The Manawatu Racing Club conducted its first race meeting in Palmerston North on Boxing Day 1881. A few years later the Club purchased 100 acres of land at Awapuni for four thousand pounds and the Club celebrated its first raceday at the new course on 26 December 1903. In February 1936, both stands in the photograph were extensively damaged in a severe storm.This shot was probably taken soon after the rebuilding was completed.