Racing on the Gold Coast dates back to the 1890’s when an occasional public meeting was run in the old cane paddocks of Bundall, not far from the present Gold Coast Turf Club.
Regular racing at its present headquarters began on 15 May 1946 when the club was known as the Southport and District Amateur Race Club (formed on 17 March 1946). Racing in those days was on a sand track.
In January 1971, the club began conducting races every Saturday. In August of that year the Club launched the Newmarket-Gold Coast Cup three-day carnival on a quality grass track. Back then the race was sponsored by Carlton and United Breweries and carried prizemoney of just $2,000.
In 1974, the Prime Minister’s Cup was launched, carrying Australia’s richest purse for a provincial race of $30,000 and in 2002, the Prime Minister’s Cup, then sponsored by Conrad Jupiters, became a stand-alone Saturday race meeting.
In 2006 a record crowd of over 7500 people witnessed the running of the Carlton Draught Prime Minister’s Cup which included a record prizepool for the raceday of $1.16million.
Hosting approximately 60 race meetings each season, the Gold Coast Turf Club is also home to several highly anticipated major events. The largest event is the Magic Millions Raceday held in January each year as part of the Magic Millions Carnival & Yearling Sale held over 10 days on the Gold Coast.
Other featured events include the prestigious Melbourne Cup Raceday, Prime Minister’s Cup Carnival, Easter Carnival, Gold Coast Stakes Raceday and Gold Coast City Cup Raceday.
The Gold Coast Turf Club has become one of the most sought after function venues on the Gold Coast. Both Raceday and non-raceday functions are held throughout the year in a number of unique venues including the Winners Circle, Dome, Paradise Room, Board Room, Corporate Suites and the all new Gold Coast Event Centre, our major feature events throughout the year are booked out months prior to the day!
Members and the public have the choice of over a dozen separate bars, restaurants, cafes and bistros. Friendly faces, changing activities and events, a great ambience and the sensational 180 degree views in both members and public lounges will ensure the day’s experience becomes the best social outing you can have.
So… whether with your partner, family, friends, social or sporting club, make a date for a day at the track to soak up a truly exciting and glorious atmosphere.