History
They're Racing.. at Emu Plains By Terry Mulcahy
L
ast year, the Balnarring Picnic Racing Club celebrated the 160th anniversary of popular Emu Plains Racecourse. Although the club has had five different names during the journey, the location at Emu Plains has remained the same. The need for a course Early in 1860 John Buckley owned a draught mare named “Kathleen”. This mare was noted for her speed and challenges were frequently sent out to local residents. “Who could catch John Buckley on 'Kathleen'?”. A tract of country near Bittern called the Emu Plains was situated between Hastings and Balnarring and, being accessible for residents of both townships, was set aside as a reserve. Many local horse owners accepted the challenge to race against “Kathleen” and a racecourse was laid out there.
Left: John Buckley Snr
E ssence
74 | PENINSULA
January 2024
