Eagle Farm Racecourse Archives

Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline

Queensland’s iconic Eagle Farm Racecourse, a hub of thoroughbred racing in the state, requires a significant redevelopment of its aging John Power Stand before its safety certification expires in August 2026, according to the Brisbane Racing Club.

The Race Against Time

The grandstand at Eagle Farm has surpassed its intended lifespan, with engineering reports confirming it is only “safe for now.” Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) Chief Executive Karl deKroo highlighted the urgency of starting construction work to avoid disruption during key carnival periods and to ensure the venue remains operational while the redevelopment progresses.

The Terraces Eagle Farm racecourse — *Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842*

The proposed project, titled “The Terraces,” aims to replace the John Power Stand with a scaled-down, modern structure suitable for one of Queensland’s premier racing facilities. DeKroo noted that despite the challenges of securing funding amid government priorities like the 2032 Olympics, action is essential to prevent the venue from falling into disrepair.

The replacement of the John Power Stand is part of a broader project, referenced as MID-0524-0842 – Eagle Farm Racecourse, which includes significant upgrades within the “Eagle Farm Grandstand Precinct.” This redevelopment project seeks to align with existing planning approvals and regulatory conditions established through court judgments in 2015 and 2016.

As part of the development process, a public consultation period was conducted from 25 September 2024 to 18 December 2024, allowing stakeholders and community members to review and provide feedback on the project’s plans.

Plans for The Terraces Eagle Farm racecourse — *Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842*

Community and Industry Significance

Eagle Farm Racecourse is more than just a sporting venue. As the heart of thoroughbred racing in Queensland, it plays a vital role in the state’s economy and cultural identity. DeKroo stressed the importance of investing in the venue for the benefit of the entire racing industry, which relies heavily on Eagle Farm’s operations. He also expressed support for past investments in regional and greyhound racing but called for recognition of Eagle Farm’s critical role in metropolitan racing.

The BRC has historically funded its projects independently, including a $50 million training facility that supports the broader industry. However, deKroo argued that this redevelopment requires government collaboration, especially given the project’s broader economic and community implications.

Demolition plans for the grandstand at the Eagle Farm racecourse — *Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842*

Balancing Development and Future Needs

In addition to preserving the racecourse, the BRC sees an opportunity to align with Queensland’s preparations for the 2032 Olympics. DeKroo suggested that nearby Doomben Racecourse could serve Olympic-related needs, such as hosting equestrian quarantine facilities or training fields, providing an enduring community benefit.

While the project timeline is tight, the BRC remains committed to ensuring Eagle Farm Racecourse remains a key part of Queensland’s racing and cultural heritage. With the 2026 deadline, the BRC emphasised the importance of starting enabling works immediately to avoid operational disruptions.

Published 6-Jan-2025

Fine Cotton Fiasco: Eagle Farm Racecourse at the Centre of Notorious Horse Racing Scandal

Photo Credit: Trove

Flashback to 1984: Remember the Fine Cotton Affair that rocked Aussie racing? It all went down at Eagle Farm Racecourse when a sneaky switcheroo saw a slowpoke named Fine Cotton replaced with a speed demon called Bold Personality.

This audacious plot to fleece the bookies became a legendary tale of racing shenanigans, forever stamping Eagle Farm’s place in Aussie turf history.

In 1984, a racehorse named Fine Cotton was secretly replaced with a faster horse, Bold Personality, in an attempt to defraud bookmakers at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane.

The Fine Cotton Fiasco

The elaborate scheme was orchestrated by John Gillespie, who hatched the plan while serving time in Boggo Road Gaol. Gillespie had previously attempted a similar scam in 1982 but avoided prosecution. This time, he involved horse trainer Hayden Haitana and others in a plot to switch Fine Cotton with a horse named Dashing Solitaire. However, when Dashing Solitaire was injured, they were forced to use Bold Personality instead.

The conspirators tried to disguise Bold Personality with hair dye and paint to resemble Fine Cotton. However, the disguise was poorly done, and the horse’s true identity was quickly suspected. Despite this, Bold Personality, disguised as Fine Cotton, won the race. However, stewards noticed the suspicious betting activity on the horse and the obvious disguise. The horse was disqualified, and an inquiry was launched.

