstand, Cluden Racecourse, 2000
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| Location | 1 Racecourse Road, Cluden, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1896 - 1983 |
| Architect | Walter Howard Tunbridge |
| Official name: Grandstand, former totalisator building and main entrance gates, Cluden Racecourse, Cluden Racecourse | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600924 |
| Significant period | 1896, 1923, 1927, 1972, 1983 (fabric) 1940s (historical) 1896- ongoing ( social) |
| Significant components | grandstand, totalisator, gate - entrance |
| Builders | Mr Reid |
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Cluden Racecourse is a special historic place in Cluden, near Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It's a famous racecourse where horse races have been held for a very long time. The main buildings were designed by Walter Howard Tunbridge and built in 1896. Because of its history and importance, Cluden Racecourse was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.
Contents
The Story of Cluden Racecourse
Early Days of Townsville Racing
Townsville was started in 1864 as a port and business hub. One of the first sports clubs formed there was the Burdekin and Flinders Turf Club in 1866. The Governor of Queensland, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, supported horse racing. He believed it helped improve horse breeding and could even help create a Queensland cavalry (horse soldiers).
The first race meeting was a big three-day event in August 1866. Early races were held in different places around Townsville. In 1874, the government gave the club a special piece of land for a racecourse. Around this time, the club changed its name to the Townsville Turf Club, which it still uses today.
Moving to Cluden Park
The discovery of gold in North Queensland made Townsville grow quickly. A railway line was planned to connect Townsville with the important goldfield at Charters Towers. This railway opened in 1882.
Because of the new railway, members of the Townsville Turf Club decided to move the racecourse. They wanted a place that was easy to reach by train. The new spot was at Cluden Park, just a short walk from the Cluden railway station. A new track was made, and a temporary stand was built for the first race meeting. Even though some people had doubts, the new location was a big success because it was so easy for everyone to get to.
In 1883, better buildings were constructed. These included a grandstand (where people sit to watch races), a stewards' and press stand, and a totalisator (a building for placing bets).
Rebuilding After Cyclone Sigma
On January 26, 1896, a powerful storm called Cyclone Sigma hit Townsville. It caused a lot of damage, and the racecourse buildings were destroyed. The grandstand collapsed, and stables were swept away.
The Townsville Turf Club wanted to rebuild the course quickly for their annual race meeting in July. Walter Howard Tunbridge, a well-known architect, designed new buildings. These included a grandstand for 700 people, a totalisator building, a judge's box, new gates, and stables. The damaged grandstand was even reused as a St Leger stand (another seating area).
Thanks to hard work from the architect, the club secretary, and the builder, Mr Reid, the new facilities were ready on time. The first meeting at the rebuilt course was a huge success! Many people came by train, and a record amount of money was placed in bets. People loved the new grandstand, especially its comfortable seating and spacious lunchroom.
The Totalisator System
A totalisator building was built behind the grandstand. This building is still there today and is used as offices. A totalisator is a system for betting on races. It collects all the bets for a race and then divides the total money (minus a small fee) among the people who picked the winning horse.
In 1913, an Australian named George (later Sir) Julius invented a fully automated totalisator system. This made betting much easier and faster. His invention was used all over Australia and in other countries too.
Changes Over the Years
After the new buildings were finished, the grandstand roof was painted with bright stripes and had flagpoles. This made the building look very festive.
The racecourse needed major repairs after another storm, Cyclone Leonta, hit Townsville in 1903. More improvements were made in the 1920s, including a new members' bar and better lavatories.
During the Second World War, the racecourse was used as a military camp by the Australian Army. However, the army understood how important races were for people's spirits. So, the soldiers would move out every Saturday so that races could still be held.
After Cyclone Althea in 1972, more repairs were needed. In 1983, the racecourse got a big upgrade. New toilets, drink areas, and a glassed-in viewing area were added to the grandstand. The roof was replaced, but the original seating was kept. These upgrades made the racecourse even better for visitors.
What Cluden Racecourse Looks Like
The three main buildings designed by Tunbridge – the grandstand, the totalisator building, and the main entrance gates – still look much like they did when they were first built.
The Grandstand
The grandstand has been repaired many times after cyclones, but it still looks very similar to its original design. It has a curved roof made of corrugated iron, supported by timber posts. Inside, the seating is tiered, and the original wooden seats are still there. Underneath the grandstand, there are modern refreshment areas and bars.
The Totalisator Building
The totalisator building is made of timber and is located behind the grandstand. It has a unique T-shape with different roof sections. Its roofs are also made of corrugated iron, just like the grandstand. This building is now used as offices.
The Main Entrance Gates
One of the original 1896 entrance gates is still the main way into the racecourse. It's made of timber and has two ticket offices on either side of the entrance. A corrugated iron roof covers the whole structure, matching the other historic buildings. You can still see traces of its old red and white striped paint!
Why Cluden Racecourse is Important
The grandstand, the old totalisator building, and the main entrance gates at Cluden Racecourse are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register for several reasons:
- It shows how Queensland's history developed. These buildings show how important horse racing was in Queensland. It was the first organized sport in Townsville and one of the earliest in the colony. In the past, horses were vital for transport and work. Racing helped improve horse breeds and was a popular form of entertainment.
- It shows what a racecourse should look like. The grandstand is a great example of its kind. Together with the totalisator building and entrance gates, it forms a complete set of original racecourse buildings.
- It is beautiful and well-designed. These buildings were designed by Walter Howard Tunbridge, a very important architect in North Queensland. People have always admired the grandstand's light and open design.
- It is important to the community. These buildings are strongly connected to the Townsville Turf Club, which is one of the oldest sports clubs in Queensland. Even after more than a hundred years and many cyclones, these buildings are still used regularly.
- It is linked to important people. The grandstand, totalisator building, and gates are major works by the famous architectural firm Tunbridge and Tunbridge, especially Walter Howard Tunbridge.
