Published on Friday, 7 August 2020 at 3:19:11 PM
Did you know that the Town of East Fremantle was once home to the Richmond Raceway? Although the sounds of thundering hooves and the flash of racing silks are a memory, a new public art installation records this dynamic part of the Town’s past as a permanent reminder.
Background
Richmond Raceway, a horse and harness racing (trotting) track, was established in 1928 and ran until 1991, when the area became a housing estate. The remains of the track are now bounded by Marmion, Silas, George and Moss Streets with Raceway Park in the centre. Also retained are parts of the entrance gates on the corner of Silas and Baypatch Street (with signage) now Marjorie Green Park, named to commemorate the Town’s first female Councillor. The corner of George and Moss Streets is now George Booth Park, named after the 1943-1958 President of the Committee of the Fremantle Trotting Club. The original turnstiles, within pockets of public open space, stand as a reminder of 63 years of harness racing in the area.
Streets close to the track still bear the names of famous horses. Further background and images of the Raceway in its heyday are available at the Streets of East Freo website. The names of the horses recalled in the artwork are:
- Dainty’s Daughter - Trainer-Driver: Bernie Cushing
- Mount Eden - Trainer-Driver: Jack Miles
- Pure Steel - Trainer: Russell Roberts / Driver: Mark Roberts
- Royal Force - Trainer: George Kennett / Driver: Dudley Anderson
- San Simeon - Owner: Lyall Porter / Trainer-Driver: Lou Austin
- Sylvia Mint - Trainer: Bill Johnson / Driver: Max Johnson
- Bay Patch - Owner: G Martin / Trainer-Driver: Alby Boag
- Speedy Cheval - Trainer: Ross Olivieri / Driver: Phil Coulson
- Westgrove Boy - Trainer: Harry Schrader / Driver: Jim Schrader
- Village Kid - Trainer: Bill Horn / Driver: Chris Lewis
Art Installation
In developing the story of the area, and the artwork, the Town conducted research with local racing identities. Local artist, Ben Jones with the support of his father Tony, infused their combination of local knowledge, personal passion and professional pride into the artwork which are a stunning addition to the Park.
Unveiling
At 10am on Saturday 1 August 2020, (1 August being the date known internationally as the day of all horses’ birthdays in the Southern hemisphere), the Mayor of East Fremantle and Councillors gathered with local residents and racing luminaries to toast the newly installed artworks and recall the Town’s racing past.
Deputy Mayor Harrington spoke about the glory days of harness racing in East Fremantle. One of the highlights for those present was the race call by Hayden King, featuring the names of the horses featured in the artworks.
On the guest list were George Booth, who bears the name of his grandfather for whom the Park is named, and who still lives at 23 Speedy Cheval Street. Also present were Bill and Norma Horn (owners) plus the trainers of Village Kid, and connections to Speedy Cheval; and Fran Porter, the wife of Lyall Porter, owner of San Simeon. Racing enthusiasts and members of the last Fremantle Harness Racing Club committee were also present at the happy occasion.
Chair of the Town's Public Art Panel, Deputy Mayor Jenny Harrington during her remarks
Artist Ben Jones next to one of his works that recalls famous local racehorse "Village Kid"
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