Eagle Farm Racecourse, Horse racing venue in Ascot, Australia
Eagle Farm Racecourse is a horse racing venue in the Ascot suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, with a turf track that runs in a clockwise direction. The grounds also include a range of function spaces, some of which overlook the track directly.
The racecourse was founded in 1863, making it one of the oldest racing venues in Australia. During World War II it served as Camp Ascot, housing American troops from 1941 to 1946, after which it returned to horse racing.
The Paddock Stands were designed in 1889–1890 by the partnership Hunter and Corrie with architect John H. Buckeridge, who also designed the stables and sheds. The name Eagle Farm comes from the site's earlier use as a farm. Ascot railway station, on the Doomben line, has direct access to the grounds.
The venue sits directly next to Ascot railway station, so arriving without a car is straightforward. On race days it is worth getting there early to find your way around the different areas of the grounds before the action starts.
On 15 August 1883 the course hosted the first rugby union match in Brisbane, Queensland against New South Wales; it is also recorded as the first match anywhere at which the referee used a whistle.
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