Our History
Racing on the Gold Coast dates back to the 1890s when an occasional public meeting was run in the old cane paddocks of Bundall, not far from the present Gold Coast Turf Club.
Regular racing commenced at our current Bundall site on 15 May 1946, then known as the Southport and District Amateur Race Club, marking the beginning of organised racing on the Gold Coast.
The Club officially adopted the name Gold Coast Turf Club, establishing its identity within Queensland racing.
The Newmarket Day became the first live race meeting telecast in Queensland, highlighting the Club’s early innovation in racing coverage.
A landmark year for the Club:
- Transition from a sand track to a grass racing surface, driving a boom in popularity
- Introduction of regular Saturday racing, forming the foundation of today’s racing calendar
The Prime Minister’s Cup was launched, offering the richest provincial race prizemoney in Australia at the time and elevating the Club’s national profile.
The A.D. Hollindale Stand was constructed, expanding facilities and enhancing the raceday experience.
A defining partnership was formed with the Magic Millions Group, transforming the Gold Coast into a premier destination for thoroughbred sales and racing.
Gold Coast City Council declared the surrounding area a special equine precinct, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, reinforcing the Club’s role in the racing industry.
The Gold Coast Turf Club named the most raced-on grass track in the world, hosting 58 race meetings annually.
The Gold Coast Event Centre opened, significantly expanding the Club’s capability as a major events and entertainment venue.
A record crowd of 24,000 people attended the Magic Millions raceday, then Australia’s richest raceday.
The Club entered a long-term partnership with Aquis, supporting continued investment and growth.
The Gold Coast Turf Club played a key operational role during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, hosting the staff and volunteers.
A transformative year:
- The Club navigated the challenges of COVID-19, implementing strict racing protocols
- Announcement of the $63 million Track, Tunnel and Lights redevelopment, one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the Club’s history
Awarded region’s leading honour for business achievements – Gold Coast Business Excellence Tourism, Hospitality and Events Award.
The Track, Tunnel and Lights redevelopment commenced, alongside new partnerships to support industry development, including the partnership with The Industry School’s dedicated Equine Academy.
Plans were lodged for the $370 million “Sunlight” Lifestyle and Entertainment Precinct, signalling the next phase of the Club’s evolution.
Expansion of the Traintech stabling facility increased capacity from 120 to 300 stables, supporting future growth in training and racing.
Our inaugural Silks Under the Stars Night Race meeting took place marking the start of night racing on the Gold Coast.
Racing Queensland unveiled ‘The Racing Institute’ a new state-of-the-art racing education and high-performance training centre at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
Today
From its beginnings in 1946 to its position today as one of Australia’s busiest racecourses, the Gold Coast Turf Club has grown into a leading racing, events, and entertainment destination hosting world-class racing while continuing to invest in the future of the industry.
