Woodanilling Trotting Track Site

Statement of Significance

The site is important for its association with the development of recreational activities in the district

History

The formation of Woodanilling Trotting Club in late 1919 saw the first country club formed. This was approved by the Western Australian Trotting Association with certain conditions. The first official meeting took place at Easter (April 3) 1920, with fields of seven to eight horses in each event. These early meetings saw the horses being ridden at a trot instead of the later style of being driven. Stan Dival was the foundation secretary and ER Bell the president. The first trotting races at Woodanilling had been held almost seven years before on a track surveyed around the recreation ground. In August 1920, the secretary announced that a revision of registered horses was taking place and that drivers in future had to obtain a reinsmen's licence. Negotiations were being made for the introduction to the district of a leading trotting sire. The club was to meet on the question of whether race meetings should be held at Woodanilling or Wagin. The trotting club however went defunct in 1926 through a dwindling population and local enthusiasts found it necessary to take their horses to the newly formed Katanning Club's meetings. It was not until 25 years later that a new trotting track was graded north of the recreation ground to give local trainers a place to exercise and train their horses. Among the early identities were Richard Wilcox, Fred Wilson, John Lane, Doug Wilson and Alf Mader. Richard Wilcox was the local handicapper before the WATA rules were imposed. He also raced his own horses. Fred Wilson and John Lane bred and raced their horses in partnership. Their horses were recognised as being top class in the area. Alf Mader used to ride his rough looking little bay mare 'Spanker', whose ability and nature belied her looks. 'Spanker' was a brumby mare of unknown origin. At the 1925 Boxing Day Sports, 'Waroona' (owned and driven by J Dorries) captured the big event of the day, namely the one and a half mile trot. Old 'Spanker', at 2 to 1 on was firm favourite up to the gong, but finished unplaced The attendance was a record, the oval in good condition and although the trotting track was inclined to be heavy, the races were of a good class and well contested 'Spanker' had earlier in the afternoon run second in the handicap trot of PA miles. Later names associated with the sport include Fred and David Moulden (who stood the stallion "Refiner" at their Boyerine farm and Jack King.

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