History
Celebrating the History of the Alice Springs Turf Club
(Pioneer Park) 1977 - Present
If you have any history of the Alice Springs Turf Club that you would like to pass on, photos, stories etc please contact our office on info@alicespringsturfclub.org.au
List of Services
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International Women's Day 2025List Item 1
Celebrating International Women's Day, Women in racing - Emmie Wehr – A Woman of Spirit
Racing was her life! Emmie was the longest serving licenced horse trainer in Alice Springs. She had 50 career winners; Her first, Lunar Romeo in 1993, and her last, Urban Bourbon in February 2020. Emmie’s biggest career winner was Fractal Boy ridden by her daughter Gaynor Chambers who won the Red Centre Classic. Urban Bourbon was her favourite. Her most consistent, winning places in each race was Olivares who retired with his strapper in Nov 2020. Emmie was later honoured with the naming of the Emmie Wehr Parade Ring at the Alice Springs Turf Club after her death on 15 August 2021. She was 86. Trevor Wapples Turf Club Farrier (dec) summed up Emmie’s life best in a poem.
Click on the link to read the poem and learn more about Emmie's racing days.
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International Women's Day 2025List Item 2
Celebrating Sheila Arnold on International Women's Day 2025
As we honor the contributions of women in the racing industry on International Women's Day, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable Sheila Arnold. Born in the United Kingdom, Sheila moved to Australia in 1968 and settled in Alice Springs in 1970. Her journey in racing began when she obtained her training license in 1972, marking the start of an illustrious career as one of the Territory's best trainers.
Achievements in Racing
Sheila's achievements are truly impressive:
7 Alice Springs Cups: Her victories include Mallee Magic (1975), Vernal (1978?), Templeman (1985, 1989), Le Saint (2001 & 2002), and Zylvester (2006). Notably, her first win was presented by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam at the old Alice Springs racecourse.
Two Darwin Cups: She won with Vernal (1978) and Templeman (1988).
Feature Events: Sheila has won most of the major races in the Northern Territory and also trained winners in South Australia.
Click on the link to learn more about Shelia's achievements and journey in the Australian Racing Industry.
The Alice Springs Turf Club is located on the southern entrance to town in the foothills of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges.
Voted one of Australia's most scenic and picturesque racecourses, our location boasts views that will leave you inspired.
Ladbrokes Pioneer Park provides top-class facilities for members and the general public alike. Our facilities include the Guineas Bar, Dave Fogarty Pavilion, and the Periduki Marquee. For any non-racing event information please contact the office on 8952 4977 or email info@alicespringstufclub.org.au
The Alice Springs Turf Club also offers great entertainment for the younger racegoers including a large playground... and, then there's the horse racing!
We race 31 days of the year, broadcast nationally and internationally on Sky Racing. Our racing season highlight is the Ladbrokes Alice Springs Cup Weekend which will be held in the traditional time of early May from next year. The Ladbrokes Alice Springs Cup will be held on Monday 4 May 2026 with the Alice Springs Toyota Pioneer Sprint held two days prior. These race days along with the Red Centre Luncheon and Calcutta make for an exciting 5 days of entertainment commencing on the evening of Thursday 30 April.
Packages will be available from November 2025.
Please email info@alicespringsturfclub.org.au for more information.
Check our next race date and come and enjoy all the best that Racing in the Red Centre has to offer.
