13 Goodalls: The first fence in the short steeplechase course is known as Goodalls, and takes its name from Goodall’s farm, which at the time racing commenced on this site in 1858 was adjacent to where this fence is located. Houlahan Treble: Trainer James Joseph “Jim” Houlahan (19132007), an Australian Racing and WRC Hall of Fame member, won four Grand Annuals – a race he loved dearly – eight Brierlys, a Galleywood Hurdle, and a Wangoom Handicap. His countless other wins include seven Grand National Hurdles. Laff’s Bar: Situated in the Woodford Lounge, this bar is named in honour of WRC Hall of Fame member Kevin Joseph Lafferty (1912-1987). Lafferty’s hundreds of wins include five Brierlys, three Grand Annuals, two Warrnambool Cups and a Wangoom. Lindsay Lounge: WRC Hall of Fame member William Lindsay of ‘The Union’, Woolsthorpe, served as chairman of the WRC for a record 32 years, from 1902 until his death on 14 August 1934. Mantrap/Mantrap Bar: The Mantrap is the first fence after the field turns left upon re-entering the racecourse reserve on the first lap in the Grand Annual. It was originally a parapet and ditch, and probably got its name because it was a very formidable obstacle. It is now jumped only in the Annual following changes to the steeplechase course around 1970, which see steeplechases finish in an anti-clockwise direction. Moloney Room: Jerry Moloney (1883-1963) was a leading trainer, based in Warrnambool, for several decades - winning two Grand Annuals, two Warrnambool Cups and three Brierlys. Jerry’s son Jim (1924-2015), an Australian Racing Hall of Fame member, started his training career here. Jim won three Warrnambool Cups, including with Warri Symbol and Sarfraz – both ridden by Pat Hyland who shared a close personal and professional relationship with Moloney after serving his apprenticeship with him. Tozer Road/Tozer Road double: Francis Tozer (1820-1905), a WRC Hall of Fame member, was the most influential person in the early years of racing in Warrnambool. He was one of the founding trustees of the new racing and recreation reserve, a steward at the first Winter Steeplechase Meeting, assisted in laying out the new steeplechase course, was instrumental in the formation of the WRC and a member of its first committee, a prominent owner and breeder, and helped launch the riding career of Tommy Corrigan. Woodford Lounge: The Woodford Racing Club was formed in 1900. It raced at Woodford until 1941 and commenced racing at Warrnambool in 1945 following a break due to World War II. The club continues to hold a very successful annual meeting on New Year’s Eve. 34th Jump Bar: As golf has its 19th hole, this racecourse has the 34th Jump Bar – drawing on the fact that there are 33 fences in our iconic Grand Annual Steeplechase. Mark McNamara: April 2026
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