WILLIAMSTOWN RACING CLUB

illiamstown was established the main port of Melbourne with the Yarra River too narrow to accommodate ships. Dredging of the river allowed for Station Pier at Port Melbourne to be opened in the 1850s. Williamstown lost its importance as a port and became known as “the fishing village.” In 1859, Williamstown local horse Flying Buck, won a race a Flemington by 10 lengths, prompting the development of Williamstown racecourse which actually was located at Altona. The first race meeting was recorded on Boxing Day in 1859. The main race that day was the Williamstown Handicap, the forerunner