First aeroplane (De Havilland 6) arriving at the old Feilding racecourse, August 1920, piloted by Captain Richard Russell. Photographed by Bert Hobday - who flew in the aeroplane later that day, taking the first aerial photos of Feilding.

​

Captain Russell, who was from Invercargill, had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Croix de Guerre during WWI - he spent his time after the war touring around New Zealand in his plane and offering flights to civilians in an effort to popularise flying. Tragically, Captain Russell was killed during one of these tours, when his Avro Avian plane stalled while descending onto the New Plymouth Racecourse in November 1920. Two passengers were also killed; Mayor James Clark, and chemist Kathleen Warnock.

Photograph taken early 1950s. The newest cars in the photo are E series Vauxhalls, made between 1951 and 1956. S. Johnson 2011.

Photo taken early to mid 1950s. Note two E series Vauxhalls lower left. Made between 1951 and 1956. S.Johnson 2011.

Situated in Manfield Park

Postcard Series 3593 The Reserve, Feilding. Feilding Racecourse Grandstand in the background

Written on back of the photograph "stock sale yards and racecourse at top centre.

The Feilding Jockey Club was fored in 1879 with Mr D. H. Macarthur as president. In 1890 the club leased 62 acres from Mr S. R. Turner. The first race meeting to be held on the new course took place on 27th December 1890. The Feilding Totalisator is timber framed and clad with a signle storied polygonal wing with a two storied rectanlar extension facing east.

Photographs taken Tuesday 31st July 2018, demolition of the Racecourse buildings has began this week.

Kiosk, Feilding Racecourse Post card 3597

Photographs taken from South Street, looking at the main racecourse Grandstands. At the time of this photograph the circus was in town.

The first race meeting in Feilding was held in 1879 on what was known as 'Lethbridge's run'. This course was over what would roughly be Harford Street, along West Street, and Awahuri Road to Giesens Road and then along Glasgow Terrace and Wellesley Street