Eagle Farm’s Place in History

As it became known, this tarnished Eagle Farm Racecourse’s reputation. The incident exposed the racing industry’s vulnerabilities and raised questions about security and integrity. The racecourse, a popular venue for Brisbane residents, became synonymous with one of the most audacious scams in Australian sporting history.

The Aftermath

As it became known, the said affair resulted in several people, including Gillespie and Haitana, being banned from racecourses for life. Even high-profile figures like bookmakers Bill and Robbie Waterhouse were implicated in the scandal. The incident remains one of the most infamous scandals in Australian horse racing history.

Published Date 02-January-2025

Eagle Farm Racecourse Enhances Accessibility with Stylish New Lift

The Eagle Farm Racecourse has taken a significant step towards improving accessibility for all visitors with the installation of a sleek new lift in its top-level hospitality area.

Read: Did You Know that the Eagle Farm Racecourse Was a Military Camp in WW2?

The addition of this state-of-the-art elevator not only enhances the venue’s functionality but also complements its elegant atmosphere.

The two-stop Linea DDA lift, made by Direct Lifts Australia features a sophisticated black finish and framed sliding doors. Its design adds a touch of modern chic to the historic racecourse, demonstrating that accessibility solutions can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Eagle Farm — Photo credit: Direct Lifts Australia/Facebook

Equipped with cutting-edge hydraulic motor technology, the lift ensures a smooth and whisper-quiet ride for patrons. This feature is particularly valuable in maintaining the refined ambiance of the hospitality area, allowing guests to move between levels without disruption.

The Linea DDA lift is not just about looks and comfort; it’s built for longevity and efficiency. Designed for easy use and maintenance, it promises years of reliable service. Its low power consumption aligns with modern sustainability practices, making it an environmentally conscious choice for the racecourse.

This upgrade at Eagle Farm Racecourse reflects a growing trend in the events and hospitality industry to prioritise inclusive design. By ensuring that all areas are easily accessible, the venue is opening its doors wider to patrons of all abilities, allowing everyone to enjoy the thrills and excitement of race day.

Read: Historic John Power Grandstand Faces Demolition in Eagle Farm Racecourse Revamp

The installation of this lift is more than just an addition of infrastructure; it’s a statement of Eagle Farm’s commitment to providing a premier experience for all its visitors. As the racecourse continues to blend its rich history with modern amenities, this new lift stands as a symbol of progress, ensuring that the venue remains at the forefront of accessibility and guest comfort in Brisbane’s vibrant sporting and social scene.

Published 9-October-2024

Bernborough Ascot, Retirement Village Takes Shape

Bernborough Ascot, a new high-rise retirement living development is taking shape in as part of a large-scale renewal project transforming the city’s Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourse precincts.

The $270 million complex by retirement village operator Keyton has reached a construction milestone with the topping out of its second building called Poinciana House. The 53-apartment tower is set for completion in early 2025.

Bernborough Ascot claims to be the nation’s first vertical retirement community integrated within a racecourse precinct. Its first stage, the sold-out Fig Tree House, has already opened.

While pioneering the high-rise retirement living concept in Brisbane, the development is also garnering attention for its green credentials as one of the first in Australia to achieve a 6-Star Green Star sustainability rating.

Nathan Cockerill, Keyton’s CEO, says the project aims to create “connected, diverse retirement communities” with an emphasis on amenities that promote resident wellbeing and social engagement.

In addition to stylishly appointed independent living apartments, Poinciana House will feature resort-style facilities like a rooftop terrace, restaurant, outdoor entertaining areas, pool, gym and allied health consulting rooms.

The development forms part of the $1.5 billion Brisbane Racing Club master plan to revitalise the Doomben and Eagle Farm racing precinct into a mixed-use destination with residential, commercial and recreational elements.

For the established Ascot neighbourhood, the arrival of a new cohort of over-55s residents could spur demand for more age-friendly infrastructure and services while adding density to the inner-city suburb.

