History
The Origins of the Three Racing Codes in Western Australia
Thoroughbred
The first thoroughbred meeting in WA was held in 1836, only seven years after the foundation of the Swan River Colony.
In 1848 Ascot Racecourse held its first meeting.
The West Australian Turf Club was formed in 1852 and in 1868 A F Lee Steere became the Chairman, starting over 100 years of Lee Steere family involvement with racing in WA.
1887 saw the first running of the Perth Cup.
By the turn of the century racing had established itself as a popular sport in the country, with expansion into York (1843), Bunbury (1855) and Kalgoorlie (1896).
In 1903 Belmont Racecourse opened.
Over the years metropolitan racing has also conducted meetings at Canning Park, Goodwood and Helena Vale racecourses.
Harness Racing
Trotting races have been held in Western Australia since as early as 1887 as an attraction at the annual Perth Royal Show, held by the Royal Agricultural Society.
1910 saw the formation of the Western Australian Trotting Association.
Races were initially held at Belmont Park, Claremont Showgrounds and then the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) ground, where night racing was introduced in 1914.
In 1929 Brennan Park (later named Gloucester Park) held its first race meeting.
WA was at the forefront of the establishment of the Inter Dominion Championship and the inaugural series was held at Gloucester Park in 1936.
Greyhound
After several years of debate in parliament greyhound racing was finally introduced to WA in 1974 when the first meeting was held at Cannington Central.
Strong growth saw greyhound racing expand outside the metro area into Mandurah (1979) and Northam (1996).