Harness Racing in Echuca commenced in 1948 when the newly formed club staged three meetings on the Echuca Racecourse on a 43/4 furlong track inside the galloping track.

It was always the policy of the then Committee to establish a home of its own and real progress was made in 1953, when after a number of public meetings, an agreement was made with the local Agricultural and Pastoral Society to establish the present track and facilities on the bank of the Campaspe River in the heart of Echuca. The track was officially opened as a day racing facility on 1st January 1954. First constructed as a 3½ furlong circuit, the track was extended to 670 metres and lights were erected in 1969. An updated lighting system and a further track upgrading to 805 metres was carried out in 1988. This constitutes the present raceway.

Improvements have continued to the ground over the past thirty years and the Club is proud of the present facilities provided at the track.

During the early years of its existence the Club was very fortunate to have a Committee of staunch and enthusiastic trotting people who provided much of the funds to help develop the raceway – there was no Development Fund in those days.

The late John Carroll and the late Holmfield brothers, Jack and Harry Holmfield, each served as President for eight years in the 1950-60’s era when the Club was firmly establishing itself. Alex McGregor, who led the Club for ten years in the 1970’s , was an outstanding leader and was followed by John McEwen in the 1980’s. The only living Member of the original Committee is Mick Weldan – President 1951-1955. The Club has had only two secretaries in its 54 years of existence and perhaps this would constitute some sort of a record. The late W.J. Maloney served from 1948-53 and provided excellent service in the establishment of the Club, whilst Frank Ryan, the current Secretary, has completed 49 years in office.

The Club currently stages twelve meetings each year and has always enjoyed great oncourse support. With strong local support and a vibrant local tourist industry, attendances are among the highest in the State.

The district has always enjoyed a high level of interest in harness racing and has had a great number of very good locally owned horses on the racing scene. Of course the fact that the top stud in Australia, Alabar Bloodstock, is situated in the district is a bonus for the Club and an incentive for local breeders to breed to the top stallions.

Although the Club is situated 200kms from Moonee Valley it receives good support from the top horses and most of the leading drivers. The holiday meetings staged at New Year and Easter attract huge crowds and the Club provides on course entertainment for the holidaymakers. On Easter Saturday, racing is not conducted at Monee Valley and Echuca’s upgraded meeting provides the best in country harness racing – last year the Club was fortunate to have Inter Dominion winner, Shakamaker, race in the Free For All at this Meeting.

With a strong local dairying district, night racing is very popular in the summer months and the Club is able to provide keen exciting entertainment at their track.