THE rich history of thoroughbred racing and hunting in the Limestone Coast will be shared following the official launch of a new museum dedicated to the “sport of kings”.
The Mount Gambier Racing Club’s original caretaker cottage is the home of the new display, comprising a racing and hunting component and was launched on Friday at the Scott Group of Companies Twilight Mount Gambier Gold Cup.
Life member Trevor Little, racing club president John Fartch and museum organiser Veronica Jenkin headed the opening of the racing component at last week’s meet.
Ms Jenkin said it was important to record the history of the Mount Gambier club for future generations.
“I do believe we need to keep our history going,” she said.
“I am involved in recording and maintaining records because if we do not, nobody will know anything about the club.
Ms Jenkin found a number of items which held significant sentimental and historical value to the racing club.
“There are a couple of bottles in the museum which are like leather stubbies,” she said.
“There were marbles with them, but obviously they did not play marbles with it.”
Ms Jenkin later discovered they were used to determine the racing horses’ lanes.
“When you find things, you just think wow and it is really special,” she said.
“You find things you did not even know existed and you ask people and they know.
“I hope the museum will remain on grounds for many years to come.”
Ms Jenkins sourced a majority of the memorabilia featured in the exhibits, which is housed in the Mount Gambier Racing Club’s original caretaker’s cottage, with some items being donated by community members.
“I asked the committee what they wanted to collect and they said anything to do with the Mount Gambier Racing Club, Gold Cup or the Mount Gambier Hunting Club,” she said.
“If there was no criteria, people would bring along stuff which has nothing to do with the clubs.
“Most of the stuff in the museum is not original and often a replica as we lost the grand stand here many years ago.
“Everything I would find, I would just think where did it come from, including a map which would have to be produced in 1900 if not earlier.
“It has just been a work of love and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”
The museum will be open to the public during major racecourse events, with tours available by request.
