Cherie Wheeler

The Western Australian Turf Club (now operating as Perth Racing) has embarked on an impressive transformation and redevelopment, signalling an exciting new chapter for racing, tourism and events in Perth. Perth Racing, which manages two tracks - Ascot Racecourse and Belmont Park - is a club that never sleeps. As Western Australia's only metropolitan club, Perth Racing hosts a busy 90 meetings per season, as well as non-raceday events. Ascot Racecourse is more than just a race track; it's also a training facility. More than 500 horses are put through their preliminary paces on the Ascot Racecourse gallops during a typical week and the venue has played an important role in the development of several champions, including two-time WS Cox Plate winner Northerly, the Fighting Tiger of whom there is an imposing statue next to the venue's Flametree Lawn. Belmont Park is located within a torpedo punt of the new Perth Stadium that officially opened on 21 January 2018. Perth Racing's head office, Lee-Steere House, is located opposite Ascot Racecourse. The Grandstand Road premises honour the contribution of the Lee-Steere family. Sir Ernest Augustus Lee-Steere was Chairman of the Western Australian Turf Club from 1919 to 1940 and Sir Ernest Lee-Steere was Chairman of the Western Australian Turf Club from 1963 to 1984. For seven years, Sir Ernest Lee-Steere combined being Chairman of the Western Australian Turf Club with holding the equally prestigious office of the Lord Mayor of Perth and it was on his watch that the racing organisation relaid the Belmont Park surface, transforming it into one of the world's best wet-weather tracks.