Ellerslie Racecourse

The Auckland Racing club then purchased thirty-six hectares of land from Graham in 1872 on which the course is situated.

[2] A publication compiled by E.G. Sutherland, held in the Sir George Grey Special Collections,[3] makes note of the importance of the aesthetic appeal of Ellerslie: "It seems worthy of mention that by making Ellerslie attractive the Auckland Racing Club has added to the popularity of the sport.

Ellerslie’s attractive outlook has been partly responsible for bringing thousands of visiting racing patrons within its borders to witness the best class of thoroughbreds in action.

It’s well laid out floral beds, ponds and large variety of choice trees and palms have drawn kudos from Royalty, Governors, Viceroys, tourists and visitors from all parts of the world.

[5] During World War Two the Stands were used as Hospital Wards for the American Forces serving in the Pacific.

[6] Champion racehorses to have raced at Ellerslie include Kindergarten, Balmerino, Bonecrusher, Uncle Remus, Japan Cup winner Horlicks, Il Tempo, Mr Tiz, Sunline (who was buried at the racecourse in 2009) and Jimmy Choux.