Donald Racecourse History

The Donald Turf Club staged its first official race meeting on Boxing Day 1875. However horse racing had been an important part of life in the town since the 1850s, and it is believed an organized race meeting was staged in December of 1864 which consisted of gallop and trotting races, as well as foot races. This could be Victoria’s earliest known tri-code meeting!

The town’s first racecourse was the main street, and it is not known when the current site on the Borung Highway was first used, but there can be little doubt it was some time ago. The course boasts a long, wide straight and long runs to the first turn from all the starting positions, giving every horse a chance. The track was reconstructed recently and continues to be one of the best in the state.

The facilities and surrounds are also among the finest in Victoria, featuring rows of hedges and rose gardens near the winning post, and a new indoor viewing area with excellent catering.

In 1963 the Donald Turf Club amalgamated with the Corack club and the Donald & District Race Club was formed. There was a further amalgamation with the Wachem-Birchip club in 1978. Donald & District Club President Shane Wall was instrumental in the formation of the Wimmera Racing Club in1998 and was its inaugural Chairman. It now oversees racing at Donald Racecourse with the aid of the Donald local Committee.