Ngong Racecourse stood as the epitome of horse racing, cherished not only for its racing events but also esteemed as a family-friendly destination and a host to various entertainment gatherings.
The roots of racing in Kenya trace back to Malindi in 1498, where Sheikh al-Bauri organized a racing event for Portuguese Explorer Vasco da Gama. However, the first recorded race meeting occurred in Machakos in 1839.
Organized by the East African Turf Club on June 22, 1897, the inaugural race, the Machakos Challenge Cup, took place during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The early races, including the first Nairobi race in 1900, thrived under the influence of Alibahai Mulla Jeevanjee, with Machakos and Nairobi races gaining prominence. The Racecourse, initially surrounded by open plains filled with wildlife, became a spectacle.
In 1903, a race had an unexpected participant—a lion chasing a zebra across the course. The races drew crowds from across the East African Protectorate, becoming a social event attended even by governors.
Notable personalities graced the races, from Kermit Roosevelt, son of former US President Theodore Roosevelt, to royals and celebrities like Lord Delamare, Charles Clutterbuck, Berkeley Cole, and Beryl Markham. The Ngong Racecourse races became synonymous with fashion shows, attracting VIPs and avid spectators.
Bartle Bull, in his book Safari, vividly captured the allure of Ngong Racecourse, describing it as a hub of excitement after the isolation of life in the bush. By 1907, a grandstand offered an elevated view, and over the years, improvements included private boxes, VIP seating, additional grandstands, and a defining picket fence.
In 1920, Kenya became a Crown Colony, leading to the transformation of the East African Turf Club into the Jockey Club of Kenya. The racing influence spread with the formation of the Uasin Gishu Gymkhana Club in Eldoret in 1921.
By 1954, Ngong Racecourse underwent remodeling, resembling the renowned English Ascot course, and emerged as the only public horse racing course in East Africa.
David Bowden, a dedicated racing enthusiast, played a pivotal role in this transformation. While African jockeys were initially unacknowledged, the 1990s witnessed a surge in African participation, with notable figures like Joe Muya, Steve Njuguna, and Patrick Mungai contributing to the industry’s growth.
Today, Ngong Racecourse stands as a historic venue with a nine-hole golf course, continuing to be the focal point of horse racing in East Africa.
