Geraldton Turf Club

The Geraldton Turf Club, established in 1861, is the oldest Provincial Race Club in Western Australia. This was the same year the first Melbourne Cup was held, won by Archer. Initially known as the Victoria Race Club, it was based in Meru, a few miles from Geraldton town.

The first Victoria Cup took place in 1863, with Sultana claiming victory. The inaugural Geraldton Cup was held in 1887, won by Baron Nectar, a horse transported from Albany by steamer for the race, which had a prize of 300 pounds ($600).

In 1927, the club relocated from Meru to its current site in Utakarra, bringing the grandstand along. During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, racing was paused, and the grounds were leased to a local tomato grower. Hack racing continued until 1968. The first photo finish cameras were installed during this period, and in 1969, the first Geraldton “Gold” Cup was run. The tradition of holding a race meeting on Melbourne Cup Day began in 1972 and remains a key event on the club’s calendar.

In the early 1970s, a shed from the Railways Hotel was temporarily used as a bar during the construction of the Sunseeker Hotel. After the hotel’s completion, the shed was moved to the Geraldton Turf Club grounds and became known as “The Barn,” serving as the public bar ever since, with some updates over the years.

The club’s name changed from the Victoria Race Club to the Geraldton Turf Club at the start of the 1973-74 racing season. In 1990, there was consideration of relocating the club to South Wandina due to space constraints, but this move did not proceed.

Harness racing was held at the Turf Club from 1995 until the end of the 1999-2000 season. Facing significant debt and a declining track condition, racing was suspended in the 2000-2001 season, and the 2001 Geraldton Gold Cup was run in Perth. In 2005, the club received a substantial grant for upgrades, including a new entrance, administration building, jockeys’ rooms, race day stalls, and mounting yards, along with a new amenities block.

The club’s continued success is attributed to the dedication of its staff, committee members, and race-going patrons. With a large race program from October through May, the Geraldton Turf Club attracts strong fields and good attendance.