Australia Bush / Picnic Races

[Scanman]

During this period of isolation, I thought I would share some of the uniqe racing experiences throughout the world. It seems many on the board are drawn to Australian racing, so I figured I'd start there. Each day I will try to post 5 video links to Aussie bush / picnic races. I'm going to start with tracks I had the chance to visit. Here goes:

Crookwell and District (NSW) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSBsGk3Q0DI
The track is about 3 hours southwest of Sydney, that only gets one day a year. It's a horse-shoed layout that has no "clubhouse turn" leading to the backstretch. You'll see how they run into a field after the race.

Yass (NSW) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8ylQYeFP04
The track is about 3 hours southwest of Sydney, that only gets one day a year. It's an oval with a stiff uphill finish. Since my visit, it looks like they added a mirror at the finish line to help with photos.

Gilgandra (NSW) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOtf7da1NMs (race starts about 6 seconds in)
The track is a little over 5 hours northwest of Sydney, that usually gets around 8 days a year. It's a pretty flat oval. Notice the golfers having a game in the infield stopping to watch the race.

Mareeba (QLD) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wTClTj77UY
The track is about 20 hours north of Brisbane, but we were staying in Townsville at the time, so it was only about a 4 1/2 hour drive. Recently, they've only received 2 race days a year. The track is pretty flat, but is more of a circle than an oval.

Chinchilla (QLD) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft5zX4DMf_M
The track is 3 1/2 hours west of Brisbane that gets 4 days a year. The track is a standard oval. Enjoy the call of this race. One horse's name in particular. Don't think it would have gotten through here.

[RunForTheRoses]

Nice!

It seems there is not a horse shortage there like there is in North America.

[Scanman]

Have a couple more from NSW, then down to Victoria. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any clips from Mallawa (which is very similar to Crookwell) or Gulgong. Here is today's installment.

Moree (NSW) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZcOVMnOOCY
The track is a little over 7 hours north of Sydney. It's an oval, but the far turn is more of an small straight between the backstretch and homestretch. They get around a dozen dates a year, but still host picnic level meetings.

Quinindi (NSW) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXJs2dLkiRI
The track is about 5 hours north of Sydney. It's triangular shaped with a significant rise from the 1400 meter mark to the 400. It's one of the few track that I've been to that has a downhill homestretch. They would be a small step up from the picnics that gets between 8-12 days a year.

Dederang (VIC) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCHlT5RgRyY
The track is about 3 1/2 hours northeast of Melbourne. It's an oval with a much longer first turn than far turn, not quite pear-shaped, but close. It's all uphill from the 1600 meter mark to around the 1300 mark. The 1000 meter races are all downhill when coming out of the far turn it's a stiff uphill finish. They only get one day a year.

Hinnomunjie (VIC) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqAmDHaPRow
The track is 5 hours east of Melbourne and is in the bush in every sense of the word. The last 1 1/2 hour was particularly harrowing; narrow, winding two-lane road. Tough enough during the daytime, I couldn't imagine doing it at night when the 'roos and wombats come out. I'm not looking forward to driving it again to visit Swifts Creek, though the drive is not as far. It's kind of box-shaped and very similar to Dederang in regards to the uphill natrue from the 1800 meter mark to the 1200; downhill from the 800 with only a 200 meter stretch. Only one day a year there.

Woolamai (VIC) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1xBSfOxUY
The track is just a short 1 1/2 hour from Melbourne towards the south coast. It's a mainstay of the picnic circuit. A very typical oval layout with a slight rise up the homestretch and decline down the backstretch. The most unique feature is the 1000 meter chute (the clip is from there). It's a 600 meter run from the start to the apex of the home turn. They get 5 days a year.

[Scanman]

Got sidetracted the last couple of days. Here's a few more from Victoria:

Balnarring - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fm5_mGFNnw
The track is an hour south of Melbourne. Another oval, though the first turn is more of a mini-straight. It's pretty flat, with a slight rise through the stretch. They get 5 to 6 days a year.

Drouin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKJWYts8pT0
The track is slightly over an hour to the east of Melbourne. It's kind of pair-shaped with a long, sweeping far turn. Fairly undulating, the rises are up and through both turns with downhill runs down the backstretch and homestretch. The sight lines are not great because the track runs right through Drouin Golf and Country Club; 6 holes are played through the infield. They only get one day a year, always on December 26th, and features Australia's only female racecaller, Victoria Shaw.

Mansfield - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXAToOY2cDo
The track is two and half hours northeast of Melbourne, well into the bush. It's an oblong shape with a chute going through the first turn to allow for 1200 meter races. It's pretty flat throughout and gets two days a year.

Hanging Rock - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ucnyl-DD5M
The track is an hour north of Melbourne. It's a standard oval, with an uphill backstretch and downhill homestretch. It's sits right below the volcanic rock formation whereby it gets its name. It also is located next to kangaroo reserve. The day I visited, a 'roo that had been in the infield, woke up and started hopping throughout the infield. The outriders eventually were able to get it off the course. This track is must see if you ever get to that part of Victoria during January. They only get two days a year.

Colac - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDlfuXidbXA
The track is two hours southwest of Melbourne. It's ovalish with a longer first turn and much tighter, downhill far turn. The most unique feature of this track is the stiff uphill rise in the backstretch from the 1200 to the 800 meter mark. Downhill from the 800 and then around a rather sharp turn as they hit the top of the stretch. A course walk on a non-raceday would be a bonus. They get three days a year.

[Scanman]

Not sure if there is much interest in this thread, but I'll throw up 5 more. These are tracks that I haven't been to (hopefully someday). They are well and truly in the bush.

Landor (WA) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7jstgdbD7M
The track is 13 hours north of Perth. It's a circle with 4 different chutes for the various distances. No starting gate there, but the outriders do a pretty good job getting them off to a pretty level start. They get two days a year.

Tennant Creek (NT) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8B9I_IKIv0
The track is 10 hours south of Darwin. It has an oblong shape whereby the first turn is more of a mini-straight. Only one day a year.

