Historical information

The Warrnambool Amateur Turf Club was first formed in September 1859, but didn't become a properly constituted club until April 1873, when a meeting was held at the Commercial Hotel, now the Whaler's Inn, and a committee was elected.Part of the present racecourse of 100 acres was set aside as a racing and recreation reserve in August 1855. It is one of the finest racecourses in Australia, ringed by the gentle slopes of a huge basin.The first race meeting was held on the course in August 1858. The Warrnambool Racing Club has managed racing at Warrnambool since it was formed on 5 April 1873.Apart from a number of smaller meetings held throughout the year, the feature of racing in the district is the Grand Annual Steeplechase. The first steeplechase over the now famous cross-country course was run on 13th June 1872 then known as the Grand Annual Steeplechase. The paddocks now know as Brierly and Granters were first used on that date. The course, over four miles, was made up of different kinds of jumps including a stone wall, a log fence, a ditch and parapet, a paling fence and numerous post and rails.This card has Warrnambool Racing Club acceptances on one side for the Winter steeplechase meeting for the June meeting in 1882. Stansmore Bros. operated livery stables near the Commercial Hotel in Liebig Street around this time having commenced their business in Camperdown.They later moved to Kepler Street. The Stansmore family had a long association with the racing and agricultural industry in the Camperdown and Heytesbury areas.

Significance

This little card has links to one of Warrnambool's premier sporting events and a local business which has strong family connections in the district.

Physical description

Small green card with black text on front and back. Edged with small lined border. The back has a racing schedule.

Inscriptions & markings

Commercial Livery & letting Stables Warrnambool.Stanmore Bros. Warrnambool Racing Club, J.A Archibald Secretary WRC