Roebourne Racetrack

Statement of Significance

The Nor West Jockey Club is the oldest continuously run racing club in Western Australia. The races run by the club were an important social event for the early settlers in the area. Today race events are a significant part of social life of the Pilbara, and bring together people in highly anticipated social events.

Physical Description

Occupying a large open area fronting onto the Harding River, the track is of red earth with a railing of old railway line. The open ‘bleacher’ stands are made of steel with a metal roof, adjacent to a large metal building with open bar at trackside. Around the site are corrals and grassed areas for horses, as well as demountables for larger race days.

History

Horse racing has been an annual event in Roebourne since 1867; the first race meeting was held in mid-September of that year. The races were originally held on the left hand side of the Roebourne - Cossack Road, before moving to the present site 1890. The race meetings became important social events, with people travelling in from the outlying stations. Most of the accommodation in the town was booked out during the racing period and additional camps were set up between the racetrack and the river. The horses were ridden long distances from the outlying stations, sometimes taking 3-4 days to arrive. It was therefore important to arrive a suitable time before the races began, to allow the horses to be fully rested for the racing events; people often arrived in town up to two weeks before the actual day of the races. Other social events also occurred around race time, including balls, picnics, concerts and religious services. These festivities extended over a week and over the years became known as Roebourne Race Week. Cyclones have damaged the buildings at the racetrack on many occasions, the latest being cyclone Orson in April 1989. A five-year development program was put in place which was completed in approximately 1995.

Archaeology

There is some archaeological potential for subsurface archaeological remains relating to the early race meetings. Camps were established near the racetrack to accommodate all the visitors to the town during the racing season and it is likely that evidence of these camps is still present; however the ground surface would be impacted considerably during larger race days.

Integrity/Authenticity

Continues to operate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update