Ceduna (SA) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ72wHigCVU
The track is a little over 8 hours northwest of Adelaide. It's a standard oval that looks like it has a downhill backstretch with an uphill finish. They get two days a year.

Broken Hill (NSW) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf62EgIHTSQ (race starts about 2 minutes in)
The track is 13 hours west of Sydney. It's egg shaped. Only the homestretch is straight. They get two days a year.

Mount Isa (QLD) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTW_GSwKiCU
The track is 20 hours northwest of Brisbane. A standard oval with only one chute at the top of the backstretch. This must be the epicenter of bush racing in western Queenland. They get betwee 12-16 days a year.

[Hambletonian]

I love these videos, great to see all these interesting tracks.

Thanks for posting!

[Scanman]

I love these videos, great to see all these interesting tracks.

Thanks for posting!Many thanks Hambo. I'll keep them coming.

[alydar]

These are great to watch! Thanks

[spang99]

Good stuff, thank you. Saw a runner last night named " Alberts no Pussy" in the program at Newcastle I believe. A double take was required.

[Scanman]

Thanks Alydar and Spang99. For Spang99 - Yes, you are correct. Albert's No Pussy ran 15th of 16 in the 11th race at Newcastle yesterday. He's not a bad horse; 5 wins in 17 starts and has earned AUS$105K.

Alright, here today's tracks. I will try again to pick one track from each state/territory.

Wean (NSW) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAC4Vd6_OHs
The track is 5 1/2 hours north of Sydney. It's a standard oval. Interesting to see that this one does not have an inside rail until the 500 meter mark to the finish. At least they had a starting gate. They only get one day each year.

Cunnamulla (QLD) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TesG7xtn8qw
The track is 9 hours west of Brisbane. It's square shaped with a little bit of a bend in the first turn. For out in the bush, this looks like a pretty well maintained track. They get four days a year.

Adelaide River (NT) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDAluwGuO24
The track is a little over an hour south of Darwin. It most unique charactaristic is that it is the only grass track in the Northern Territory.

Roebourne (WA) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZn8GyV2DVU (race is about 10 seconds in)
The track is 16 hours north of Perth. A standard oval that looks to be pretty well maintained for a track that only gets three days a year.

Kangaroo Island (SA) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKxgYQllFRg
The track is 4 hours southwest of Adelaide. It's one of two tracks in Australia that are located on an island (not counting Tasmania). Another track that appears to be in excellent condition that just gets three days a year. It's triangular shaped with a very sharp first turn, long back stretch, short 300 meter homestretch.

[Scanman]

Took a few days to play golf. Thankfully, FL still allows it as an outdoor recreational activity.

I'm finding that many of the small ones don't have any video available. With that, I'll try to tackle Western Australia and work my way east.

Broome - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nR7Mc0dCDA
The track is 24 hours northeast of Perth and 19 hours west of Darwin. It may be the most remote track in Oz. Though, by looking at the video, it could be mistaken for any US track. It's a standand oval measuring 1800 meters in circumference. They race 9 times a year.

Port Hedland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAf4apbQMQs
The track is 18 hours north of Perth. It's oblong shaped with a tight first turn. It has a dual 1600 meter surface, with 300 meters of grass from the top of the stretch that extends for another 400 meters around the first turn. Then, it's dirt for the entire backstretch unti the top of the stretch. The get 6 to 7 days a year.

Carnarvon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_3_YaKkgx8
The track is a little over 9 hours north of Perth. When I was stationed in Exmouth, Carnarvon (4 hours away) was the first significant town on the way to Perth. I was able to visit this triangular shaped track during my tour there. You will notice very little kickback for a sand track out in the bush. That's because it is treated with sump oil to bind the sand. Sump oil is also used on bush golf course greens to enable putting. Played one round on the stuff when I was in Exmouth. Vowed never to do it again. Finished smelling like I just changed the oil in my car. Okay, back on track, Carnarvon also boast of having the largest track in Western Australia measuring 3000 meters. They generally get 8 to 12 days a year.

Can't find anymore "bush" tracks that have video, so will show some of the smaller, provincial tracks as we get closer to Perth.

Kalgoorie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=celTjp4Oqng
The track is 6 1/2 hours east of Perth. It's a square shaped, all grass track, measuring around 2000 meters. It's a provincial track whose town's claim to fame was the Kalgoorie-Coolgarie gold rush in the 1890's. During their season, November to March, they run 3 times a month.

Esperance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K2dpzMGIdU
The track is 7 1/2 hours southeast of Perth. Another standard grass oval measuring 1900 meters. It's also a south coast provincial track that gets 11-12 days during their summer season.

[Scanman]

A few more from Western Australia.

Norseman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjc0yeA9ljk
Back to the bush for this one, a full day's racing in this clip. The track is about 8 hours east of Perth. A typical 1600 meter oval that appears to be very undulating; uphill from the 1400 to the 1000, the down hill from the 800 till the top of the lane with a steady incline to the finish. Only one day a year for them.

Pingrup - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgxUKwTr5Bg
The track is a little over 4 hours southeast of Perth. It's a 1400 meter oblong with a big sweeping first turn, with a tight turn before they then turn for home. Another track that only races once a year.

Kojonup - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JlLOZtzyl4
The clip is more of a "day a the races', but a little bit of racing at the 2:20 mark and the 4:35 mark. The track is 3 hours south of Perth. Another oblong shaped 1600 meter track. First turn is normal, then leaving the backstretch there is an angled straight, leading to a very tight final turn before the homestretch. Just one day of racing each year.

Mount Barker - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm9a8hYUQec
The track is 4 hours south of Perth. It's a 1700 meter grass oval that would be considered a provincial racecourse. The get five days a year.

Albany - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2-BLAEvjqg
The track is 5 hours south of Perth and is the southernmost racecourse in Western Australia. It's a very standard 1600 meter grass oval. It is another provincial racecourse that gets 15-16 days a year.

[steveb]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxdLGDly0LU

[theiman]

Scanman, thanks for the wonderful videos.

