Allora Racecourse
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 Interactive map of Allora Racecourse | |
| Location | Allora, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°02′50″S 152°00′31″E / 28.04722°S 152.00861°E |
| Owned by | Allora Race Club |
| Date opened | 1888 |
| Date closed | 1960s |
| Notable races | Allora Cup |
Allora Racecourse was a horse racing track in Allora, Queensland, Australia.
Present Day
The Allora Jockey Club was formed during a meeting held in Allora's Princess of Wales Hotel on October 6, 1888.[1]
On May 11 1935 and May 26 1936, a race was held, hosted by race secretary C. Fogarty. After World War Two ended, horse racing was suspended until the 2nd January, 1949, when a meeting was held. For the next 11 years, the race club secretary was Jack Hilton, who was also the Allora railway station master. On 8 October, the first Allora Cup meeting was held with an overall prize money of £45 and a cup valued at £10. The winner of the inaugural Allora Cup was the horse ‘Nobleman’’ owned by Tom Cowley. According to local racing historian Shirley Murray, the cup meeting was a huge event in the town, with a half-day holiday granted.[1]
On 21 April 1953, during a general business meeting of the Allora Shire Council, the Chairman John Hoey drew attention to the difficulty of keeping the Allora racecourse in order for meetings. After discussion, it resulted in offering the racecourse area to the Allora Race Club to control as trustee.[2]
Since the 1990s, the site of the Allora Racecourse is used to grow sunflower crops every summer. The field is currently owned by Phil and Lisa Crothers. According to Southern Downs agri-tourism co-ordinary Amy Walker, the area is one of the most popular attractions for the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region during the summer months.[3]