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" South African racing has a proud history, but over the years several famous racecourses have disappeared. Each one had its own character, champions, trainers, jockeys and unforgettable race days.
Flamingo Park – Kimberley (Northern Cape) “The home of the sand specialists” Racing in Kimberley dates back to the 1870s, with the course later becoming known as Flamingo Park. The track was famous for giving lower-rated horses a chance to compete and was a vital stepping stone for many owners and trainers. It was a sand track, producing horses that became experts on the unique surface. Many horses that struggled on turf found a new lease on life at Flamingo Park because the sand surface rewarded a different type of athlete. Flamingo Park closed in 2020, ending almost 150 years of racing history in the Northern Cape.
Clairwood Racecourse – Durban (KwaZulu-Natal) “The Garden Course” Opened in 1921, Clairwood was one of Durban’s most loved racing venues. Known as the Garden Course because of its beautiful surroundings, it was a flat left-handed turf track. Clairwood’s long straight and racing surface made it a favourite among many trainers who believed some horses “came alive” on that course. It hosted important races, including the Rising Sun Gold Challenge and produced many memorable performances. Racing moved to Greyville in 2014, and the site was later redeveloped as Clairwood Logistics Park.
Newmarket Racecourse – Alberton (Gauteng) “The home of the Highveld Saturday meetings” Newmarket was one of Gauteng’s major racing venues and played a huge role in Highveld racing. It was known for competitive racing and was a regular venue for trainers, owners and punters. Many racing fans still remember Newmarket for its atmosphere — packed stands, big Saturday crowds and the excitement of Highveld racing. The course was sold for development, racing eventually stopped in 2007, and the track was demolished.
Gosforth Park – Germiston (Gauteng) “The Saturday showpiece” Gosforth Park was one of the biggest names in South African racing during its heyday. It hosted major meetings and was a favourite with Highveld trainers and racing fans. The course closed after the 2001 racing season. For many racing followers, losing Gosforth Park marked the end of an era when Gauteng had several major racecourses competing for attention.
Bloemfontein Racecourse – Free State “The heart of Free State racing” Bloemfontein had a proud racing tradition and provided a home base for Free State trainers and owners.Bloemfontein was an important nursery for many horses and trainers before the industry became more concentrated around fewer racing centres. The course closed in 2005, with racing opportunities transferred mainly to other centres such as Flamingo Park and the Vaal. The closure meant the Free State lost one of its most important sporting venues.
Other famous tracks that have disappeared: Milnerton Racecourse (Cape Town) – once a major Cape racing venue. Arlington Racecourse (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha) – closed after more than 60 years of history. While the sport has modernised and racing is now concentrated at fewer venues, many South African racing fans still have special memories of these lost tracks — the trainers, the characters, the champions and the Saturday afternoons that made them part of racing folklore "
Last edit: 3 days 2 hours ago by Craig Pienaar.
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