I have been to Australia twice and have only seen the Majors. Seeing the minors has been fun.

[Waquoit]

During our trip to New Zealand in 2017 we were able visit a modest track named Te Aroha, about a half-hour from Hamilton. They had cattle grazing in the infield while the races were going on. The early P4 there is called "The Big Quaddie".

[spang99]

Birdsville has just been officially added to my bucket list. Thanks for posting.

[Scanman]

Scanman, thanks for the wonderful videos.

I have been to Australia twice and have only seen the Majors. Seeing the minors has been fun.Yes, I agree. I love bush/grassroots racing!

Did you get to go racing? If so, which tracks?

[Scanman]

During our trip to New Zealand in 2017 we were able visit a modest track named Te Aroha, about a half-hour from Hamilton. They had cattle grazing in the infield while the races were going on. The early P4 there is called "The Big Quaddie".Fantastic! I bet you really enjoyed your day there. Of the 12 that I had the chance to visit in 2018, Te Aroha was my favorite. The backdrop of the hills and palm trees as they round the final turn and turn for home is an awesome sight!!! I'm sure you would agree. The cattle must have been turned out in a different pasture the day I visited, but that would explain the numerous "cow patties" that I had to dodge when I walked from the grandstand down to the home turn to get some pictures. I hope you have the chance to return to NZ, and maybe Oz, to enjoy many of the other racecourses.

[Scanman]

Birdsville has just been officially added to my bucket list. Thanks for posting.You and me both! I have a good friend (and a world-class photographer), Sharon Chapman who has been after me for years to make the trip with them. They go every year. Here is a link to some of her photos that were featured in Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/sports-illustrated/2015/09/16/viewfinder-australias-birdville-races#&gid=ci025587c45009279d&pid=australias-birdville-races-x159928_tk1_171jpg

She also suggests doing the Betoota double. They run on the Saturday preceeding Birdsville. Seems sensible, when you go that far out into the bush, you might as well "kill two birds with one stone".

[theiman]

Yes, I agree. I love bush/grassroots racing!

Did you get to go racing? If so, which tracks?

Sorry, didnt log in yesterday.

In Sydney went to Randwick on one of their Spring Festival Days. Then during the week went to Canterbury.

In Melbourne, when I was there I went to Moonee Valley for a night card.

In Perth I went to Ascot, on Melbourne Cup day.


Also was to Ellerslie in Aukland NZ

[Scanman]

Sorry, didnt log in yesterday.

In Sydney went to Randwick on one of their Spring Festival Days. Then during the week went to Canterbury.

In Melbourne, when I was there I went to Moonee Valley for a night card.

In Perth I went to Ascot, on Melbourne Cup day.


Also was to Ellerslie in Aukland NZLooks like you visited some good ones. I caught Randwick and Canterbury during their mid-week meetings. Really enjoyed both. Ascot is fantastic. Unfortunately, racing in WA is a little underrated.

Looking forward to visiting "The Valley", Flemington and Ellerslie in the future. Had the chance, but opted to go to a picnic meeting instead. Figured I could always get to those in the future.

[Scanman]

Unfortunately, there are no more videos of bush tracks in Western Australia. I'll finish with WA by posting some of the provincial tracks, which you will see are quite nice.

Geraldton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0WYSYL4_PA&t=31s
It's located 4 1/2 hours north of Perth. It's a 1600 meter grass oblong, with a big, sweeping final turn. They get 20-21 days a year.

Northam - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZjqMvDNfr0&t=20s
Wish there was a more recent clip. It's located an hour and a half east of Perth. It's a very standard 2000 meter grass oval. They get 17-19 days a year.

Pinjarra Park - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOv4Kk5OEdQ
It's located about an hour south of Perth. The track is a 1800 meter grass oval. It's unique feature is that is has the capability of 1000 meter straight races, one of the few in Australia. They get 24-27 days a year.

Bunbury - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUFntXRpio8
It's located 2 hours south of Perth. The track is a 1800 meter oblong grass oval with an elongated first turn leading to a short backstretch with a tight home turn. I had the chance to visit Bunbury on a return trip back to WA after I was stationed there. Wonderful mid-level track that gets 28-32 days a year.

Toodyay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ANPch65nxw
It's located a little over an hour northeast of Perth. Not as nice as a provincial track, but not quite as rustic as a bush track. It's a 1600 meter, mostly circular track, with a tight uphill turn leading to a downhill homestretch finish. They only get 1 day a year.

Bonus Track - This one is for Waquoit

Te Aroha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgI9JoOZIcc
It's located on the North Island about 2 hours southeast of Auckland. The drive there is not as cumbersome as many of the tracks on the North Island. The video does not quite give it justice, as it is set a the foot of the mountain named for the town in the Kaimai Range. However, it does show the palm trees that line the final turn. It's a rather flat 1900 meter oval that features racing on the flat, as well as over fences. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit there. They get 10-12 days a year.

[Scanman]

Pretty much exhausted Western Australia, so I'll move to South Australia. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any bush tracks with video, so I'll show a few of the provincial tracks. All of these will have a grass surface.

Naracoorte - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-085lCaEGr4
It's 3 1/2 hours south of Adelaide. The track is a 1730 meter oblong. The first turn is very tight leading to a 500 meter backstretch that takes them to a long sweeping, about a 700 meters, final turn with a short 300 meter homestretch. They get 7 to 8 days a year.

Bordertown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juWfyFjaewk
It's 3 hours south of Adelaide. The track is a 1600 meter oblong. The first turn is similar to that of a normal oval, but the final turn is more of a mini-turn/straight/mini-turn leading to the homestretch. They get 5 days a year.

Mount Gambier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4D19Q0ULsU
Looks like someone's personal video, but it was the only clip I could find. It's about 4 1/2 hours south of Adelaide. The track is a 1850 meter rectangle with a slight elbow in the homestretch. They also have a steeplechase inner track, as they are one of the handful that run over the jumps. Only two states have jump racing in Australia. Victoria is the other. They get 8 days a year.

