Horse racing on the Thames Goldfields was an important and well respected pastime come business for many, many years. For those wanting to know more about the 'sport', the Thames newspapers offer pages of results and related racing news. Even up to the 1950s, pages of the paper are devoted to race results and news from around the district.
Johnny Williams' book " Racing for Gold" gives a full history of racing at The Thames.
An overview of racing at Thames:
-First Thames Race meeting held at Shortland 2 January 1868.
-By mid 1870's racing established, meetings held Parawai and Tararu.
-1901 Thames Jockey Club purchased 50 acres of land from Robert Comer and 43 acres of Native land. Parawai course developed. Track originally left-handed and 6 furlongs. 1926 track altered to a right-handed 7 furlong track.
The Thames Star 4 November 1914, gave the result of the Melbourne Cup that was run Tuesday 3 November 1914. Kingsburgh was first, followed by Sir Alwynton, and Moonbria was third. The irony that the results fit to the side of the reality of war and the reports that were flooding the paper.
Further information:
Check the The Treasury Index for Book references on horses, racing and owners.
