Avondale Racecourse (End of Racecourse Parade)

The Avondale Jockey Club was founded in 1888. In the beginning, the racetrack was not completely fenced, and simple poles were placed at intervals as course markers. The original grandstand was built on the southern side near Wingate Street. In about 1902, the Jockey Club undertook its first major upgrade, moving the grandstand near Ash Street, and the Tussock and gorse in the centre of the course were removed, allowing spectators to have a clear view of the entire track. Additional land near the corner of Rosebank Road and Ash Street was purchased in 1913, possibly to support the track’s use as a military training centre.

The Third (Auckland) Mounted Rifles was established as a Territorial unit in 1911 and set up camp at Avondale Racecourse in 1912. Many of those trained here became part of the Second Auckland Mounted Rifles during the First World War. The success of this training camp in 1912 was regarded by many as a symbolic justification for both the Defence Act 1909 and the concept of compulsory military training. Racecourse managers gave army staff the use of all buildings. Hutchinson Bros, the grocery firm, supplied the men with goods at town prices via an on-site canteen.

When the Government agreed to form a Māori contingent in September 1914, Avondale’s racecourse was chosen as the site of their training camp. By late October, 500 volunteers were encamped on the racecourse. The Māori name for the Avondale camp was Waiatarua. The First Māori Contingent departed for war in February 1915. That same year in September, the racecourse was accepted as the training camp for the New Zealand Tunnelling Company (made up mainly of engineers and miners). The company of over 400 men left in December. Shortly after the end of the war, a temporary field hospital was setup for victims of the influenza epidemic.

Following the war, the Suburbs Rugby Club was formed, and the racecourse became its home grounds. By the 1920s, rugby had become very popular and the eight fields within the racecourse were in regular use. At the same time, changing rules in horse racing almost led to the closure of the racetrack. The Avondale Borough Council wrote to the Minister of Internal Affairs protesting the proposed revocation of the club’s license, explaining that the course provided grounds for all types of sports. These included a tennis, trotting, bowling, and croquet.

The racecourse survived the threat of closure and continued to host many events. The Bowling Club Pavilion has been used for many local functions such as weddings, dances, and bird shows. When the Avondale Ladies’ Bowling Club was formed in 1945, a second pavilion was built near Victor Street. The racecourse remains a regular site for races and other sporting events, though there has long been discussion about decommissioning the stadium to make room for housing.

Turn around and follow the north side of Racecourse Parade) to Great North Road. Turn left and continue along Great North Road.