The first horse racing meet at the newly constructed Tea Gardens racetrack was held on Saturday, 28 January 1922.

Henceforth, many horse racing meets would be held regularly at Tea Gardens. Several local residents were involved in the breeding of race horses and the racing meets had strong local support. The racecourse was situated on marsh [moor] lands behind the public school.

 A plaque on the waterfront at Tea Gardens serves as a reminder of the days when horse racing formed part of the area’s life. The plaque states that a race meeting was first held at Tea Gardens on 20 December 1898, but no record of this meeting is available in newspaper records.

Plaque on the Tea Gardens waterfront [Author Photo]

The flat ‘moor’ area behind the Tea Gardens Public School where the horse racing track was situated [Author photo]

This paper tells the story of horse racing at Tea Gardens. The information is sourced from newspapers available in the Australian National Library’s online Trove collection.

Successful Race Meeting – 1922

The Dungog Chronicle of 4 April 1922, page 2, reported:

‘A very successful days races was held at Tea Gardens on Saturday last. Horses from Sydney, Dungog, Wingham, Bulahdelah and other parts were amongst the competitors, and some very fine racing was witnessed. The Flying [Handicap] was won by Play Girl; Hack race, Ada; Tea Gardens handicap, R. Hector’s Bardoo, 1 Its Prudent, 2; Consolation handicap Its Prudent, 1, King Cockey, 2. The two bridle races were won by Anything.’

Advertisement for the race meeting at Tea Gardens to be held on 1 April, 1922 as reported in the above newspaper report [Dungog Chronicle, 24 February 1922]

Improvements made to the Racetrack – 1923

The Dungog Chronicle of 19 January 1923, page 2, reported:

‘Tea Gardens Picnic Race Club (registered A.R.C.) will hold a meeting on February 24th, entries to close February 17th. Great improvements have been made to the track and the appointments and the club promises to prosper judging by the support that is forthcoming for it. Mr. J. F. Franklin, secretary, is a well-known racing official and has in mind a circuit of Dungog-Tea Gardens-Booral-Stratford-Gloucester, etc., which clubs could be united into an association. The matter is one for consideration by those interested.’

Journey to the Tea Gardens Races – 1923

Before the existence of an adequate road to Tea Gardens, getting to the racetrack by car was part of the adventure. One such trip to the races was published in the Dungog Chronicle of 2 March 1923, page 2:

‘On Saturday ….. a party of racegoers, made the trip to Tea Gardens’ races, per medium of Mr. Bede Carlton’s up-to-date Buick car. Dungog was left behind about 9 a.m., when the heat was just settling down (and we afterwards learnt that it did settle down with great stress). The road to Clarence Town does not seem to improve much on the contrary in places it is showing serious signs of wear. It is but a shadow of itself of the old coaching days. The constant traffic of heavily laden motor lorries which trade between the head of navigation (Clarence Town) and Dungog, together with the continuous running of the milk motor lorries, plus the gradually increasing traffic of the growing community, have been responsible for the downfall of this road. It needs attention. By the way, Mr. Vince Bannister must be pleased that he supplanted his horse vans with a motor lorry seeing the state of the pastures, the price of feed and the hardness of the road which is even knocking up the feet of ridden horses.

Leaving Clarence Town, we “kangarood” over the big bridge. In fact, most of the culverts and bridges are responsible for similar gyrations of the motor cars. The decking of many seems loose, here and there spikes appear above the surface, the bugbear of motorists. The road to the main North Coast Road [now the Pacific Highway] has had some repairs, but there are many bad spots. To a casual observer, it would seem that if the water-tables [gutters] were cut deeper, the road surface would last longer. Long stretches appear to have no water tables at all.

Once on the main road it was like gliding into the harbour after being in a storm. At the Karuah turn-off the road was fair. At the present there are gangs of men doing up this stretch, and when completed it will be good. It is rumoured that one of the Dungog cars on the return journey found the road so good that it did not know when the main road was reached, and went on to Raymond Terrace. Right in front of Buckshiram’s we had a puncture, a nail having pierced the front wheel. It was a strange coincidence. At the shop we found a plentiful supply of cool drinks, and Hubert, King of Karuah. From behind a big grin and a bottle of lemonade came the King’s farewell, “Here’s looking at yer, boys.”