With Australia’s senior population continuing to grow, retirement operators are exploring innovative housing models like vertical villages to meet the changing needs and lifestyle expectations of this demographic.

Published 16-June-2024

Affordable Housing and Community Hub Proposed for Eagle Farm Racecourse

Editor’s Note: The original story referred to the planned affordable housing and community hub as “proposed” in the headline and the body of the article; however, the first paragraph inadvertently misstated that “40 hectares of a 49-hectare site have been acquired.” The wording has been corrected below to “40 hectares of a 49-hectare site have been proposed to be acquired.” We would like to express our thanks to the Brisbane Racing Club for pointing out the error and would also like to extend our apologies for any inconvenience or confusion caused by the same.

Forty hectares of a 49-hectare site have been proposed to be acquired by BCC to transform the Eagle Farm racecourse into a new, sustainable community hub and build 4,000 publicly-owned rent-capped apartments alongside new parklands, native forests, and schools.

Read: Public Views on Eagle Farm Affordable Housing Plan Sought

The proposal comes amid a deepening housing affordability crisis in Brisbane that has seen rents surge over 20 percent in the past year.

Racecourse vision (Photo credit: www.jonathansri.com)

The Greens have long held that Council should work with State and Federal governments and local First Nations groups to ultimately restore land ownership to a non-profit First Nations-controlled community organisation. Also, they said that any renewal of Eagle Farm racecourse should prioritise benefits for the broader Brisbane community, rather than principally enriching racing insiders and developers.

The Plan

According to the Greens, a new medium-density walkable neighbourhood could provide:

10 hectares of five-storey mixed-use buildings spread around the site, with ground-floor shops, offices and services. This would create 4000 publicly-owned rent-capped homes for 10 000 residents, plus 75,000m2 of publicly owned ground floor services and commercial tenancies, with space for supermarkets, shops and services
More than half the site opened up as public green space including native forest/bushland, parks, sports fields, urban farms and food forests (25 hectares)
Public services and facilities including a new primary school, high school, major library, community centre and publicly-run bulk-billing medical clinic (5 hectares)
Preservation of existing heritage buildings and features for live music, hospitality and the arts, with the racetrack itself repurposed as a 2km tree-fringed walking and cycling circuit
Upgraded public transport with trains every 15 minutes and disability upgrades for Ascot Station, plus free, frequent buses connecting through the site to neighbouring suburbs like the high-density precinct at Northshore Hamilton.

Possible public housing and community facilities (Photo credit: www.jonathansri.com)

“Inner-city racecourses are a ridiculous waste of land, and Eagle Farm Racecourse is a massive 49-hectare, flood-free site, just 5km from the city and located directly beside Ascot train station. It’s the ideal place for new medium-density publicly-owned housing,” mayoralty candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan said.

Member Stephen Bates also highlighted that Brisbane is undergoing massive population growth yet remains in the depths of a housing affordability crisis. He stated that it is time to take bold action and properly plan for the homes and facilities that the city’s communities need.

“That’s why (we) are pleased to call for public feedback on a bold proposal to replace Eagle Farm Racecourse with 4000 publicly-owned rent-capped apartments, parkland, and community infrastructure like new schools, a neighbourhood centre, library, and more,” Mr Bates said.

Read: New School Openings Prompt Catchment Changes Across Brisbane

Those who would like to give their feedback may answer the survey here.

Published 15-November-2023

Did You Know that the Eagle Farm Racecourse Was a Military Camp in WW2?

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

For more than 150 years, the Eagle Farm Racecourse has been highly regarded as one of Queensland’s best racecourses. Did you know that it was once called Camp Ascot, the first military camp established by US Army troops in Australia during the Second World War?

Horseracing in Eagle Farm

Queenslanders enjoyed horse racing before the 1850s in Moreton Bay and New Farm.

Following the closure of the New Farm racecourse in the 1860s, a new site with a grandstand that could seat 350 people was planned in Ascot. The opening of the Ascot Railway Station a few years later brought more race-goers to the racecourse.

