Clairwood at an end

It brings back good memories. Remember when Tourismo won and one day we went for the race when Grim Tours Won and remember Bush Pirate (and Teetan) got me a top swinger. We had good days at Clairwood,
KZN racing won't be the same.... My thoughts with all the Clairwood fans..

If I may share a memory or two.. Spent most of my tertiary studies' days at Clairwood instead of at lectures..in the 80s. My lectures must have marveled at the array of creative excuses for missing any lecture on a Wed after 10am.. Something about Clairwood.. Loved the big fields on a Saturday jackpot , always guaranteed one upset. The sprinters.. Golden Gallant. Passmore and co always had a new maiden sprinter up his sleeve..

Garden Course my favourite course also..All you clanners that will be there today enjoy and give a great salute goodbye..Cheers CLAIRWOOD.

Stole the above fae auld Jimmy Lithgow

I have to say the last day at Clairwood was a very dull and uneventful affair, the "live" entertainment was poor to say the least, some okie singing a few notes with a few scantily clad baby girls doing an unsyncronised disorganised dance was I think supposed to suffice for all the money poured into golden circle, a case of we will take but you don't mind if we don\t give back, the atmosphere was one of denial dare I say as if the course was not closing down at all, a feeble cheerio from Craig Peters. Lafferty snubbing a few patrons in the process.

All in all a kuk send off and I mean kuk, sorry did I say kuk well I meant it, that of course is just my opinion...

Clairwood you will be mourned, Greyville wont be seeing me or my few bobs

Yip really sad to see the old girl go. Has many pleasant memories through the years and will be sorely missed. Agree that the cheap and kitch entertainment on display was really poor and one really wonders who these clowns in control think their true patrons really are ??

Flying Loot the last ever winner at Clairwood

Truly a sad day. Clairwood was the first venue I wagered a bet on when I walked to the Tote by myself to place a bet without my dad and a year later it was the first racecourse I visited. Was able to see alot of top class thoroughbreds there, from Empress Club, Flaming Rock, Free My Heart, Jet Master, Flobayou, Taban, Pocket Power and many more. Clairwood was the only racecourse in Natal that the mighty Horse Chestnut ran in. Thanks for the memories Clairwood from heartache to pure joy.

Does anyone know which horse had the best strike rate at Clairwood? Or would like to guess one? Or the most number of wins?

Nice crowd yesterday at the track to say goodbye. When Graeme Hawkins, in his opening address, said that we were there to 'celebrate', it was a very poor joke to pull. I doubt many there yesterday were 'celebrating'...I spoke to one of the barmen in the members lounge who was most unhappy. He even pointed out the beautiful view he's had to look over during the years he was there.

As for the future...wellllll....I popped into Greyville a few weeks ago during a midweek meeting and apart from the new track, a fancy TV and a fancy dividend/result/TV board I was hard pressed to find any of the so-called improvements the Clairwood money was due to fund. The general public area is its usual drab old self, the tar area in front of the grandstand could do with a renewal, etc...

So far, not much to get excited about....