We moved on to the punt [at Karuah]. It was in keeping with the car load’s luck to find the punt in mid-stream, going across. It was a long way off, but somehow, a voice was recognised, proclaiming the future of Port Stephens and the downfall of centralisation. It was the voice of R. A. Elkin, Esq., Raymond Terrace. The punt returned, and once aboard the lugger and the — job was Callaghan’s. According to punt man Callaghan, it was no easy job these times. There is too much traffic between Tea Gardens and the outside world, and with the rapidly approaching completion of the road, there will be more traffic still, and it is no wonder the punt man growls. Perhaps the new punt may solace his woes, but we are in sympathy with him at present. He says he gets a lot of sympathy, but that’s all.

The much-talked-of, much debated road soon passed beneath the car. It was a pleasant surprise to all. The job is being done thoroughly and well. The road surface is being built high up, good sensible water-tables are being cut, substantial culverts built. A long stretch of dry weather has been responsible for much dust, but when the rain comes and the metal [gravel] is raked in and rolled, as it is said will be the case, then one can with confidence expect a first-class road right to Tea Gardens. Even at present, the seventeen-mile stretch was done in under the hour without any hurry.

The country by the wayside was dry and evidence remained of the scorching bush fires that swept along some time ago. In ordinary times, the wealth of bush makes one of the attractions of the trip. The last couple of miles along the low-lying road running into Tea Gardens has been wonderfully improved. One would not recognise in it the formidable obstacle that heretofore beset motorists. Waterview Estate was passed on entering the town and a couple of buildings were noticed in it.’

Subdivision Map of the Waterview Estate, at Tea Gardens, 1922 [NSW State Library]

Regional horse racing promoted – 1923

The Dungog Chronicle of 27 March 1923, page 2, reported:

‘Horse owners are reminded that entries for Tea Gardens races close with Secretary Franklin on March 31st. It is hoped that Dungog horses will again patronise the new club and it will be remembered that Secretary Franklin intends starting racing at Booral. The more clubs there are, the better for horse owners, so they should help the different clubs along.’

Opening of Australia Hall at Tea Gardens and Horse Race Meeting – 1924

On Friday 7 March 1924, the Tea Gardens Race Club held the official opening of the Australia Hall at Tea Gardens. It was the start of a big weekend with festivities including a ball and supper in the new hall that evening to be followed by a big day of horse racing on Saturday 8 March, concluding with a dance that night.

The Dungog Chronicle of 26 February 1924, page 5, carried the following advertisement promoting the various events:

The full wording of the above advertisement, which emphasises the regional nature of the race events, is set out below:

”Tea Gardens Race Club.

Official Opening of Australia Hall.

The TEA GARDENS RACE CLUB will open Engel’s New Hall on FRIDAY, MARCH 7th, 1924, with a PLAIN AND FANCY DRESS BALL AND SUPPER to be followed by a Day’s Racing on SATURDAY, 8th, Finishing with a DANCE AT NIGHT Admission to Ball: Ladies 2/, Gents 3/; Double Tickets 4/6; children under 14 years 6d; reduction to families. Admission to Dance: Ladies 1/6, Gents 2/; Double Tickets 3/6; children under 14 years 6d. GOOD MUSIC BY CLARENCE TOWN ORCHESTRA. REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED. Doors open on Friday Night at 7.30. Grand March at 8.30.

Programme for Races SATURDAY, MARCH 8th. To start at 1 p.m. FLYING HANDICAP £5, second horse 10/ from prize. 4 fur. To start at 1:45 p.m. 2. HACK RACE £5, second 10/ from prize. 3 fur. For all horses within radius of 10 miles of Tea Gardens. To start at 2.15. p.m. 3. TEA GARDENS HANDICAP £8, second horse £1 from prize. 4½ fur. To start at 3 p.m. 4. LOCAL HACK RACE £5, second horse 10/ from prize. 4 fur. For hacks in Booral, Bulahdelah, Bungwahl, Karuah and Tea Gardens. To start at 3.45 p.m. 5. FORCED HANDICAP £3. 4 fur. Entries on ground.