Murray Bridge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta3O0UyFcCQ
It's an hour east of Adelaide. The track is a 1850 meter oval that is also used for hurdle racing. They get 20-21 days a year.

Penola - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR3y2qQbNNo
It's 4 hours south of Adelaide. The track is a 1850 meter kind of pentagon shaped track. I had the chance to walk this course during my visit in 2014. The track has a tight first turn, followed by a 400 meter straight, then a slight turn to a 300 meter straight, slight turn with a rise in ground taking them to another 300 meter straight, still rising to a very sharp final turn leading them to a short, 280 meter, downhill homestretch with a slight rise in the last 50 meters. A really tricky racecourse for the riders. The track is surrounded with vineyards that are most notable from the 800 meter mark to the top of the homestretch. They get 7 to 10 days a year.

Now a bit of self-aggrandisement. While at Penola, I was interviewed for a spot on The Races TV. Here's a link to the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=xmh8vhY3A5c

[Scanman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxdLGDly0LUThanks for sharing. Excellent clip of what the Birdsville Races are all about.

[Scanman]

Thought I would finish up with South Australia today.

Port Lincoln - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ4tyrtC8t4
It's about a 7 hour drive around the Spence Gulf. Though, it would probably be easier/quicker to fly there from Adelaide across the gulf. The track is a 1550 meter oblong/"D" shaped layout. They get 16-20 days a year.

Port Augusta - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dezag9UeZOQ
It's 3 1/2 hours north of Adelaide. Port Augusta is the last major town before heading north out into the bush. The track is a 2100 meter, trapezoid. It's one of the few provincial dirt surfaces that I am aware of, similiar to those in Alice Springs (NT) and Carnarvon (WA). They also apply oil to surface to reduce kick back. They get 9-11 day a year.

Balaklava - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuevepNuWYY
Just a little over an hour north of Adelaide. The track is a 2053 meter oval with a 1050 meter chute for the sprinters. They get 10-14 days a year.

Strathalbyn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqxkjMQ91BM
Another track close to Adelaide, just about a hour southeast of the city. The track is an undulating 1690 meter oval with big sweeping turns. Both stretches only measure a little over 300 meters. During my course walk, I could tell that this could be a "horse for course" type of track. Going into the "clubhouse" turn, the terrain is downhill and continues that way until the top of the backstretch. There is a steady rise throughout the backstretch increasing significantly as they hit the 600 meter mark leading to the top of the stretch where the hill and turn create quite a challenge. The rise continues till the middle of the homestretch then shifts downhill for the last 100-150 meters. So glad I had the chance to visit this racecourse. A beautiful facility and must if your in the area. Of course, it holds a special place for me, as it was my 50th Australian racecourse visit. They get 16-18 days year.

Gawler - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwAuEqdOw3E
Just under an hour north of Adelaide in the Barossa Valley wine region. The track is an 1840 meter ovalish layout. The turn leading to the backstretch is flattened out due to the urban makeup of the town. It's another track that I had the chance to walk during my visit and I can say with full certainty that Gawler has the finest grass racing surface that I had ever walked/seen. The lushness of the grass, smooth surface, perfectly cambered turns are without compare. The closest track that I have walked that would come close would be Laurel. Gawler, for it's size, has a wonderful facility and I thoroughly enjoyed my day there, always hopeful for a return visit. They get 15-16 days a year.

[Scanman]

Will try to cover Tasmania and the others in the Northern Territory in this post.

Longford (TAS) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7ajO_ZRfu8
It's a little over 2 hours north of Hobart, but just 30 minutes from Launceston. I was glad that there was a clip for Longford, since they only race once a year, on New Years Day. Otherwise, it's used for training and gate trials for nearby Mowbray (Launceston). The track is a 1600 meter trapezoid shaped layout.

King Island (TAS) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbM7KWeeo9I
One of the other racecourses located on an island. The only way to get to this one is to fly from Melbourne or Launceston. Fortunately, the airport is only 10 minutes away. It's another trapezoid measuring about 1400 meters around. They get 6-7 days a year.

Mowbray (TAS) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6QT6ojjzu4
It's about 2 1/2 hours north of Hobart and is often referred to as Launceston for town where it is located. The track is 1830 meters that sort of has the shape of a rhombus. It's a provincial track that gets 27-30 days a year.

Devonport (TAS) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL5cuyUeYAY
It's a little over 3 hours north of Hobart. The track is a 1500 meter oval and is the only track in Australia that is exclusively synthetic (Tapeta). It is also considered to be a provincial track and because of it's surface, has races carded on a weekly basis.

Tennants Creek (NT) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJBVYbCQOcM
Back to the bush for this one. It's located about 10 hours south of Darwin. The track is about a 1600 meter dirt oblong that only gets one day a year.

Pioneer Park (NT) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oNfDEWkLWs
Located in Alice Springs, it is close to the center-most geographical point in Australia. It's 15 hours south of Darwin and 15 1/2 hours north of Adelaide. The track is a 1690 meter oblong with a very short 270 meter homestretch. It would be considered a provincial track, as they get 34-36 days of racing each year. To maintain/bind the dirt surface, it is treated with waste oil. The waste oil is made up from a variety of waste mechanical oils.

[Track Collector]

Just found this thread.

Thanks for posting these Tom!

Now I am going to HAVE TO go to Australia some day. Particularly interested in many of these "bush" tracks, but the logistics are probably a challenge with those that only race 1-2 days a year.

:jump:

[Scanman]

Just found this thread.

Thanks for posting these Tom!

Now I am going to HAVE TO go to Australia some day. Particularly interested in many of these "bush" tracks, but the logistics are probably a challenge with those that only race 1-2 days a year.

:jump:Chris - Glad you are enjoying the clips. Most of these are your kind of tracks.

Hopefully, I'll get you there one of these days and we can visit a few. The next post will have some of the more obscure tracks in Queensland.

[Scanman]

Now a few from Queensland. All of these tracks only get one day a year.

