Tauherenikau Racecourse - early days

The Wairarapa Racing Club was formed on 21 April 1862. After holding meetings in other parts of the Wairarapa for 10 years, it shifted to Tauherenikau in 1874. The photo above, taken in 1915, shows part of the racecourse, looking towards the grandstand.  02-299/32

Race meeting at Tauherenikau, c1905 - 07-117/42



The Birdcage at Tauherenikau Racecourse. At right is Norman Shepherd. William Bidwill is behind the cup. The woman at right may be his wife. 13-156/11-55

Cup presentation, c1925-1933 - 13-156/6-11.digital

Greytown saddler Walter Armstrong had a lifetime interest in horse racing. An owner, trainer and jockey, he was the first jockey to ride at Tauherenikau - 02-194

Annie Carlyon (right) and her sister Nell Therkleson at the races at Tauherenikau. The woman in the centre is not identified. The photo was taken in the 1920s.

Annie Carlyon (left) and Elsie Carlyon in the grounds of Tauherenikau Racecourse on race day, 1945-1950 - 10-151/3-22

Horses boxes at Tauherenikau, c1930 - 92-8/238b

Racecourse gardens, c1910-1930 - 11-164/38

The park-like grounds make Tauherenikau one of the loveliest racecourses in the country.  The two photos above, dating from the early 1900s, show two views of the ornamental lake. In the second a man and boy are feeding ducks. 02-299/7

Trees and bush near Tauherenikau Racecourse, circa 1930 - 92-8/240a

Kiosk and tea pavilion, 1910 - 92-8/200

A 1920 photo of the Stewards' stand - 90-017/811

Finish of the Hurdles Race, Easter Monday, 1897 - 92-8/205

New Year Meeting, 1936 - 92-8/246

Sources:
Wairarapa Racing Club
Wairarapa Archives