Entries close SATURDAY, March 1st. BRIDLE RACES between each Race. The Committee reserve all rights to above programme. Entries 5 per cent., acceptance 2½ per cent. Acceptance 30 minutes before race. Penalty for late scratching £1. Entries close on SATURDAY, March 1st, with the undersigned. No late entries received. Nomination fee, last three performances and pedigree must accompany each nomination. Bookmakers Fee £2/2/. Colours must be worn by riders. Riders also to be insured. The Secretary will arrange for accommodation for horses, etc., if required. The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry. All Jockeys and Bookmakers must be registered. Jockeys to appear in proper riding costume. These rules will be strictly enforced. Bookmakers, Clerks and Jockeys must pay. Jockey’s entrance fee refunded after the first mount. One man with competing horse free. Admission: 3/ and 2/. F. GARDNER, Sec., Tea Gardens.’

Large Crowd attends the Tea Gardens Ball – 1924

The Dungog Chronicle of 14 March 1924, page 2, reported on the opening of the Tea Gardens hall which attracted a large crowd, many of whom would have attended the horse races the next day:

‘On Friday evening, Tea Gardens, in the Port Stephens district, was en fete, the occasion being the opening of the new hall. Long before the time appointed for the opening, cars began to arrive from all parts, until at 7.30 p.m there were fully 40 cars lined up in front of the hall.

Mr. Geo. Engel is the owner of the hall, which is a wooden structure, 120ft by 25ft, and cost £1500. Every inch of timber in the building grew in the district. The flooring has been especially prepared for dancing, being composed of red mahogany boards, 2in by 1 1-4in. The front portion of the building is two storied, and has been prepared for lodge rooms, one each for the Masonic Lodge, and the Grand United Order of Oddfellows. Special attention has been paid to the staging, which is 25ft by 14ft at a height of three feet. The building is brilliantly illuminated with electricity generated on the premises.

The hall was filled to overflowing. When such a function is to be held distance in the country is only a secondary matter. Visitors were present from Bungawhl, Stroud, Bulahdelah, Booral, Cowenbah, Cessnock, Maitland, Clarence Town, Dungog, Gloucester, Newcastle and the surrounding district. The enterprising firm of G. Engel and Son was freely congratulated on building the hall, and so supplying a long-felt want.

Complimentary speeches were made by Messrs. Jas. White, J. Smedley, John Horsefal and Captain Sadler. The prosperity of the district was reflected in the beautiful gowns worn by the ladies. Music for the dancing was provided by the Clarence Town orchestra, constating of piano (Miss Devine), violin (Mrs. H. Eagleton), drums (Mr. T. Mogenson). Messrs. W. Burrows and Aden Cook acted as M’s.C.’

Praise for Tea Gardens Racecourse – 1924

In an article published in the Newcastle Sun of 11 March 1924, page 2, the Tea Gardens racetrack was praised as an excellent course:

‘Tea Gardens has an excellent racetrack, where race meetings are held at frequent intervals. If dreams come true and Port Stephens becomes the busy centre predicted, there will be an excellent opportunity to construct an up-to-date course, as there is a level stretch of fully two miles without a tree. On the present course there is a straight of three furlongs.

On Saturday afternoon races were held at Tea Gardens in the presence of a large crowd, under excellent weather conditions. Jockey A. Jeffery had a day out, riding three winners and a third. Officials for the day were: President, Mr. J. White; secretary, Mr. F. Gardiner; committee, Messrs. H. White, C. Maton, N. Goodwin, L. Engel. W. Avery, G. Davis, W. Ripley, E. White. J. Sheather, T. Porter, H. A. Holloway: starters. W. Avery and M. Goodwin; Judge, J. White, Clerk of course, C. Maton: handicapper, J. White. …….

Although the appointments were not equal to those on city and suburban courses, everything went off without a hitch. Racing beyond expectation was witnessed. This can be realised when it is remembered that several horses now competing in the Newcastle district originally raced at Tea Gardens. Among these can be mentioned Builth (a recent winner at Boolaroo and Maitland), Netwood, Bonnie Home, Brussiloff, and Plantoss. King Cockie [listed on the Tea Gardens plaque shown above], the winner of the Hack and Flying races on Saturday, ran second to Builth on his last race on this course.’

