Thirty years ago, the Marburg Pacing Association (MPA) was established in the garage of Marburg resident, harness racing trainer and driver and now life member, Bevan Dance. Agreement was reached with the Marburg Show Society that the MPA would use the showgrounds for a training base for local trainers during the week and for trialling and education races on Sunday mornings for local residents in the Marburg and Ipswich area.
For many years training and races were conducted on an old 500 metre dirt track. Ipswich race calling legend, Rod Hill, would do the commentary over a megaphone or using a karaoke microphone. Refreshments were provided by local women serving food and drinks out of eskies in a tin hut built by members.
The association has a base membership of 100 with 80 to a maximum of 120 horses running on the Sundays. Approximately 30% of all registered harness racing licensees are locally based with about 400 to 450 horses in work and racing in the area.
A new 700 metre racetrack and associated facilities, buildings, cattle yards and cricket pitch were funded about fifteen years ago by the Queensland Harness Racing Board Development Fund.
Support of community groups has long been a cornerstone of the MPA. It has close ties with the Rosewood Local Ambulance Committee, and the Marburg Mustangs Cricket Club amongst other groups. Promotions, fund raising, special causes and local activities are features of many races. The MPA sees its role as promoting the country lifestyle and friendly atmosphere of Marburg and its local businesses.
The MPA and its Patron, Ipswich City Councillor, David Pahlke, welcome visitors to the harness racing trials and education events held each Sunday starting at 8am. Breakfast and morning tea are available from 7.45am in the Cadillac Café.
To enter the website of the Marburg Pacing Association, Click Here
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The Marburg and District Residents' Association hosts this site, but relies on information provided by other parties. We make every effort to keep information as up to date as possible. No responsibility is taken for misleading or inaccurate information provided by outside parties. Please contact us if you wish to correct any errors.
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