What Kembla Grange Racecourse does

Kembla Grange Racecourse is a single-site thoroughbred horse racing venue located on the Princes Highway at Kembla Grange, NSW, approximately 95km south of Sydney and 9km south of Wollongong. It is operated by The Illawarra Turf Club, a private membership-based organisation governed by a Board of Directors and operating under Racing NSW regulatory oversight. The venue conducts 35 race meetings annually and attracts more than 65,000 patrons per year. Its infrastructure comprises a 2200m main turf track (25m wide, 420m straight) and the newly commissioned Illawarra Grange B-Grass inner track (1980m, 22m wide, 4% camber, advanced drainage) which opened in May 2025 at a cost of over $8 million funded by Racing NSW.

The business operates on a diversified event-driven revenue model spanning six primary streams: race day ticket sales ($10 pre-purchased via Moshtix, $20 at gate), tiered hospitality packages ranging from Lawn Marquee ($20) through Grandstand Bistro ($75) to the Ken Brown Dining Room ($110–$195), multi-tier membership programs ($35–$1,695+), corporate sponsorship and race naming rights, on-course food and beverage, and professional photography services via Bradley Photos. The venue also generates non-race-day revenue through function hire (corporate events, weddings, conferences).

Kembla Grange serves multiple customer segments including general public racegoers, individual and corporate members, horse owners and trainers, jockeys, and corporate event clients. Premium offerings include The Gong — the NSW Spring Carnival finale and Group 3 race carrying $1 million in prize money within a $2.5 million total race-day pool — and The Warra Group 3 sprint ($300,000 purse). Distribution is anchored on the Moshtix online ticketing platform, on-site gate sales, and direct corporate sales, with marketing executed through the venue's website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, email newsletters, and local media partnerships (i98FM, Win Television, Southern Cross Austereo, Channel 10).

Name

Kembla Grange Racecourse

Legal name

The Illawarra Turf Club

Website

https://kemblagrangeracing.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kembla Grange Racecourse is a private thoroughbred racecourse in the Illawarra region of NSW operated by The Illawarra Turf Club, hosting 35 race meetings annually for over 65,000 patrons with tiered hospitality, memberships, and the Group 3 The Gong feature race.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Thoroughbred Horse Racing Venue

NAICS

Racetracks (711212), Spectator Sports (71121), Horses and Other Equine Production (11292)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Racetrack & Race Meeting Operations (MPAEADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Racecourse Hospitality, Sponsorship & On-Track Experiences (MPAEADAM), Racehorse Training & Conditioning Operations (AFAEAGAE)

Keywords

• Thoroughbred horse racing
• Racecourse hospitality
• Raceday ticketing
• Corporate event venues
• Club membership programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Kembla

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Race Day Ticket Sales: General admission tickets sold at gate ($20) and pre-purchased via Moshtix ($10). Revenue from individual racegoers attending the 35 annual race meetings.
2. Hospitality Packages: Premium dining experiences including Lawn Marquee ($20 per person), Grandstand Bistro ($75 for 3-course luncheon), AJ Bert Lillye Lounge ($95 luncheon), and Ken Brown Dining Room ($110-$195 depending on package).
3. Membership Fees: Full Membership at $65 per year offering complimentary entry to 35 race meetings, Members-only areas, early entry, beverage discounts, and pre-sale tickets. Corporate Membership at $950 provides four memberships with naming rights and hospitality credits. The Warra Club at $1695+ GST per year for business networking benefits.
4. Sponsorship & Partnerships: Various sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities including entire meeting sponsorships, single race naming rights, and corporate partnerships. Contact Chloe Hackett for details.
5. Food & Beverage: On-course food and beverage sales including snacks from snack bars, meals in Grandstand Bistro, and drinks from various bars throughout the venue.
6. Professional Photography: Bradley Photos serves as official on-course photographer capturing race finishes and presentations. Revenue generated through sale of framed prints, custom collages, and gift vouchers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Kembla Grange Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue that conducts 35 race meetings per year, attracting more than 65,000 patrons annually. It sells raceday admission and tiered hospitality experiences (General Admission, Lawn Marquee, Grandstand Bistro, AJ Bert Lillye Lounge, Ken Brown Dining Room), annual club memberships (Full, Corporate, Colts & Filles, The Warra Club, Future Champion), corporate sponsorship and race naming rights, and venue hire for private functions and corporate events. The operation is anchored on the Group 3 The Gong ($1 million purse) and The Warra ($300,000 purse) feature racedays held at the new $8 million Illawarra Grange (B-Grass) inner track and the 2,200m main turf track.

