On the Grid : Gloucester Park

"In the 1920s Perth’s drapery moguls, the Brennan Bros, established a gentlemanly club for trotting enthusiasts. And a club is in need of a clubhouse; nay, not just a clubhouse, but its own racing course. It took a decade to take a mosquito-infested swamp and turn it into an oasis for lovers of the gee-gees and gambling; featuring a glam grandstand, palm-lined pacing track and 86-window (!) tote house for punters to place their bets at. Originally named Brennan Park (an honour lost due to disagreements, debts and drinking), the racecourse opened in 1929 to an attendance of 17,000 people – almost 10% of the city’s then population. Despite a multitude of modifications over the years, the elegant entrance gates remain largely unchanged. And if it is your thing, you can still trundle along to the races every Friday night." - Studio Bomba