 |
LEVIN RACECOURSE |  |
| Levin racecourse was based near Lake Horowhenua on the North Island. Racing began in the area well before the Levin Racing Club was formed, with racing predominantly taking place on the Hokio beach. Unfortunately, in a bid to formalise racing, the Wellington Racing Club put a stop to the meetings. | ||
| It was in 1884 that the idea of a Race Club was first muted
despite a number, including Manakau, already existing. Members paid money to join the Club
and its named changed to Horowhenua Racing Club, having previously incorportated the word
'Hack' into its name. The 15th June 1923 was a memorable date in the history of the Club, for it changed its name to the Levin Racing Club. It staged races at a number of venues on North Island until the outbreak of the Second World War. These courses included Napier, Foxton and Otaki. |
||
| Despite its chequered history the Club managed to improve facilities in the mid 1950's by increasing its land capacity by an additional 4 acres, so creating a much more acceptable racecourse. The course finally closed to racing in 1990, although still today it is used as a training establishment. | ||
| The Club are famous for promotng the First Sovereign Trust Levin Classic, a prestigious Group 1 event for 3 year olds over 1600 metres. The race is currently contested each November at Otaki racecourse. However, its inaugural running was at Levin Racecourse in 1981 when won by Altitude, and more recently in 2007 the winner was the Leith Innes ridden Keep Cruisin'. In the latest running in November 2008, Altered Image was victorious when piloted by Michael Coleman. | ||
| If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net | ||