NameHorse RacingDescriptionIn 1861 earliest races were held on the long southern sweeping beach at Shellharbour. If the rider went too close to the surf he would be drenched as the horse galloped along. Horse races reported on the beach stretched south towards Bass Point.
In 1866 the Peterborough course was put to use by T.A. Reddall described as a new course to which went equestrian and pedestrians from various part of the district.
In 1866 horse racing was a favourite sport along the Macquarie. E.H. Weston of Weston’s Meadows made available his racecourse, and meetings attracted up to 300 attending. Settling usually took place at the Albion Park hotel in the evening.
In 1867 reported in the Illawarra Mercury on 28th May, T.A. Reddall advertised his Shellharbour Races for 8th June, the third race being the Peterborough Handicap . Admission to the course, equestrians one shilling and pedestrians 6d each. Signed William Cosgrove Hon. Sec. and Treasurer.
In 1868 the Dunmore race course of George Laurence Fuller was described as adjacent to the Minnamurra River, with frequent events and large crowds. He also laid a racecourse in 1890 at Albion Park Rail between the railway line, Macquarie Rivulet and Lake Illawarra which supplemented the earlier one at Weston’s Meadows.(excerpts Green Meadows William A. Bayley-Illawarra Mercury 28th May 1867).
Betty Martin riding 'Ray' at the Moss Vale Show 1946.