The Run To The Rose Day, Saturday, 12th September

Rosehill Gardens

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The Heritage of Sydney Racing

Since October 1810 when Sydney’s first official race took place in Hyde Park, horse racing has been at the cultural heart of the city.

Feature Stories Timeline

The ATC’s Heritage

Please note that the ATC Heritage Centre is currently closed and will remain so until further notice.

However, access to a limited ATC Library is available upon request.

Located within the iconic Royal Randwick racecourse, the ATC Heritage Library offers access to limited archives, dedicated to the history of horse racing. Visitors are welcome to explore our collection of racing books and turf registers.

Conveniently situated within the Administration building of the ATC at Alison Road, Randwick, the library provides designated customer parking for easy access.

Open by appointment only, please telephone 02 9663 8400 or email community@australianturfclub.com.au to plan your visit.

Racing Through Time Feature Stories

Celebrate the Spirit of Sydney Spring Racing

For over 150 years, Spring has been the season that brings Sydney’s racing culture to life.

Explore the stories, traditions and iconic moments that define our Spring racing heritage.

 

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The Golden Slipper Legacy

Since its inception in 1957, the Golden Slipper has become one of the most celebrated races in Australian turf history, shaping champions and captivating racing fans worldwide.

Discover the stories, milestones and unforgettable moments behind this iconic event.

 

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The Story Behind the Doncaster Mile

One of Australia’s most iconic races, the Doncaster Mile has been a cornerstone of Sydney’s racing calendar for generations.

Discover its rich history, legendary winners and the enduring prestige that makes this race a true classic.

 

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The ATC Derby Through the Ages

The Australian Derby is one of the most prestigious races in our nation’s history, steeped in tradition and synonymous with excellence.

Explore its origins, legendary winners and the enduring legacy that continues to shape Australian racing.

 

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The Legacy of the Australian Derby

One of the most important races in Australian turf history, the ATC Derby has shaped champions and created unforgettable moments for over a century.

 

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160 Years of the Epsom Handicap

First run in 1865, the Epsom Handicap has become one of Australia’s most enduring races.

In 2025, this historic event marked its 160th anniversary, continuing a legacy of champions and unforgettable moments.

 

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The Ingham: A Race with Deep Roots

First run in 1892 as the Villiers Stakes, The Ingham has evolved into one of Sydney’s most popular mile races.

Discover its fascinating history, legendary winners and the transformation that led to its modern identity.

 

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City Tattersalls Club Cup: Over A Century of Racing Tradition

For more than 100 years, the City Tattersalls Club Cup has been a fixture of Sydney’s racing calendar, blending history, prestige and thrilling competition.

Explore the story behind this longstanding race and its place in Australian turf heritage.

 

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Canonbury: A Forgotten Chapter in Racing History

From 1919, the Australian Jockey Club transformed Canonbury, a grand harbourside mansion, into a convalescent home for returned servicemen and later for children affected by polio.

This remarkable initiative reflects racing’s deep ties to community and resilience during and following wartime.

 

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Kensington Racecourse: Sydney’s Forgotten Track

From 1893 to 1942, Kensington Racecourse was a hub of pony racing and community life, hosting thousands of racegoers and even serving as a military training ground during wartime.

Today, its legacy lives on beneath the grounds of the University of NSW.

 

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1866 Sydney Cup

1866 Sydney Cup

The Collection

The inaugural running of the Sydney Cup in 1866 was a day of great excitement with the Governor and his entourage in attendance. It proved to be a close race with jockey Samuel Holmes only pulling Yattendon away to win at the last. The thrilling victory was awarded with this gold cup, the first to be presented as a racing prize in Sydney. Remarkably it has survived. It is made of 18 carat gold by the English silversmith, Stephen Smith.

The inaugural running of the Sydney Cup in 1866 was a day of great excitement with the Governor and his entourage in attendance. It proved to be a close race with jockey Samuel Holmes only pulling Yattendon away to win at the last. The thrilling victory was awarded with this gold cup, the first to be presented as a racing prize in Sydney. Remarkably it has survived. It is made of 18 carat gold by the English silversmith, Stephen Smith.

1858 English Doncaster Trophy

1858 English Doncaster Trophy

The Collection

This elaborately decorated cup was originally made in 1847 in England by R. & S. Garrard & Co. also crown jewellers to Queen Victoria. This cup was presented to the winner, Vedette, of the English Doncaster in 1858. It was purchased by the Packer family at an auction in the 1970s. In memory of Sir Frank Packer (who served on the AJC Committee for 11 years until his death in 1974), the cup was donated to the AJC to be a perpetual trophy for the Frank Packer Plate. From 2009, it was presented to the winner of the AJC Doncaster Handicap, coming full circle to be part of Doncaster history.

This elaborately decorated cup was originally made in 1847 in England by R. & S. Garrard & Co. also crown jewellers to Queen Victoria. This cup was presented to the winner, Vedette, of the English Doncaster in 1858. It was purchased by the Packer family at an auction in the 1970s. In memory of Sir Frank Packer (who served on the AJC Committee for 11 years until his death in 1974), the cup was donated to the AJC to be a perpetual trophy for the Frank Packer Plate. From 2009, it was presented to the winner of the AJC Doncaster Handicap, coming full circle to be part of Doncaster history.

1910 Chronograph

1910 Chronograph

The Collection

A chronograph is a timing device that uses the same mechanism as a pocket stop watch on a larger scale. Adapted for horse races during the 1800s, it mechanised the timing of races and at Randwick it was attached to the back of the judge’s box so that those sitting in the member’s stand could see the race results immediately. The electric chronograph was installed at Randwick in 1910 and remained in use until the 1950s. Rediscovered in 2010 it was sent out to restorers. Many hours of work were needed to clean, consolidate and re-create aspects of the body and the face. It now stands at 10ft tall in the Heritage Gallery at Randwick, one of the largest chronographs still intact today.

A chronograph is a timing device that uses the same mechanism as a pocket stop watch on a larger scale. Adapted for horse races during the 1800s, it mechanised the timing of races and at Randwick it was attached to the back of the judge’s box so that those sitting in the member’s stand could see the race results immediately. The electric chronograph was installed at Randwick in 1910 and remained in use until the 1950s. Rediscovered in 2010 it was sent out to restorers. Many hours of work were needed to clean, consolidate and re-create aspects of the body and the face. It now stands at 10ft tall in the Heritage Gallery at Randwick, one of the largest chronographs still intact today.

Timeline

Learn how the harbour city’s love affair with racing was influenced by the Australian Jockey Club and Sydney Turf Club, and then after their 2011 merger, the Australian Turf Club.

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Timeline
The Australian Turf Club practices the responsible service of alcohol
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