Bedourie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csL_uNk7s_Q
Wish there was a more recent clip. I cannot image it's changed much, in that, I'd be willing to bet that they still don't have an inside rail for most of the track. Bedourie is 17 1/2 hours west of Brisbane. The track is 1600 meter oval. Also, it's one of the four tracks that run left handed in Queensland. The others are Birdsville, Taroom, and a track I've yet to identify despite an exhaustive search. If anyone finds out which one is the fourth, let us know.

Betoota - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5r_TlI84mQ
This clip was shot by my friend Sharon Chapman and her partner Mark Lee on their trek to Betoota and Birdsville last year. Not an actual race, but race footage and you are able to get the flavor of this bush track located 15 1/2 hours west of Brisbane. The track is 1600 meters very similar to Bedourie and runs their meeting in the lead up to the Birdsville carnival.

Jundah - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuffjrUlM_w
Another oldish clup. Looks like they have an inside rail for the last 900 meters, and again, wouldn't think much has changed since. It's about 14 hours west of Brisbane. The track is 1600 meters and is circular shaped with a home straight of about 300 meters.

Isisford - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QTw1SBGPns
It's about 12 hours west of Brisbane. The track is a 1600 meter oval.

Jandowae - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY_nKNJjEwI
Not a great clip, as it appears to be taken off of a computer. However, it still gives a good look at Jandowae racecourse. The race starts at the 0:45 second mark into the clip. Jandowae is a little over 3 1/2 hours northwest of Brisbane. The track is a 1600 meter circular shape with a very short 250 meter home straight.

[Scanman]

Got a little side tracked with a project that last couple of days. Okay, back to Queensland.

Atherton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqdL0XmmhLA
Race starts at the 3:35 mark in the clip. Atherton is 19 hours north of Brisbane and would be considered a country venue. The track is a grass 1600 meter oval. They get 8-10 days a year.

Barcaldine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_93vVUZd0dw
Barcaldine is 12 1/2 hours northwest of Brisbane. Also a country venue, the track is a grass 1700 meter oval. They run 5-7 days a year.

Bowen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNpEk-fO4yI
Bowen is 13 hours north of Brisbane. This country venue is a grass 1700 meter oval. They generally get 5 days a year.

Blackall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7Em7e21i0A
Blackall is 10 1/2 hours northwest of Brisbane. Back on the dirt for this bush venue. The track is a 1600 meter oval and gets 4-5 days a year.

Charleville - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxFSVbDs_Wk
Charleville is a little over 8 hours west of Brisbane. The track is an 1800 meter dirt oval. This bush track get 7-8 days a year.

In addition to the Aussie tracks, I decided to add one "out of the way" track. My "Bonus Track" today is

Champ de Mars - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usLTTGAFhdQ
Champ de Mars is located on the tiny island of Mauritius in the western Indian Ocean. It's located 1650 miles east of South Africa. This one is going to be tough to get to someday. The track is a 1300 right-handed grass oval. They race weekly from March to December.

[trytrytry]

Love this thread! well done

[Scanman]

Love this thread! well doneMany thanks. I'll keep them coming.

[Scanman]

Lots of these types in Queensland, so I'll continue from there.

Cloncurry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yezegn28YA
Cloncurry is well into the bush about 18 hours northwest of Brisbane. This dirt track is a 1900 meter "D" shape. They race 5 days each year.

Dalby - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwjDRdkh6bM
Dalby is just a short 2 1/2 hour ride west of Brisbane. This provincial grass track is a 1600 meter oval that features a 700 meter off-set chute behind the backstretch, as well as a 500 meter chute that forms an "L" shape leading to the home turn/stretch. They get 9-11 days a year.

Deagon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENlmSLDpGlI
Deagon is a suburb of Brisbane just about 30 minutes from the CBD. It was primary used as a training track and up until recently and would only get one day a year for a picnic meeting. But recent expansion to the stable area and other redevelopment has lent to more race days, as well as it's focus as a training facility. They've gone from 5 days in 2017, to 10 days in 2018, and held 14 race meetings in 2019. The track is a 1600 meter grass oblong with a short 250 meter homestretch.

Eidsvold - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB_Yc9VQpOM
Eidsvold is 4 1/2 hours north/northwest of Brisbane. This picnic circuit grass track is circular shaped and measures around 1500 meters. They get 1-2 days a year.

Esk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ItqYlBIqwo
This clip looks like a personal video, but it does give a decent look at the track.
Esk is a about an hour and a half northwest of Brisbane. The track is a grass 1600 meter square with what looks like a 9 hole golf course in the infield. They typically get 3 days a year.

For today's bonus track I'll stay in Africa.

Ngong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIfUE7n5jEQ
Ngong is located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It is adjacent to the Ngong Forest Sanctuary and very close to the Nairobi National Park. The track is a 2300 meter grass oval, with a chute that allows for maximum 1400 meter straight race. It features a 18 hole golf course on the grounds and of course a golfer is expected to retrieve any ball hit on the racecourse before continuing play. They race twice a month between the months of October to July.

[46zilzal]

My boss at Woodbine's father passed away and he promised that he would take his dad's ashes to one of his favorite race tracks in Australia. He prepared his visit so at the same time he was a guest of the organization that ran the TV racing throughout the country. He related that they had it coordinated so that a race ran about 3 or 4 mins apart with no two running at the same times in a very strictly coordinated schedule.

How did they get all these tracks to do this? If you missed your starting time on their schedule (unless there was a mishap in the gate, something like one horse ran off after breaking through, rider was hurt etc.) you LOST the parimutuel revenue for that contest.

He said:"they stayed on time regularly."

[Scanman]

My boss at Woodbine's father passed away and he promised that he would take his dad's ashes to one of his favorite race tracks in Australia. He prepared his visit so at the same time he was a guest of the organization that ran the TV racing throughout the country. He related that they had it coordinated so that a race ran about 3 or 4 mins apart with no two running at the same times in a very strictly coordinated schedule.