New Racetrack planned – 1924

In 1924 the Stroud Shire Council granted a five-year lease to the racing committee for a new course two miles from Tea Gardens. The Dungog Chronicle of 16 December 1924, page 3, published the following report by the Stroud Council engineer concerning the site for the new Tea Gardens racetrack:

‘I was not able to exactly follow the southern boundary of the sanitary depot, but after looking over the whole of the ground, I cannot see any objections to the proposed racecourse, provided that a liberal area is left in the south-western corner of the depot for night soil disposal, and that a track is cleared and grubbed, thoroughly, between the depot and the road. — Five years lease granted.’

Tenders called for the construction of a new racereack – 1925

The Dungog Chronicle of 9 January 1925, page 2, published the following tender advertisement:

‘Tea Gardens Race Club

SPECIFICATION FOR A NEW RACECOURSE. TWO MILES FROM TEA GARDENS

1. To be Grubbed no less than ten inches below the surface.

2. All stumps, roots, etc., to be removed off the ground and the holes to be filled in. 3. To be harrowed thoroughly with a heavy harrow.

4. To be rolled ready for racing on. Dimensions: Width 50 leet, length approximately 6 to 7 furlongs.

Tenders to be quoted at so much per furlong. Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders close with the Secretary of the above club not later than JANUARY 26, 1925. F. M. GARDNER, Hon. Secretary.’

There is no published material to indicate that the proposed new racetrack was ever built.

Successful Race Meeting held – 1925

The Dungog Chronicle of 13 November 1925, page 2, reported:

‘The sporting community of Tea Gardens were well catered for on the local course on Saturday last, when the Race Club held one of its popular meetings. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, no bookmakers were present, consequently punters were unable to back their fancies, but that did not lessen the interest in the racing. The attendance was large, in fact, nearly all Tea Gardens, young and old, were present.

In the Opening Handicap, Shy Missie won easily from Urgent and Lumpy. The next race went to Cupid, with Durness and Fuselene in the other places. The Handicap proved a good thing for King Cockie [listed on the Tea Gardens plaque shown above], who cantered in in front of Roma and Playboy. Shy Missie [listed on the Tea Gardens plaque shown above] captured her second race from Lightning and Urgent [listed on the Tea Gardens plaque shown above], while Black Paddy annexed the bridle race.’

Advertisement for forthcoming race meeting at Tea Gardens to be held on 19 December, 1925 [Dungog Chronicle, 11 December, 1925]

Racetrack is flooded by large tide – 1926

The Dungog Chronicle of 3 August 1926, page 4, reported:

‘It is many years since Tea Gardens witnessed such a big tide as was experienced on Sunday night last. The water come right over the banks of the Myall River, and to reach the Government wharf a boat was required. All the drains and gutters in the town were filled, whilst the racecourse and surrounding land was completely inundated. Some of the backyards were flooded and, in a few cases, the tidal waters reached the houses. Many of the old hands say that such a large tide has not been seen for the past ten years, and our sincere wish is that another will not be seen for a long time.’

Horse Racing at Tea Gardens revived – 1931

From 1926 to 1931 there were no published reports of horse racing activity at Tea Gardens. This changed in 1931 when the Dungog Chronicle of 20 February 1931, page 4, reported on the revival of horse racing at Tea Gardens:

‘An afternoon’s horseracing was held on Saturday afternoon 14th inst. on the ‘Randwick’ of Port Stephens [Tea Gardens]. The enterprising townsman Mr. Les. Engel is entitled to appreciation for his efforts in reviving the Sport of Kings. The weather was ideal, and the track was perfect. The attendance was very satisfactory, despite the counter attraction of a cricket match. Young and old of both sexes were in attendance.

The officials were: — Starter, Mr. Clarrie DeLore; judge, Mr. Alex. McRae, junr. Secretary, Mr. L. Engel. It is expected that another meeting will be held in a fortnight. Former horses such as Windbag, King Cockie, Caledonia , Cockie [all listed on the Tea Gardens plaque shown above], Lady of the Lake gave old memories to the Moor.

