Longford Racecourse history highlighted

Thoroughbreds in training galloped past as interpretive signage was unveiled by Racing Minister Jane Howlett to recognise the remarkable history of the Longford Racecourse.

As the country’s longest continuously operating racetrack, still in use every New Year’s Day for the Longford Cup meeting, and the only training track in the region, its importance is now outlined for all to see.

Locals Dennis Pettyfor and Neil Tubb followed through with an idea to highlight the significance of the Longford Racecourse after concerns were raised in a Longford Local District Committee meeting about the future of the land.

Former racing journalist Peter Staples put together the stories, Tasracing agreed to fund the project and also, in conjunction with the Northern Midlands Council, transformed the sign’s location on the corner of Cracroft and Anstey Sts, with landscaping and picnic table and seats donated by Longford Rotary Club.

The new sign features the artwork of renowned local artist Michael McWilliams, who was also delighted to attend the opening.

Its wording covers a colourful history, from the record crowds attending the first meeting in 1845 to the first Longford Plate winner, Yoeman, owned by Henry Gee of Breadalbane, to the herculean effort of Longford Racing Club devotee Jim Osborne (see his memoirs every fortnight in Tasmanian Country) in almost single handedly racing the money to rebuild the racecourse grandstand after it was destroyed by fire in 1991.

At Thursday’s unveiling, former jockey and signage working committee member Max Baker said the memories came flooding back, of his childhood when he attended the races regularly to the success on the track with horses like Maefred and Double Grand.

“We hope that local and visitors will take the time to read the sign and appreciate how lucky we are to have this great facility.”

Minister Howlett congratulated Tasracing and the Longford community on their efforts to preserve the history of thoroughbred racing in the district. 

“The Longford Cup has been held since 1845 and it remains the oldest racetrack in Australia still holding race meetings,” Minister Howlett said.

“Congratulations to the members of the working group, Tasracing, the Northern Midlands Council and the Rotary Club of Longford, without whose contributions this would not have been possible.

“The history board details some fantastic achievements at the course including the jockey Bev Buckingham who rode five cup winners and Max Baker who won two cups and nine Tasmanian jockey premierships.

“This board tells the story of a community, and its existence is a collaboration between community, which speaks to the amazing things that happen when communities come together.”