Did you know that Trentham Racecourse is the main horse racing venue for Wellington? It sits in Trentham, Upper Hutt. It is right next to Trentham Military Camp.
The Wellington Racing Club manages the races here. They held their first race way back in January 1906.
Let’s step onto this historic ground. Imagine the excitement of that first race meeting. Feel the anticipation as horses thunder down the track.
Trentham Racecourse has a rich history. The Wellington Racing Club was founded as the Wellington Jockey Club in 1854. Early races took place at Hutt Park and Burnham Water. The Wellington Cup became the Club’s signature race in 1867. The club changed its name in 1879. This showed its role as Wellington’s top racing club. The totalisator was first used at Hutt Park in 1880.
In 1903, the Club decided to build a new course at Trentham. The first race at Trentham Racecourse was on January 20, 1906. Ropa won the Wellington Cup in record time. That record was two minutes 33 seconds for a mile and a half. Three stands were built between 1922 and 1924.
Trentham Racecourse hosts many important races. There’s the Levin Classic. It’s a Group 1 race in January for three-year-olds. The Telegraph Handicap is a Group 1 open race over 1200 meters. The Thorndon Mile is another Group 1 race. The Wellington Cup is a Group 3 race run over 3200 meters. The New Zealand Oaks is for three-year-old fillies.
The Wellington Derby was held here from 1966 to 1986. Linda Jones made history here. She likely became the first woman to win a Derby anywhere. That was in 1979 on Holy Toledo.
The Wellington Cup is a highlight each year. It started in 1874. The race distance has changed over the years. It has been two miles and 3200 and 2400 meters. Queen Elizabeth II even attended in 1970.
Kiwi won the Wellington Cup. Jimmy Cassidy rode him. They then won the 1983 Melbourne Cup. Snow Lupton trained them.
Celebrities have often attended Wellington Cup Day. Rachel Hunter and Rod Stewart were guests in 1994. Sir Edmund Hillary presented the trophy in 1995. Cheryl Ladd and Richard Burgi were there too. Jonah Lomu attended in 1996.
The 2023 Wellington Cup was the 150th edition. The biggest dividend ever paid was $180. That was for Simon de Montfort in 1972.
Several horses have won the Wellington Cup three times. They include Cynisca, Great Sensation, and Castletown. Bob Derrett and Roy Reed each won the race six times as jockeys.
In recent news, part of the racecourse land is being developed. An 850 home housing development and shopping center are planned. This will help the Wellington Racing Club. It will allow them to upgrade facilities.
Trentham Racecourse is more than just a racetrack. It’s a place of history. It is a place of excitement. It is a place of community.