Barrier
advantages: Of least importance at 1500
The
long and colorful history of the Cairns Jockey Club
started in the townships Mining Exchange Hotel in
July 1884. Over fifty enthusiastic people signed
up for membership and the very first race meeting
was conducted shortly after. The day was proclaimed
a holiday, and the meeting attracted attendees from
as far a field as Herberton and Port Douglas.
The
Cannon family generously donated the land where
the club is currently located, with the first race
meeting held in 1911. Records show that the celebrated
Cairns Cup was first conducted in the early 1900’s,
with only the war years interrupting the continuous
running of this event.
In
recent times several developments have taken place
at Cannon Park. The grandstand was opened 15th July
1972, by the then Minister of Racing the Honorable
Sir Gordon Chalk KBE. It was shortly after that
work was started to an extension which now houses
the main public bar, tote office and windows, and
the Barrier Reef function room. New improvements
include the extension of the gallops track to 1800m,
construction of the horse swimming pool, completion
of the air-conditioned swab stall, upgraded stewards
towers and installation of an improved semaphore
board and photofinish systems.
