History of Horse Racing in Australia

Australia has a rich history and heritage in terms of Horse racing, as the earliest form of horse racing date back to the ancient civilization with Kings betting on the chariot races.

Currently, the Melbourne Cup is famous throughout the world and attracts entries from all over the world. It is termed as the 'race that stops a nation'. The first ever country racing club in Australia was established in the year 1852, at Wallabadah. Even today, the Wallabadah Cup is held on New Year's Eve and turns out to be a prime event. Thos racecourse is about 111 years old, and it was built during the year 1898.

Phar Lap has been the most famous race-horse in Aussie land that dominated the world of horse racing during the period 1928 to 1932. It won the 1930 Melbourne Cup, and several other events during that period, but there's a controversy over the fact that it was bred in New Zealand.

As harness racing became popular, another household name Paleface Adios gained widespread popularity throughout the 1970 decade.

Looking at the spotlight of Australian horse racing this decade, the mare Makybe Diva showcased exceptional performance to win the Melbourne Cup three times in a row during 2002-2005, and this record is unmatched till date.