The Race Course was established in 1892 and the foundations for the original grandstands were laid in 1893.  From 1897, the Turf Club pegged the entire course for mining, and gold was mined at 1.5km below the race course, while racing continued unabated on the course.  During the South African War of 1899 – 1902, it was closed to be used as the biggest concentration camp in the Transvaal, accommodating over 5000 Boer women and children.