Eagle Farm Racecourse

Horseracing in Brisbane had its roots in the early settlement with the first settlers keen followers and punters, with the Queensland Turf Club being established in 1865. After the first crude racecourse at what is now New Farm Park was closed in 1863, the Eagle Farm Racecourse opened in the same year and has been operating as the home of QTC and sometime home of the other major race club Tattersall’s since.

Much of its Victorian and subsequent Federation heritage has been preserved, the architecture a triumph of the leading architects of the era, from the stately wrought iron and timber St Ledger (circa 1913) and Paddock (circa 1889) grandstands to the gabled Federation ticket boxes designed by GHM Addison, the imposing decorative entry pillars and ornate iron gates, the Federation brick, iron and terracotta Members Stand designed by Hall and Prentice, architects of the City Hall.

During World War II the racecourse was occupied by American servicemen who lived in eight igloos on the track and the races, not about to let a war get in the way, were moved down to Albion Park.