The results were as follows: — Myall Opening, Acarate (W. Blanch) 1, Durness (Davey) 2, Windbag (Smith) 3. Durness Handicap, Caledonia (Armitage) 1, King Cockie (Engel) 2. Port Stephens Handicap, Windbag (F. Blanch) 1, Sweet Nell (K. Engel) 2, Pastime (Armitage) 3. Other starter, Cob (W. Blanch). Farewell Handicap, Lady of the Lake (Armitage) 1, Acarate (W. Blanch) 2.’

The Dungog Chronicle of 6 March 1931, page 4, carried a further report on the successful race meeting summarised above:

‘The ‘Sport of Kings’ is being successfully revived at Tea Gardens and on Saturday last a great day’s racing was held. There were about 25 hacks on the course to participate in the sprints and their owners, riders and supporters were also there in full force. The racing is run as cheaply as possible and a collection amounting to £1/17/7 was taken up. This went towards helping the owners’ entrance fees. A special match for a bridle between Blanch’s Windbag and McRae’s Sweet Nell was the best event of the day. Everyone was on the tip toe of excitement when the starter said ‘go.’ The pair raced down the straight locked together and the judge could not separate them, the decision being a dead heat. These two horses met again in an open bridle race, when Windbag beat Sweet Nell easily.

There will be another day’s racing in a month’s time and owners are advised to keep the oat bags full. Horses came from outside centres such as Williamtown, Karuah, Durness, etc., and arrangements went off without a hitch. The big crowd that was present thoroughly enjoyed the outing and if the sport is conducted as well in the future as it has been to date then racing will boom in Port Stephens. The officials responsible for the arrangements were Mr. Les. Engel who, as secretary, was kept very busy. Mr. C. DeLore proved an excellent starter and Mr. ‘Twistie’ McRae made no mistake in the judge’s box.’

Last report of horse racing at Tea Gardens – 1932

The Dungog Chronicle of 11 March 1932, page 4, carried the last report of horse racing at Tea Gardens:

‘A large crowd gathered on the old race course at Tea Gardens on Saturday 5th, the function being an afternoon’s bridle racing. Amongst the crowd were noticed visitors from Williamtown, Karuah, The Branch, Bungwahl and various other centres.

In all eight races were run off and some very close finishes were witnessed. What helped considerably towards making the racing a success, was the patronage received from Durness station in sending down seven horses to compete in the events, also the organisers were extremely grateful to the genial station manager (Mr. Malcolm McLeod) for his generous donations towards the sport.

Following are the events as run off: — 1st. Bridle Race: Engel’s Tony 1, McLeod’s Maud 2., Five starters. 2nd Bridle Race: Robinson’s Urgent 1, McLeod’s Advance Australia 2. Four starters. 3rd. Bridle Race: McLeod’s Wish Whyne 1. Two starters. 4th. Bridle Race: Engel’s Phil Pot 1, Motum’s Connie 2. Three starters. 5th. Race: Dodd’s Oliver 1, McLeod’s Pruno 2. Four starters. 6th. Race: Motum’s Connie 1, Engel’s Phil Pot 2. Three starters. 7th. Race: McLeod’s Caledonia 1, McLeod’s Durness 2. Five starters. 8th. Race: McLeod’s Lady of the Lake 1, Robinson’s Urgent and Engel’s Tony, dead heat, 2nd.’

Concluding Comments

When horse race meetings were held at Tea Gardens, they were a big event in the life of the small town and attracted people from a wide area.

However with increasing competition from meetings held in surrounding districts with had better access for travellers, the financial vialbilty of meetings at Tea Gardens would have been affected. The revival of horse racing there in 1931 appeared to be short lived, as there were no further meetings publicised in the newspapers past 1932.

The Dungog Chronicle on 27 November 1948, page 3, published the following reminisces about the old horse racing track:

‘One can almost hear the late Charlie Hagon saying, ”The main town will one day go back to Hawk’s Nest.” It is easy now to visualise that the old Tea Gardens racecourse, or better known as Hall’s Estate, will be an airport. For years planes have landed there. The late Ernie Buck used this ground for flying excursions — (10/- in the air for 10 minutes). With the progress that is taking place with air travel, any person living at Hawk’s Nest or Tea Gardens can be landed at Mascot in 35 to 45 minutes from leaving home.’

The development of the old Williamtown Aerodrome into the present day Airport would have put an end to that dream.

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

September 2023