Established in 1863, the site then known as Ascot Racecourse or Brisbane Racecourse did not just host horse racing activities but also social and business events.

A news feature on Eagle Farm Racecourse from the 1880s. — Photo Credit: Trove/National Library of Australia

Upon the opening of the Eagle Farm Racecourse, the Queensland Turf Club (QTC) assumed leadership and created the Brisbane Racecourse Act in the 1870s. QTC also sought to offer the facilities for other purposes to fund its maintenance and operation. Thus, cricket and polo matches, as well as various club events and meetings, were also hosted on the racecourse.

Racegoers watching a close race. — Photo Credit: Trove/National Library of Australia

Between the 1880s to the 1930s, the Eagle Farm Racecourse saw a lot of expansions and improvements to address the congestion as railway facilities were updated with more stations in the northside amidst the boom in the racing industry.

More news about the racecourse developments. — Photo Credit: Trove/National Library of Australia

The new Leger Stand. — Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Before World War II, the racecourse had an overhead pedestrian bridge, a new Members’ Stand, a lavatory block, and an extension to the St Leger Stand.

1941: Building Camp Ascot and Camp Doomben

On the 22nd of December in 1941, the ‘Pensacola’ Convoy reached Brisbane’s Brett’s Wharf at Hamilton. The first US Army troops marched up Racecourse Road and there they established tented sites, Camp Ascot and Camp Doomben, at the racecourses.

Camp Ascot military tents. — Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council Library

During the war, the only racecourse to operate as intended was the Albion Race Track.

As an important sporting and recreation facility in Brisbane, Queenslanders did not allow the Americans to alter the buildings or damage the three concentric racetracks. Inspite of that, the Americans still received personal items, such as writing paper, library books and magazines from the Australian Comforts Fund.

1942: Arrival of the 648th US Engineer Regiment

The US Engineer Regiment described the camp as a “big fancy racetrack” in spite of its meagre facilities. The troops had to chop wood every day to supply the kitchen’s fireplace. The kitchen itself only had a makeshift tin shack with coal stoves, an open hearth with primitive utensils. The men slept on the wooden floors of their tents and bathed in the open-air showers.

The entrance to Eagle Farm Racecourse Camp Ascot. — Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council Library

1943-1944: Camp Turns Into Tent City

Colonel Harold Doud’s Special Intelligence Service (SIS) relocated into Camp Ascot, which was packed with U.S. Army Bell Tents. They placed a temporary movie theatre in the main grandstand and added two warehouses including a Mess Hall with a reading room in the member’s car park. They placed prefabricated, de-mountable huts around the camp but outside the fenced racing circle.

The tented army camp at the Eagle Farm Racecourse — Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council Library

The officers at Camp Ascot — Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial

By August 1945, the SIS vacated Camp Ascot and moved to San Miguel in the Philippines.

In May 1946, the Victory Cup Meeting marked the return of racing to the Eagle Farm Racecourse.

Additional features like a camera tower, the Judge’s Box, the John Power Stand, and the Race Day Stalls were added to the site between the 1950s to the 1980s.

Eagle Farm Racecourse Today

The Eagle Farm Racecourse was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2004 as a combined entry with the Ascot Railway Station. The Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) now manages the racecourse after a merger with the QTC.

Eagle Farm Racecourse in present day. — Photo credit: Queensland Government/apps.des.qld.gov.au

The BRC upgraded the racetracks and associated facilities following a $1.2 billion development project. The BRC also introduce non-racing developments with the continued operation for the racing facilities.

A new access road and a residential tower, as well as a boutique hotel, were completed in 2018. The racecourse could also accommodate over 1,600 cars in its refurbished carpark during major race days.

Meanwhile, the Ascot Railway Station was electrified in 1988. Passenger service lines have been limited to Doomben in 1998, where there are newer bus connections.

Two FREE Christmas Events at the Eagle Farm Racecourse

Photo credit: Eagle Farm Racecourse / Facebook

Did you know that the Brisbane Racing Club is hosting two FREE Christmas events for the entire family to enjoy at the Eagle Farm Racecourse?

