In December 1906, about 30 residents gathered at Rockville Hall to discuss forming a jockey club for Collingwood.
The meeting resolved it was desirable to establish a club, to be known as the Collingwood Jockey Club.
G. James offered, free of charge, 10 acres or more of land near the Devil’s Dining Table, about two miles from the township, for use as a racecourse for up to 20 years. The offer was made on the condition he could continue grazing stock on the property.
After several more meetings in Collingwood and Bainham to gauge local opinion, a final meeting was held at Rockville on 11 January 1907 to formally establish the club. Mr Allan was appointed president, along with a committee of 15 men. Handicappers and starters were also elected.
The first race meeting was originally planned for Easter Monday but was postponed because of the late season and the unfinished state of the course. A new date, 17 March 1908, St Patrick’s Day, was chosen and a full day of activities organised, although the race meeting was an unregistered event.
Admission was set at £1 for adults, 6d for children and 6d for horses.
The completed course measured three-quarters of a mile, with a straight one chain wide. The straight was fenced, while enclosures were built for a saddling paddock, horse paddock and other facilities. By race day, seating for visitors and a framework for an awning had also been completed.
Race day dawned in ideal weather and attracted a large crowd of locals and visitors. The SS Wairoa ran a special trip from Nelson to Waitapu for the occasion.
The two bookmakers reportedly enjoyed brisk business throughout the day.
Before the first race began at 11.30am, the president formally opened the course, acknowledging the work undertaken to establish the club and prepare the grounds.
The event was widely regarded as a success. Each race was closely contested and generated considerable excitement for spectators.
The Cup was won by Lord Brassy, owned by A. Berry, with jockey W. Scott receiving a riding whip in recognition of the victory.
Other results included the two trotting events, both won by Matheson’s Squire’s Dandy. Hitchcock’s Edna won the Maiden Race, Harvey’s Taitapu claimed the Farmers Plate, Hitchcock’s Off Chance took the Consolation Race, and the high jump ended in a tie between McGowan’s Texas, Walker’s Black Bess and Hitchcock’s Dick.
The celebrations continued into the evening with a race ball and supper at Rockville.
Tickets cost £4 for a double ticket, £3 for a single ticket and £1 for an extra lady. Music was provided by Messrs Keoghan, McNeil and Isaac.