How did they get all these tracks to do this? If you missed your starting time on their schedule (unless there was a mishap in the gate, something like one horse ran off after breaking through, rider was hurt etc.) you LOST the parimutuel revenue for that contest.

He said:"they stayed on time regularly."I've never heard that, but it is easily believable. In my many trips, I would pop into a pub after racing, have dinner, and watch the evening greyhounds and trots (or the odd evening thoroughbred card). The races would never overlap and it always seemed that one would have a few minutes between races to get a bet on.

It is certainly something we could learn from the Aussie racing community.

[Scanman]

More from Queensland.

Emerald - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtCmegTSg-I
Emerald is a little over 9 hours northwest of Brisbane. The track is a 1600 meter grass oval. This country venue gets 9 days a year.

Gatton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DNtXcPrQ6U
Gatton is an hour and a half west of Brisbane. The track is a 1700 meter grass trapezoid. Definitely a very odd layout. They are considered a provincial track and generally gets 13 days a year.

Gympie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u4yYc-ZQXc
Gympie is 2 hours north of Brisbane. Unusual to find a dirt track so close to the capital. The track is "D" shaped measuring 1600 meters. They too are part of the country circuit getting 8 days a year.

Gladstone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWFnsjHrABs
Gladstone is 6 hours north Brisbane. The track is a 1500 meter dirt oblong. Another country venue that gets 8 days a year.

Goondiwindi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQhJfvLx7d8
The race starts around the 1:10 mark. Goondiwindi is 4 hours southwest of Brisbane. The track is 1400 meter grass mostly circular track, except for the homestretch. There is a 400 meter chute opposite the stands to facilitate sprint races. Also a country track, they get 6 days a year.

The bonus track is again from Africa.

Rehoboth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90lBlui_NAk
No I'm not talking about the Delaware shore, this track is about an hour south of the Namibian capital of Windhoek. Namibia is located in the southwest corner of Africa. The clip isn't all racing footage, but the whole clip is worth the watch.

This track is as bush as it comes. No outer or inner rails, it is completely cut out of the scrub. The track is a 2000 meter oblong and usually has at least one day of racing in May each year.

[Scanman]

Still in Queensland.

Gayndah - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq2X6gMd6nw
Gayndah is 4 hours north of Brisbane. The track is 1700 meters having a reverse "D" shape layout, in that, it has a long backstretch, with a big sweeping home turn and a short homestretch. Like many tracks out in the bush, they try to cultivate a grass surface, but usually ends up with a mixture of both. The clip is a little dated, so maybe now they have a grass track. This picnic circuit track races twice a year.

Gordonvale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-ilgAIux_k
Gordonvale is 19 hours north of Brisbane, but just a short 25 minute drive Cairns, which might explain what looks like a very lush grass surface. Or maybe they are getting support from Gordonvale golf club who placed 9 of their 18 holes in the infield. The track is a 1500 meter rectangle. Also on the picnic circuit, they get 2-3 race days a year.

Innisfail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uni6nOvl1A0
Innisfail is 18 hours north of Brisbane, but is another within a short drive from Cairns. The track is a 1600 meter grass oval. This country venue gets 5-8 days of racing each year.

Isisford - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QTw1SBGPns
This clip is a bit dated, but I don't imagine much has changed. Isisford is 12 hours west of Brisbane. This bush track is a 1700 meter dirt oval and only races one day a year.

Kilcoy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaqTJzInfSA
Kilcoy is an hour and a half north of Brisbane. The track is a 1270 meter grass triangle with only an 140 meter homestretch. This country track gets 7-10 race days a year.

Today bonus track, another from Africa.

Casablanca - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N232gt0x8bE
This is a rather long clip that shows the entire day's racing. You can advance to the races. The first race goes off at the 9:50 minute mark.

Casablanca is a little over an hour southeast of the capital of Morocco, Rabat.
The track is a 1700 meter dirt oval. Looks to be a first class organization/track. Looking forward to visiting this one someday. In addition to the track, they managed to fit a 9-hole golf course in the infield. They host 39-40 race days a year.

[Scanman]

Apologies to those who were following this thread. I got stuck in to a media project that I've been working on for the past week or so.

Okay, back to Queensland.

Kumbia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU1gjEBKTvc
Kumbia is 3 hours northwest of Brisbane. The track is 1600 meter lightly grassed oval. A true picnic meeting, they only race once a year.

Longreach - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2hGOQd-5L8
Longreach is 13 hours northwest of Brisbane. The track is a 2000 meter dirt oval. Part of the country circuit, they get 9 days of racing a year.

Monto - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPvojJGBh4g
Monto is a little over 5 hours north of Brisbane. The track is 1600 meter grass oblong. Looks to be a very nice venue for the picnic circuit. Only 1 day of racing there.

Mount Garnet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P29lGCHfoXA
Mount Garnet is 19 1/2 hours north of Brisbane. The track is a 1600 grass oval that is probalby supported by the golf course running through the infield. Another picnic circiut that gets 2 days of racing a year.

Nanango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruN8yTEcnak
Nanango is 2 1/2 hours northwest of Brisbane. This circle shaped track is a grass 1600 meter layout with a short homestretch. This country venue races 6 times a year.

Bonus Track - Going into the Mediterranean Sea for this one.

Nicosia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc_6Oug1JCc
Nicosia is located in the capital of island country of Cyprus, about 25 minutes from the city center. The track is a 1300 dirt oval that races twice a week. Looking forward to visiting this one some day. Fortunately, Cyprus is a huge tourist destination and English is widely spoken.

[Scanman]

Did I mention that there are a lot of tracks in Queensland. Here's five more.

Roma - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlur8kd9Fq4
Roma is 5 1/2 hours west of Brisbane. The track is a 1400 meter dirt oblong. On the country circuit, the get 9 days of racing each year.

Stanthorpe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cErtHolnFfI
Stanthorpe is almost 3 hours southwest of Brisbane. The track is a 1600 meter grass oval. This picnic venue only host racing once a year.

Thangool - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc2DiF5v-XA
Thangool is 6 hours north of Brisbane. The track is a 1600 meter grass triangle. They get 6-8 days of racing each year.

