Cluden Racecourse, historic site in Queensland, Australia
Cluden Racecourse is a horse racing venue in Townsville, Queensland, with buildings dating from the late 1800s that are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. The site features a grandstand with wooden seating, a weatherboard totalisator building, timber entrance gates, and ancillary structures spread across the racing track.
The racecourse was established in the 1880s and its buildings were destroyed by a cyclone in 1896, after which architect Walter Howard Tunbridge designed the structures that still stand today. During World War II, the site served as a military camp, yet races continued on weekends to maintain morale for troops and the local community.
The racecourse is a gathering place where the community has come together for horse racing and social events for generations. The buildings and the way people use the space on race days reflect the deep connection between sport and community life in Townsville.
The racecourse is located near central Townsville on a quiet street and is easily walkable from town. Facilities include seating areas, toilets, and food services available during race days and regular visits.
After a devastating cyclone in 1896 destroyed the original buildings, architect Tunbridge rebuilt the grandstand with a bright, open design that has remained largely unchanged. The locally-bred racehorse Hedui won numerous prestigious races, showcasing the strength of the regional racing scene in the post-war era.
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