On 18 December 2021, Birralee Choir, Excelsior band, Opera Queensland, and St Rita’s College will fill the air with the magical sound of Christmas carols at St Leger Lawn at the Eagle Farm Racecourse.

Families will also have the opportunity to browse through artisan stalls at the creative market for some last-minute Christmas gift shopping. A curated selection of food stalls will also be on hand to give market-goers and spectators that much-needed calorie boost.

Photo credit: 2020 – 2025 Brisbane Racing Club / brc.com.au

On 22 December 2021, be sure to bring the entire family to the Public Lawn at the Eagle Farm Racecourse for a night of Christmas laughter and cheer as the Brisbane Racing Club presents the Christmas Movie on the Big Screen featuring ELF. The film follows the adventures of Buddy (Will Ferrer), who was raised by Santa’s elves, as he travels to New York in search of his biological father whilst donning his elf outfit.

Completing this family movie event is Brisbane Racing Club’s line-up of free family-friendly activities to delight especially the kids including face painting plus a special appearance from Santa Claus before the movie starts.

Please note that starting Friday 17 December 2021, BRC will be implementing the State Government vaccination mandate that allows only double-vaccinated patrons entry to hospitality venues, including Brisbane Racing Club. So, be sure to bring along your Government-issued COVID-19 vaccination certificate to the event.

What: Ascot Green Christmas Carols and Markets – to register, click here

When: Saturday 18 December 2021, 5pm – 8pm

Where: St Leger Lawn, Eagle Farm Racecourse

What: Christmas Movie on the Big Screen – ELF – to register, click here

When: Wednesday 22 December, 2021, 5pm – 8pm

Where: Public Lawn, Eagle Farm Racecourse

Brisbane Racing Club To Feature Exciting Events For Spring Racing Carnival 2021

Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club

Are you ready for Brisbane Racing Club’s Spring Racing Carnival 2021? Racing, entertainment, fashion and fun will all come together at the Spring Racing Carnival 2021 in Ascot, promising six days of live local races, all-day entertainment, and interstate action on super screens around the course.

Read: 5 Interesting Activities To Do At The TradeCoast Central Heritage Park Interpretive Centre

The Spring Racing Carnival kicked off with the XXXX Queensland Cup Raceday on 9 October 2021 at the Eagle Farm Racecourse, where guests were entertained with performances from Stafford Brothers, two of Brisbane’s most acclaimed DJs.

If you missed the starting event, check out the five remaining race days happening until 6 November.

Super Saturday RaceDay

Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook

16 October 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse

Interstate feature races the Caulfield Cup and TAB Everest will be accompanied by a stellar racecard at Eagle Farm Racecourse. Then there’s the Oscar Salons Fashions on the Field, pop-up bars and food stalls trackside to make Super Saturday RaceDay one to remember.

Oscar Oscar Salons Ladies RaceDay

23 October 2021 | Doomben Racecourse

Watch the Cox Plate as it happens, with the screens on course showing the legendary race live. Accompanying the interstate action is a thrilling race card at Doomben.

Moët & Chandon Derby RaceDay

30 October 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse

The height of luxury is showcased on Moet & Chandon Derby RaceDay, one of the most prestigious days of spring racing shown live on the screens around the course. The racing action continues on course at Eagle Farm with an exciting race card. The thrill from the track and screens spill out onto the grounds with monochromatic fashion, incredible gastronomy, and vibrant entertainment to get the heart racing.

Canadian Club Melbourne Cup RaceDay

2 November 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse

Eagle Farm will be on the largest screen in the Southern Hemisphere as the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup is shown around the course. The glamour doesn’t stop there with plenty of entertainment, Oscar Oscar Salons Fashions on the Field, pop-up bars and eateries trackside to make this a Melbourne Cup RaceDay to remember.

Teddy Bears Picnic Family RaceDay

6 November 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse

This reinvigorated raceday will host exciting family friendly experiences on and off the track. Enjoy an array of jumping castles proudly provided by AstroJump, seasonal culinary delights and a family themed Fashions On The Field that emulates the style and excitement of this raceday.

To buy your tickets and for more details on the upcoming events, visit BRC’s website or follow them on Facebook.