Tara - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzomSdWZh3w
Tara is 3 1/2 hours west of Brisbane. The track is a 1700 meter dirt oval and is another picnic track that only races once a year.

Yeppoon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQv2b3gj5yg
Yeppoon is 7 1/2 hours north of Brisbane. The track is a 1600 meter grass oval. This country track races 10 times a year.

Bonus Track - I'll stay with the Greek theme.

Markopoulo Park - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K70sLta9ayw
Markopoulo Park is located 45 minutes from the center of the Greek capital of Athens. The track is a 2000 meter dirt oblong. Racing is held each Sunday throughout the year.

[Scanman]

Finally completed all of the Queensland country/bush/picnic tracks, at least those that I could find a vidoe for. Time to move to New South Wales. These are all picnic meetings that only get one day a year.

Ardelthan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgdbG-tp6i4
Ardelthan is a little over 5 hours west of Sydney. The track is a 1600 meter somewhat grassed horseshoe. In that, there is no "first/clubhouse" turn. Watching the video and seeing that the pull up area was located in an adjacent field, I realized that I plotted this track in the wrong location on my Google Earth profile. They race in March.

Barraba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agjKlLIyAo4
Barraba is 6 hours north of Sydney. The track is circular with a short homestretch. The circumference is 1450 meters. They race in September.

Bong Bong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAiHV2p_Q_o
Bong Bong is located an hour and a half south of Sydney. The track is a 1300 meter grass oblong. The unique feature of this track is the hill in the infield that does obsure the view of the backstretch from the stand, but you could see the entire race from the top of the hill, I suppose. Because of its popularity, one cannot attend the races unless they are a member of the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club. They race in November.

Bedgerebong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdtdH_yY53U
Bedgerebong is 5 1/2 hours west of Sydney. The track is a 1600 meter grass reverse "D" shape. They race in February.

Cooma - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9OFC-b1HJs
Cooma is a just over 4 hours south of Sydney. The track is a 1600 meter grass oblong. They race in December.

Bonus Track - Still in the Med, well just east of it.

Beirut Hippodrome - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhrImU_1YaM
The clip is in Lebanese, but if you advance to the 11:55 mark of the clip, you will see the race.

Beirut Hippodrome is in the city center of the capital of Lebanon. The track is a 1200 meter dirt oval. Prior to the COVID shutdown, they generally raced twice a week, usually Wednesday and Sunday. They started back up last Thursday and run again this Thursday.

[Scanman]

Continuing in New South Wales.

Bowraville - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux4DlYRg6-g
Bowraville is a little over of 5 hours north of Sydney. The track is an undulating, circular shaped 1300 meter grass circuit. Considered a country track, they race 3 to 4 times a year.

Broken Hill - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf62EgIHTSQ
Broken Hill is 12 1/2 hours west of Sydney. It may be the only track that runs left-handed in NSW, probably because of its close proximity to South Australia. A true bush track, it's a "D" shaped dirt layout that measures 1900 meters. A picnic-type track, they host 2 racing days a year.

Balranald - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOaDZ8sl5zI
Balranald is about 9 hours west of Sydney. The track is a grass 1500 meter oblong. Also a picnic track, the race 2 to 3 times a year.

Berrigan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmDFeFCs5pg
A long clip, skip to the 3:25 mark for the race. Berrigan is close to 7 hours southwest of Sydney. Strangely enough, I found another NSW track that runs left-handed. The fact that is located only 30 kilometers from Victoria might account for that. The track is an 1800 grass oblong, but its most unique characteristic is the length of its chute leading to the home turn. It measures 1100 meters. I suppose they could run straight sprint there, would just have to have an alternative finish line. This country venue runs 4 to 5 times a year.

Cobar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmoXm2fCIo8
Another long clip. Advance to the 4:05 mark for the race. Cobar is 8 hours northwest of Sydney. The track is a 1700 meter dirt oblong. On the picnic circuit, the last couple of years they have racing 2 to 3 times a year.

Bonus Track - Moving east to the Persian Gulf for this one.

Rashid Equestrian Club - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR-l8QQNzLQ
Rashid Equestrian Club is located on the tiny island of Bahrain (home of the US 5th Fleet) in the Persian Gulf. The track is a grass 2400 meter triangle with a 600 meter chute that allow for straight sprints up to 1200 meters. The racing season runs from November to April with meetings scheduled each Friday.

[Scanman]

Haven't quite given up on this thread, just got busy with my media project for the last week or so. Still in New South Wales.

Cooma - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9OFC-b1HJs
Cooma is a little over 4 hours south of Sydney. The track is a 1600 meter grass oblong. On the picnic circuit, they race once a year in December.

Cootamundra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzMHgTf3e98
Cootamundra is 4 hours west of Sydney. The track is a grass 1820 meter square shaped layout. Another picnic track, they race 2 to 3 times a year.

Cowra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu8L_D1RUZI
Cowra is 4 1/2 hours west of Sydney. The track is 1600 meter grass oval. This country circuit track races 4 to 6 times a year.

Cessnock - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnnUzPS44X0
Cessnock is 2 hours north of Sydney. The track is a square shaped 1600 meter grass circuit. I had the opportunity to visit Cessnock in 2016. Had a wonderful day out and my hosts were fantastic. I walked the course prior to racing, even had a little excitment when a couple of outriders had to chase a few kangaroos off the track. It's a typical country grass venue with a progessive rise in the backstraight leading to the top of the home turn creating a pronounced downhill run to the finish. Jocks and horses who did well here in past were worth following and aided me to have a winning day on the punt. They race 8 to 12 times a year.

Condobolin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okvTOJvF1aU
We go out into the bush, where Condoblin is 6 hours west of Sydney. The track is a 1500 meter dirt oval. This picnic venue only races once each year in February.

Bonus Track - Going into the Indian Ocean for this one.

