Avondale Jockey Club
(Left to Right) Leeann Martin, Jan McLeod, Bruce Cleland, Tracey Berkahn, Allan Boyle, Jan Skinner, Jim Clark, Chris Ryan, Irvine Starkie, Gary Jenkins
[absent – Vincent Middeldorp]
Avondale Jockey Club
The Avondale Jockey Club (AJC) dates back to 1889 when racing was held on a rudimentary track built on the farm of Moss Davis (1847 – 1933).
As racing became more popular, AJC upgraded the track and Avondale Racecourse is now recognised as one of New Zealand’s highest quality and most consistent turf courses.
Initially established as a membership group for horse owners and trainers AJC held regular race meetings, which were highlights of the social calendar. Over the years, the crowds in the grandstands have been replaced by a much broader TV, radio and online audience, with people around the world following live racing via Sky Racing World and TAB Trackside.
Today, Avondale Jockey Club is managed by a dedicated team who provide governance and management to support, develop and continue to grow the sport of racing at Avondale
2018/2019 Committee Members
Club President
Allan Boyle
Vice President
Jan Skinner
Honorary Treasurer
Tracey Berkahn
Committee Members
Jim Clark
Gary Jenkins
Jan McLeod
Vince Middeldorp
Chris Ryan
Irvine Starkie
Leeann Martin
Bruce Cleland
Club Stewards
Bryan Jackson
Denise West
Warren Strand
Terry Skinner
Membership
Members of Avondale Jockey Club have access to a range of benefits and privileges as well as full voting rights, so you can have a voice as to how racing is conducted at Avondale Racecourse. You also receive reciprocal privileges with a number of other clubs.
Our membership season runs from 1 August to 31 July the following year.
Standard Membership: $60 per season
Senior Membership (aged 65 years and over): $44 per season
25+years Continuous Membership: $30 per season
For more information please contact Richard Pridham – Racing Manager
Email: r.pridham@ajc.co.nz
Phone: 027 537 2990
Become a member now!
Life Members
The following Avondale Jockey Club members have been awarded Life Membership in recognition of their continued and valuable contributions to the Club. We are honoured to have their ongoing support and involvement with the Club.
Eddie Doherty
Thayne Green
Colin Jillings
Robyn McElroy
Jan McLeod
Graham Wakefield
John O’Connor
Jim Patterson
Russell Payne
Stephen Penney
Pat Sapich
Jan Skinner
Club History
Avondale Jockey Club has played a significant role in Auckland’s history as well as the thoroughbred racing industry in New Zealand.
Avondale Racecourse was originally established in the 1880s on farmland on the outskirts of Auckland, owned by Moss Davis. Moss was an avid horse racer and encouraged by the growth of Auckland’s population and the potential to attract crowds to the area, he built a flat, egg shaped track that was nearly a mile long with a 380 yard straight.
Avondale Trophy Winners
The Avondale Cup was run at Avondale every year from 1890 to 2015. It was the most prestigious race on the Avondale racing calendar and attracted the best horses and jockeys from across the Upper North Island. Avondale Cup winners are in an elite group.
The Avondale Guineas started in 1971 and ran every year until 2015 (with the exception of 1989 and 1990).
AJC Presidents
The current AJC President is Allan M Boyle. Allan was elected President in 2014.
The current Vice President is Jan Skinner.
Publications
Below is the link to the most recent AJC Annual Report. Please contact us if you wish to view reports from previous years.
