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Picture: The Auckland Cup at Ellerslie in 1925, just after the horses have taken the bend. Auckland Public Library Special Collections
A
Racing Town
By the end of the nineteenth century horse racing had become the foremost industry
in the district. The first race at Ellerslie was held in 1857 on land towards
the end of Tecoma Street, attended by Governor Gore Brown. The Auckland Jockey
Club initially leased the racecourse from Robert until 1872 when 90 acres was
purchased. Title to this land was transferred to the Auckland Racing Club on
its formation in 1874.
By the 1890s stables were situated in almost every street of the town. At its
peak 300 horses were trained in Ellerslie, with 32 stables, 2 blacksmiths, and
numerous trainers and jockeys. Stables were scattered throughout the district,
particularly towards the end of Amy Street, Kentucky Street, Lonsdale Street,
and Morrin Street. Although only a portion of the racecourse was actually situated
in Ellerslie, many residents felt that horse racing had dominated the town's
identity. Memories of early residents often describe occasions when members of
the Royal family came to Ellerslie, beginning in April 1920 when the Prince of
Wales attended a special race meeting to give thanks for New Zealand's war effort.
The Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) visited
in February 1927 and Queen Elizabeth II attended with Prince Philip in December
1953, accompanied by 55,000 spectators.
As housing developed during the twentieth century the stables became the subject
of considerable controversy given the smell, fly nuisance, and traffic hazards
they created for residents nearby. Consequently, from the 1970s stables were
relocated from Ellerslie to more rural areas in Takanini and Pukekohe.
Picture: Spectators at the Ellerslie Racecourse during the 1960s, Auckland
Public Library Special Collections, A84984, courtesy National Archives.
 Picture:
Spectators at the Ellerslie Racecourse during the 1960s, Auckland Public Library
Special Collections, A84984, courtesy National Archives
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