Royal Turf Club of Sri Lanka - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiHsQ0vmygk
The Royal Turf Club is located in Nuwara Eliya about 5 hours east of the capital city of Colombo. The track is in the shape of a rhombus. The undulating grass surface measures 1800 meters. From what I could determine, it appears that they only host 3 to 4 meetings during March and April.

[Scanman]

Still in New South Wales.

Coffs Harbour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59XRAbIEvCM
Coffs Harbour is 5 1/2 hours north of Sydney. I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful town along the Pacific Ocean in 2016. My host was wonderful and gave me full access to the racecourse and infrastructure. Had an awesome day and one of my better days at the windows. My course walk was completed about an hour prior to racing. This rather flat, expertly maintained grass oblong, with a big sweeping final turn measures 1700 meters. Just below provincial level, this country venue races 14 to 17 times a year.

Coonabarabran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py9hOYrFTD4
Coonabarabran is 5 1/2 hours northwest of Sydney. The track is a grass 1840 meter "D" shaped layout. They run 2 to 3 days a year.

Corowa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU-a0CiSLVw
Corowa is 6 hours southwest of Sydney. Right on the border with Victoria, the track is a 1900 meter grass oval. On the country circuit, they race 7 to 10 times a year.

Carrathool - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbQmrYDojKo
Back to the bush for this one. Carrathool is 6 hours west of Sydney. Unfortunately, no sound for this clip, but it was the better of the two 1400 meter races. The track is a dirt 1400 meter "U" shaped track. It's one of the many in Australia that does not have a full circuit. A true picnic meeting, they only race once in early March.

Coonamble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXIYDqRMJpo
Coonamble is 6 1/2 hours northwest of Sydney. The track is an 1830 meter grass oval. For being out in the bush, they've done well to cultivate what looks like a well maintained grass surface. On the lower end of the country circuit, they race 3 to 5 times a year.

Bonus Track - I'll stay in southern Asia for this one.

Lahore - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXAcOj0JUOc
Lahore racecourse is located in the northeast part of Pakistan. The track is a 2400 meter grass oval. No website for the track, but from news post and this video, they race during February and March.

[Scanman]

Got a mix of country and picnic tracks from NSW.

Deepwater - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mY19orlOI8
Deepwater is a littler over 7 hours north of Sydney. This picnic track is a 1600 meter grass oval. They race once a year in January.

Dubbo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duWgMIcteiw
Dubbo is 5 hours northwest of Sydney. The track is a 2000 meter grass oval. I had the opportunity to visit Dubbo in 2016. I walked the course prior to racing, beautiful cover of grass with no distiguishing features. It rides slightly downhill in the backstretch, with a graduate climb through the homestretch. My hosts were very kind and provided me with all of the ammenites of a member. Had trouble finding winners there, so I had a losing day at the windows. Still a very enjoyable day. On the country circuit, they race 15 to 18 times a year.

Forbes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAnEIgAEhAs
Forbes is 5 hours west of Sydney. The track is a 1600 meter grass oval. This picnic venue races twice a year, once in August and once in October.

Goulburn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6b--5_DuSY
Goulburn is 2 hours southwest of Sydney. The track is a 1750 meter grass oval. I visited Goulburn in 2005, but did not have opportunity to walk the track. One of the newer venues, it had no grandstand and a very small indoor concession/betting/office area. Small loss on the punt, but still a fun day out. This country track races 17 to 20 days a year.

Geurie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUrI-up3sVM
Geurie is 5 hours northwest of Sydney. The track is circle shaped, grass 1600 meters with a short 250 meter homestretch. This picnic track race once a year in February.

Bouus Track - I'll stay in south central asia for this one.

Delhi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gE6H62Ggek
Located in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Delhi racecourse is a 1600 meter "U" shaped track. Perhaps, it was a fully enclosed oval at one time, but because of its urban location, it had to cede land to commercial or residential development. The racing season is from September to February, usually running 5 to 7 meetings a month.

[Scanman]

Here's a few more from NSW.

Griffith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fvItDzTTPU
Griffith is 6 hours west of Sydney. The track is a 1600 meter grass oval. This picnic venue races once a year in September.

Gundagai - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81fbWJDUrLk
Gundagai is around 4 hours southwest of Sydney. The track is a circular shaped 1900 meter grass circuit with a short 250 meter homestretch. This country venue races 7 times a year.

Gilgandra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77uXX1vtaI4
Gilgandra is 5 1/2 northwest of Sydney. The track is a square shaped 1663 meter grass circuit with a very short 200 meter homestretch. I had the chance to visit this country track in 2010. We were very fortunate that this meeting didn't get abandoned as they had received a lot of rain a couple of days prior. Such that the track I was supposed to visit two days earlier did cancel. There is a river that just about surrounds the track. It was very close to overflowing its banks. I had my family with me on this visit, so I didn't have the chance to walk the track. Thankfully, we did have a bright, sunny day and really enjoyed our day racing having a small win. They get 5 to 6 days a year.

Gulargambone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWmLtLX75Ts
Long clip, advance to the 3:40 mark for the start of the race. Gulargambone is 6 hours northwest of Sydney. The track is a 1450 grass rectangle. On the picnic circuit, the race once each year during the Australian spring.

Gunnedah - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnHy8QgZzD0
Gunnedah is 5 hours north of Sydney. I was scheduled to visit Gunnedah during my 2016 visit, but a wet winter and an overnight deluge led to a waterlogged course/abandonment. One of the many I will have to "backtrack" and try to visit on another occasion. The track is a 1800 meter grass rectangle. On the country circiut, the race 8 to 10 times a year.

Bonus Track - I'll move east towards southeast Asia. There are some really first class racecourses in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any race specific videos from Thailand, so I'll move on to Malaysia.

Selangor Turf Club - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU6xWNMAtRM
Selangor Turf Club is located 17 kilometers from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. I love the design of this racecourse as they maximize the use of their land by having a second home turn similar to the extension put in at Los Alamitos. I've seen this design in Europe, but this is first time seeing it in Asia. The outer grass oval is 2200 meters and the inner loop is 2000 meters. They host around 40 meetings a year.