Product overview

Kembla Grange Racecourse is a thoroughbred racecourse operated by The Illawarra Turf Club. The company operates as a single-site venue offering race day events (35 meetings annually), private function hosting, and membership programs. The product portfolio includes core race day ticketing with various hospitality tiers (General Admission, Lawn Marquee, Grandstand Bistro, AJ Bert Lillye Lounge, Ken Brown Dining Room), corporate sponsorship packages, and membership programs (Full, Corporate, The Warra Club, Colts & Filles, Future Champion). Premium offerings include The Gong Race Day (premier annual standalone meeting with $2.5M prize money featuring Group 3 The Gong and The Warra races), the Kembla Cup & The Big Dance Raceday, and the Illawarra Grange B-Grass track (opened 2025, $8M investment). Supporting services include racebooks, professional photography, owner privileges, and horse welfare initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Race Days and Meetings Annual program of 35 thoroughbred race meetings at Kembla Grange, attracting 65,000+ patrons per year. Includes handicap races, feature races, and themed racedays with general admission and hospitality tiers.
• Functions and Events Hosting Venue hire service offering private and corporate functions including exhibitions, conferences, awards nights, meetings, weddings, birthday parties, funerals, and wakes, with hospitality packages tailored to occasion.
• Club Membership Programs Annual membership tiers including Full Membership ($65), Corporate Membership ($950), The Warra Club ($1,695+GST), Colts & Filles Membership (18-35, $35), and Future Champion Membership (under 18, free). Benefits include complimentary entry to 35 race meetings, Members-only areas, beverage discounts, pre-sale tickets, voting rights, and reciprocal benefits at 30+ clubs.
• Sponsorship Packages Sponsorship and partnership opportunities ranging from entire meeting sponsorships and single race naming rights to corporate partnership arrangements. Sold directly via Chloe Hackett.
• Hospitality Packages Tiered hospitality experiences including Lawn Marquee ($20), Grandstand Bistro seat or 3-course luncheon ($20-$75), AJ Bert Lillye Lounge ($95), and Ken Brown Dining Room ($110-$195 with beverage package), booked through Moshtix.
• The Gong Race Day Kembla Grange's premier standalone annual race meeting held in November as the finale of the NSW Spring Carnival. Features $2.5 million prize money across 10 races, headlined by the Group 3 $1 million The Gong (1600m quality handicap) and Group 3 $300,000 The Warra (1000m sprint).
• Kembla Cup and The Big Dance Raceday Kembla Grange's second-biggest meeting featuring eight local races headlined by the Kembla Grange Cup, plus live broadcast of the Melbourne Cup from Flemington on big screens.
• Professional Photography Service (Bradley Photos) Official on-course photography service (Bradley Photos has served since the early 1980s) capturing race finishes and presentations. Framed prints, custom collages, and gift vouchers available for purchase.
• Horse Welfare Programs The club sponsors two riders annually for Equimillion, a competition exclusively for retired racehorses with $1 million prize money across dressage, show jumping, eventing, and showing disciplines.

