Clairwood Racecourse, known as the
"Garden Course", was constructed on terrain that was originally
marshland, and now boasts a sanctuary of fauna and flora, thanks to an
ingenious fusion of consideration and vigilant planning; Tuesday 24 May
1921 will be celebrated as the day the track first opened its gates to
its excited race goers.
The Department of Defence brought racing to a standstill at Clairwood
during the Second World War from August 1942 to May 1945, as they seized
the property for their military operations. At some point during this
period, a shipment of Polish women from refugee camps arrived in the
port of Durban in a deplorable condition. By the time they left Durban,
they had swiftly returned to their high spirits after being lodged in
the quarters of the transformed stables and Clairwood's delightful
scenery.
Situated in the southern industrialized region of Durban, collectively,
its splendid scenery and the exhilaration of horseracing, makes this
course the ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon's entertainment.
Playing host to several of the most thrilling races seen in South
Africa, such as the Grade 1 Champions Cup, Grade 1 Gold Challenge, the
Grade 1 Mercury Sprint, the Gold Circle Derby and the Gold Circle Oaks
and in 2003, Clairwood became the new address of the Premiers Champion
Stakes and the Thekwini Fillies Stakes.
The renowned Champions Cup: formerly Clairwood Winter Handicap;
spearheads the KwaZulu-Natal Winter Racing Season at Clairwood. In the
past, it was known as the Mainstay 1800 and thereafter the Sharp
Electronics Cup, and is now run as the Champions Cup, generating
unforgettable finishes.
In December 1999, Clairwood joined Gold Circle Racing, along with Durban
based Greyville and Scottsville racecourses. |
