9 David Bourke congratulates Mr Silk, owner of Carbongraph, winner of the first M.J. Bourke Hurdle in 1957. Also pictured: Peter Ronald (Chairman), jockey Brian Smith & Trainer Des McCormick. The M.J. Bourke Hurdle was first run in Pakenham in 1957 and was the Club's signature hurdle race and is named in honour of Michael Joseph Bourke, to recognise the foundation involvement and lifelong commitment to the Pakenham Racing Club. Along with his brother Hugh, the Bourkes originally provided - and later sold to the Pakenham Race Club - the land on which the original Pakenham Racecourse was built. In 1926, Michael Bourke was instrumental in the reconstruction of the original racecourse, as well as providing the necessary finance. He was appropriately appointed as Secretary of the Pakenham Racing Club from 1926 until ill health forced his retirement in 1949, at which time his son, David Bourke took over the position at just 18 years of age. The name Bourke has been synonomous with the Pakenham Racing Club and the broader Victorian Racing Club community through generations of involvement by the Bourke family. The Bourke family is delighted to attend the day and see the continued recognition of this historic race, particularly as it is run for the first time at the Terang & District Racing Club.
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