How about a trip back in time? Picture Menangle Park Paceway in 1914. The first official race meeting is underway. Gallops echo through the air. A sprinkling of harness racing meetings mark the beginning of an era for the Menangle Park Trotting Club.
Menangle Park Paceway stands as a testament to the rich history of harness racing in New South Wales. It is now known as Tabcorp Park Menangle. This premier trotting track has a story etched in every corner of its grounds.
The Paceway’s history is intertwined with significant events. During World War I, the Australian Army requisitioned the site. It became an army camp for the Light Horse and Camel Corp. Racing resumed in 1920, with both thoroughbred and trotting meetings.
Then came World War II. The Royal Australian Air Force transformed the racecourse into Menangle Aerodrome in 1942. An airstrip cut through the middle of the track. It served as a satellite aerodrome for RAAF Station Schofields. The aerodrome even featured in the film ‘Smithy’ about Charles Kingsford Smith.
After the war, in 1952, the NSW Harness Racing Club acquired the site. They redeveloped it into the paceway we know today. It officially opened on September 26, 1953. A crowd of 5,000 attended. Governor Sir William McKell declared the new trotting track open.
Night trotting arrived at Menangle Park in 1964. The track underwent significant changes in 2000. It transformed from an 800-metre circuit to a state-of-the-art 1400-metre complex. The revamped Menangle Park track officially opened on June 24, 2008. A strong crowd of 8,000 people were there.
Following the closure of Harold Park in 2010, the NSW Harness Racing Club moved all its operations to Menangle Park. It became the showpiece for harness racing in New South Wales. In 2011, Smoken Up ran the first sub 1:50 mile in Australasia. The time was 1:48.5 in the Len Smith Mile.
Today, Menangle Park Paceway hosts over 100 race meetings each year. It is a sought-after venue for functions and festivals. Club Menangle embraces the local community through many functions and charity drives.
Menangle Park is the home of the $2.1 million TAB Eureka. This is the world’s richest harness race. It also hosts the $1 million Garrards Miracle Mile. This is the Southern Hemisphere’s richest sprint race.
Located within the Paceway grounds is Club Menangle Trackside. Major extensions opened in September 2019. They are at the historic Horse and Jockey Inn.
So, next time you’re here at Menangle Park Paceway, remember its storied past. From wartime airbase to premier racing venue. It is a place where history and excitement meet.