Published August 2025
Eagle Farm Racecourse’s museum encapsulates their proud 160-year history of thoroughbred racing as they approach the landmark anniversary this August.
Peter Howard of the Thoroughbred Racing History Association said the centrepiece of the museum, the ‘Julius Totalisor’, displayed race odds and processed bets from 1948.
“Museums around the world recognise it as an example of the forerunner to the computer,” he said.
Mr Howard said the digital age is responsible for reduced racegoers, placing odds and live racing streams into punters’ pockets.
“We stopped using the Julius Totalisor in the 1980s,” he said.
Brisbane Racing Club chairman Richard Morrison said: “[Racecourses] used to be the only place you could see a race and have a bet.”
“There were no poker machines or no casinos.
“They don’t need to be in a TAB to bet anymore, everyone’s got half a dozen betting apps on their phone.
“The measures of success for a racecourse are different to how they used to be, and the consolidated betting turnover is probably a better judge now than attendance in the grandstands.”
The Old Tote Museum cherishes relics of Queensland Racing History, including one of the oldest trophies in Queensland Racing; the 1862 Drayton Cup.
“I’d say that is the second oldest trophy in all of Queensland sports,” Mr Howard said.
“But if we said the second-oldest in Australia, I don’t think anyone would disagree with us.
“You’ll find a story behind every stable, and you’ll find a story behind every picture here.”
One such photograph from 1963 displayed jockey Richard ‘Darby’ McCarthy after becoming the first Indigenous jockey to win the Stradbroke Cup.
Mr Howard emphasised the McGill family’s contributions to the history Brisbane Racing Club.
James McGill was a highly successful horse trainer, winning a Stradbroke Cup in 1905, while his grandson and namesake founded Eagle Farm’s Old Tote Racing museum.
Now, a new generation of jockeys are set to take the baton at Eagle Farm Racecourse, with Mr Morrison claiming that over half of their apprentices are now female.
Brisbane Racing Club will host their 160 Years Raceday at Eagle Farm Racecourse on Saturday, August 30.
Book your tickets now at www.brc.com.au/tickets/2025/26-racedays/saturday-30-august-raceday/eagle-farm
