Birchip Racing Club

The History - The 1950's

Back in the 1950's the Birchip Racing Club worked hard to provide a calendar of race meetings that attracted visitors and racegoers from all over the country. The proceeds from these events were graciously donated towards education, health and sporting groups through ot the region.

The 21st Century - the first Birchip Quarter Horse Cup

The Birchip Racing Club was revived in 2008 when the first 'Birchip Quarter Horse Cup' was staged. The original idea of staging Quarter Horse races in Birchip was the result of conversations between Margaret O'Keefe, horsing enthusiast, and the Victorian Quarter Horse Industry. The industry, which had been in recession for some time in Victoria, was looking to expand their calendar of race meetings and with one person's conviction, the notion of staging Quarter Horse racing in Birchip became a reality.

Hard working volunteers resurected the original Birchip Racing Club site, on Kirsch's Road, Birchip. A new race track was designed and formed; fence posts, track rails, stables and the mounting yard were all constructed out of recycled timber or cut from felled trees; all to provide a picturesque venue for the 'Birdsville of Victoria' event. The event involved a high level of professional event management and quality entertainment for people of all ages. The weekends festivities started off on the Saturday evening with St.Patrick's day celebrations, followed by a family style horse race event on the Sunday. Entertainment was non-stop over the weekend, with live music, magical tricks, gourment food, ice cold beverages,  fashions on the field, children's entertainment, betting and barracking all aplenty. Pagoda marquees were erected to offer shelter and special corporate picnic spors, whilst air conditioners provided some comfort in the 43 degree heat! Despite the heat, more than 600 people attended the Sunday race event, and 200 the Saturday night live entertainment. This whole event was co-ordinated and organised by committed volunteers and generous sponsors.

The Future - 2009 - The Bull Pit

Given the huge success of the 2008 event - the Birchip Quarter Horse Cup is now a permanent fixture on the Australian Quarter Horse racing industry calendar. The 2009 cup proved just as successful with, despite blustery conditions, over 1000 attending the race meet.  Much of the on course activities focussed on the 'Bull Pit Bar' - a new edition to the Birchip Racing Club facilities, created by a dedicated team of volunteers. The Bull Pit is Birchip's equivalent to the 'Bird Cage' and was created out of fallen trees and second materials. The 'Bull Pit' provides a nesting and shelter ground for bird-life in the off-season and a watering hole for interested participants during the Cup event.

2010 - One day event - The Edelstons - The Birchip Jockey Rooms

A change of format to a one day Saturday event, was the key to the success of the 2010 Cup. Five sprint races on the card during the day and well-known music artists to entertain racegoers into the evening, further boosted crowd numbers.  Former Birchip resident, Dr Geoffrey Edelston and his wife Brynne also caused a positive stir for the event, when they flew into Birchip to take part in the day.The original Birchip Jockey rooms also made their way home for the 2010 meet. Following the disbandment of the club in 1963, The Birchip Racing Club jockey rooms had been relocated to the Watchem football oval. Given that they were no longer being used by Watchem, the committee set about to bring the rooms back to their original home.