Official racing is recorded as far back as 1877 with the Enngonia Jockey Club holding meetings in January and June. The Enngonia Amateur Race and Enngonia District Race clubs succeeded and held meetings up until WW1. It was in 1922 that the current race club was formed known as the Enngonia Picnic Race Club and held two day meetings, apart from during WW2. The Club changed to professional and a one day meeting in 1966 to receive TAB funding and to allow for severe drought and dwindling district horse ownership.
The picnic atmosphere continues to this day with the racecourse set in a paddock 7 km east of Enngonia village. Racing is traditionally competitive with horses from Queensland and NSW vying for victory in an almost “State Of Origin” theme. The principal race, the Enngonia Cup, has been won by many top horses over the years including Silver Doublet and Parragundy. The racecourse is very well appointed with a grandstand, covered horse stalls and ample catering facilities.
Held in pleasant weather, the races provide a good opportunity for tourists to include an outback meeting on their travels being on the Mitchell Highway / Matilda way. There is a camping area and airstrip adjacent to course (larger aircraft can land at the village). After races live music, a Friday evening Calcutta, fashions on the field contest and full betting facilities are further attractions.
The catch cry “See you at Enngonia Races” invites you to experience famous outback hospitality with professional racing in a picnic atmosphere on a picturesque plain of Warrego River country.