Big Screen on the Green to Feature the Most Romantic Valentine Date Movie

There’s a good chance you’ve seen one of the most popular and most romantic Valentine date movies ever made. But if you’re up for a walk down memory lane — with your partner, friends, or teenage kids — pack a picnic blanket and some pillows, and then head down to the Eagle Farm Racecourse for Big Screen on the Green on Friday, the 14th of February 2020.

“Pretty Woman,” the blockbuster film that catapulted Julia Roberts to international stardom, will be screening at Big Screen on the Green for Valentine’s. There’s no better way to enjoy this ultimate ’90s romantic comedy but on the biggest screen in the Southern Hemisphere during the most romantic night of the year!

*Photo Credit: Big Screen on the Green/Facebook*

For an unforgettable Valentine’s, don’t stress over packing some picnic snacks for Big Screen on the Green.

You can dine under the stars, treat your loved one, or share a wonderful night with your best friend with a set of food packages for a relaxing and filling night. Each food package is good for two people.

Charcuterie Hamper Package	Gourmet hamper including artisan charcuterie, cured & smoked salumeria, farmhouse cheeses, potted pâté, homemade dip, lavosh, breads, espresso martini chocolate opera cake, French-style macaron & chocolate dipped strawberries
Seafood Hamper Package	Gourmet hamper including fresh Noosa prawns, 8 Tassie natural oysters, gin & kaffir lime-cured salmon, crusty baguette, farmhouse cheese, piccalilli, espresso martini chocolate opera cake, French-style macaron & chocolate dipped strawberries
Galentine’s Hamper Package	Gourmet hamper including three-cheese pumpkin & chive Portuguese savoury tartlet, ribbon New York deli sandwich w Dijon mustard & cress, prosciutto-wrapped strawberry, smoked salmon, triple crème brie, espresso martini chocolate opera, French-style macaron, Turkish delight

Alternatively, you can go big on your romantic gesture with a decadent three-course meal, which comes with a bottle of wine and a long-stemmed rose. You and your date will be seated at a premiere romantic spot with a good view of the movie.

Book your seats to this fun, romantic evening via Brisbane Racing Club. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. but the movie will begin as soon as it gets dark. In the event of a shower or thunderstorm, there are covered seatings available with good vantage points of the screen as well.

Girls’ Day Out: Most Glamorous, Ultimate Raceday Event Is Back

This summer, prepare to have your most glamorous time at the races yet! The ultimate raceday event, Girls’ Day Out, is returning for another popping party at the Eagle Farm Racecourse.

Ring your girlfriends and prepare your floral dress with matching fascinators as Girls’ Day Out gets underway on Saturday, the 22nd of February 2020. The party begins at 10:30 a.m. with a lot of exciting activities to experience until 6:00 p.m.

Fancy the latest trends? Then be at the all-new Stradbroke Plaza Precinct for Fashions on the Field. While you’re there, sample some mouthwatering tasty treats or quench your thirst at the pop-up bars and gourmet restaurants.

Within the same area, you can enjoy some lavish pampering at the complimentary Pamper Bar and Henna Tattooists section. For some thrills, get a peek into your future by consulting with tarot card readers.

If you’d like some tête-à-tête with your best friend, opt for the Royal High Tea from Sirromet Wine or chill out together at My Mexican Deck from Sauza Tequila Gold.

A number of live entertainment will be underway across the racecourse, headed by the award-winning Timotomatic, who will dish out his danceable hits on the Main Stage. Roving circus performers will be dazzling guests along with the impressive Queens of the Track.

A crew made up of “Gentlemen To Help” will be going around the racecourse to assist guests. Speaking of which, gents are welcome to tag along with their wives, girlfriends or gal pals even as this party is catered for women. They may also enjoy the same activities as the girls or watch the races live.

To wrap up Girls’ Day Out, an after-party will be taking place at the Society Rooftop Bar.

There will be plenty to do at Girls’ Day Out with everything happening in one place. To check the packages and score tickets, visit the event page online.

The event is presented by Priceline Pharmacy Ascot and James Street.