Long before Queensland gamblers knew casinos, slot machines, on-line betting and a myriad of betting ventures, people simply went to the races.

 

Attendance at Eagle Farm, Doomben and Albion Park measured in the tens of thousands and occasionally peaked at 100,000 punters. The golden years of racing from the 1890s to the 1950s saw punters pack the trains for a Saturday at the races.

 

To place their bets, bookmakers were ever at the ready. Race callers broadcasted races live on several radio stations. The Telegraph Brisbane tabloid had a special Pink Edition on Saturdays, sold by newspaper boys in the city at the conclusion of the last race.

 

Wally Northcott's life is an interesting snap shot of Queensland Racing History, a history which began in rural Victoria back in 1901...