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It was a bleak Tuesday in 1912 when a crowd of more than 2000 eager racegoers filed through the turnstiles to attend the first race meeting held at Kembla Grange Racecourse.

Now 111 years on sees the launch of the 'Illawarra Turf Club Legends' program.

“We are extremely proud of the quality of thoroughbred racing in the region and the role of the Illawarra Turf Club in this success," said Barry Vandenbergh, Illawarra Turf Club's Chairman.

"Our history of racing would not be possible without great people. We wish to honor these Legends, a group of industry participants who are deserving of this prestigious acknowledgement."

The program has been developed to recognise individuals, not employed by Illawarra Turf Club, for their positive contribution to thoroughbred racing in the Illawarra, it’s growth and success, promotion and prestige.

A permanent tribute is being planned for display at the racecourse. The inaugural inductees are:

Julie Humphries
Julie has recently retired after 28 years of voluntary service as the hostess of ITC's winning owners room. During this time it is estimated Julie looked after the winning connections of more than 7000 races. Prior to this Julie filled the role of Club Secretary, commencing with the Wollongong Racing and Trotting Club in 1968.

Cliff Clare
When Illawarra Turf Club was formed in late 1976 one of the leading riders at Kembla Grange race meetings was Cliff Clare. Now a spritely 93, Cliff is best known as the rider of 1967 Golden Slipper winner, Sweet Embrace. Cliff rode a multitude of winners at Kembla Grange and retired from race riding in May 1992, less than two years after one of his best mates, fellow jockey Norm Munsie.

Bede Murray
A former dairy farmer, Bede Murray transitioned to horse racing in 1962 to begin his 53-year career as a trainer. From a total of 7,999 starters, Bede trained 913 winners, including 259 at Kembla Grange and a series of Black Type races. Passing away in March 2016, Bede’s legacy remains alive through his sons, Paul and Graeme, who are both successful trainers in their own right.

Gwenda Markwell
The “Queen of Kembla”, Gwenda Markwell [pictured] reigned supreme at Kembla Grange, winning 18 Champion Trainer premierships at the track and dominating the leading local trainer title for 20 straight seasons. Gwenda chalked up 1,037 winners with her biggest triumphs being in the 2004 Group 1-BMW with Grand Zulu and the 2019 ATC Australian Derby with Angel of Truth. Sadly, Gwenda left us in October 2022, but she will always be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the local racing scene.

Illawarra Turf Club hopes to add inductees to the Legends program on an annual basis. The Committee will again consider nominations put forward by Directors, Illawarra Turf Club Members and Employees during 2024.

NOTE: Celebrations will for these inductees will be during a lunch at Kembla Grange Racecourse this Saturday (21st October). Luncheon tickets are available via - Moshtix.com.au