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Wests IllawarracoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 September 2025New collaboration between Wests Illawarra and The Illawarra Turf Club to enhance membership experience for both groups and provide increased support to the Illawarra community. Current Wests members enjoy complimentary entry, one free drink, and 10% off food at Kembla Grange Racecourse upon presentation of valid membership card. Courtesy buses operate between venues.
• Talk2MeBrominorOthers · 21 June 2025Mental health support organization with women's programs focusing on mental health education, peer connection, and resilience-building. Received funding from Race Against Suicide Raceday.
• Lifeline South CoastminorOthers · 21 June 2025Crisis support organization facilitating the Eclipse Support Group for Survivors of Suicide. Received $5,000 funding from Race Against Suicide Raceday.
• The Man WalkminorOthers · 21 June 2025Local charity combating social isolation with free walk, talk, and support sessions for men. Received $15,000 funding to expand network from seven to nine locations in the Illawarra.
• Raising The Bar FoundationminorOthers · 21 June 2025Foundation providing the Lawn Duty program offering free lawn mowing services to elderly and isolated veterans. Received $10,000 funding from Race Against Suicide Raceday.
• The Illawarra HawksminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2025Local NBL championship-winning basketball team supporting The Race Against Suicide Raceday with fun activations including footy passing and basketball shooting challenges.
• St George Illawarra DragonsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2025Local NRL rugby league team supporting The Race Against Suicide Raceday with giveaways and interactive activities including the Pass the Ball Board challenge.
• i98FMcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2025Local radio station providing event promotion, official luncheon hosting by breakfast hosts Christian and Bella, and ongoing support for club events.
• Win TelevisionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2025Local television network supporting The Race Against Suicide Raceday and providing media coverage for club events.
• Southern Cross AustereominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2025Media organization supporting The Race Against Suicide Raceday through promotional coverage.
• Channel 10minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2025Television network supporting The Race Against Suicide Raceday through media coverage.
• 30+ Australian Racing ClubsminorOthersReciprocal membership benefits with clubs including Albury, Canberra, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Gold Coast, Melbourne Racing Club, Newcastle Jockey Club, Victoria Racing Club, and others across Australia.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rosehill Gardens Racecourse (Australian Turf Club): Rosehill Gardens is a major Sydney metropolitan thoroughbred racecourse operated by the Australian Turf Club, hosting Golden Slipper and other Group 1 events. It competes with Kembla Grange for Greater Sydney racing audiences, sponsorship dollars, and mid-tier hospitality packages.
• Warwick Farm Racecourse (Australian Turf Club): Warwick Farm is a Sydney Thoroughbred racing venue also operated by the Australian Turf Club, hosting mid-tier metropolitan race meetings. It overlaps Kembla Grange's weekly raceday product for Sydney-based racegoers and trainers based in western Sydney.
• Royal Randwick Racecourse (Australian Turf Club): Royal Randwick is Sydney's flagship thoroughbred racecourse operated by the Australian Turf Club, hosting premier Group 1 races and major Spring Carnival meetings. It is the most direct NSW competitor to Kembla Grange for prestige, sponsor dollars, and corporate hospitality, having also recently absorbed the former track manager of Kembla Grange.

Regional players

• Belmont Park Racecourse (Perth Racing): Belmont Park is Perth's premier thoroughbred racecourse operated by Perth Racing. Comparable to Kembla Grange in role as a regional capital-city racing venue with a Group meeting calendar and similar membership/hospitality business model.
• Eagle Farm Racecourse (Racing Queensland): Eagle Farm is Brisbane's flagship thoroughbred racecourse and Queensland's premier racing venue. Comparable to Kembla Grange in role as a state-level premier racing destination but operating at larger scale in a competing state market.
• Morphettville Racecourse (Racing SA / South Australian Jockey Club): Morphettville is Adelaide's principal thoroughbred racecourse, home of the South Australian Derby and other feature races. Comparable to Kembla Grange as a state capital regional racing venue with similar Group-level raceday positioning and sponsorship model.
• Doomben Racecourse (Racing Queensland): Doomben is a Brisbane metropolitan thoroughbred racecourse operated by Racing Queensland, hosting premier Queensland racing including the Doomben Cup. Comparable regional/capital-city racing venue model to Kembla Grange, though serving a different state catchment.
• Canberra Racing Club ( Thoroughbred Park): Canberra Racing Club operates Thoroughbred Park in the ACT, a regional Australian thoroughbred racecourse. A close regional peer of Kembla Grange in scale and product offering, and an explicit reciprocal membership partner listed in the company's network.

Broad incumbents

• Caulfield Racecourse (Melbourne Racing Club): Caulfield is a Melbourne metropolitan thoroughbred racecourse operated by Melbourne Racing Club hosting Group 1 events including the Caulfield Cup. Comparable to Kembla Grange in racing calendar role but at significantly larger scale in a competing major capital city market.
• Flemington Racecourse (Victoria Racing Club): Flemington is Australia's most iconic thoroughbred racecourse, home of the Melbourne Cup and operated by the Victoria Racing Club. It sets the benchmark for premium raceday hospitality, sponsorship scale, and event production that Kembla Grange benchmarks against for The Gong.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kemblaraces
• Facebookfacebook.com/pg/kemblagrangeracecourse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/illawarra-turf-club
• Instagraminstagram.com/kemblagrangeracecourse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kembla Grange Racecourse