While harness racing has had a very long and significant history in the Goulburn District, its future looked forlorn in the mid-eighties when the small 600 metre track was closed in 1987.  With the track a tight 600 metres in circumference, the requirements of all mobile start racing made the circuit unacceptable for further racing.

“When they shut you down, Council and I were determined to get the racing back here” O’Neill stated.  In fact, the present 1000 metre track, known as the Goulburn Paceway, owes much of its existence to the determination and resolve of Margaret O’Neill, and a core group of enthusiasts including the late Frank Day, Clive Flack, Bruce Simpson and Council Engineer Peter Mowle.

The long process of re-establishing the sport in Goulburn city involved countless hours of volunteer work, fundraising and the steadfast assistance and commitment of Goulburn Council.

Today the Goulburn Paceway is the equal of any track in Australia; 1050 in circumference it was the design on which the modern Bathurst track was constructed, and provides Goulburn with a state of the art facility that is now the center of harness racing on the Southern Tablelands.

Margaret’s commitment to harness racing is but one of her many convictions; an ardent supporter of Goulburn, her passion for the Goulburn community is evidenced by her long tenure on Goulburn Council.  A deputy Mayor between 1987 and 1993, Margaret presided as Mayor of Goulburn City between 1993 and 1999.

“Well, yes, I would say that I am passionate for Goulburn, I get myself into trouble doing so,” Cr O’Neil quipped.

Cr Oneill continues her public services as a councillor, and is passionate in her role as Goulburn’s Challenge Foundation CEO, which has supported people in the district since the 1950’s.

The Goulburn harness racing community owes her a great debt of gratitude.

 “She backed us when everyone else said it would never happen,” stated Club President Dennis Day.  “Goulburn last raced on the old track in February 1987. “It was a long time to when we resumed racing in September 2008 and Margaret was ceaseless in her efforts to get the track built, without her it may never have happened”.

Monday’s race meeting is likely to kick off about midday or a little after, the club’s committee invites all harness fans to come out and experience the wonderful facilities of the Grace Millson Centre.  Enjoy quality food and a wide range of cold alcoholic and soft drinks whilst watching all the racing action in warm and air conditioned comfort.

Goulburn harness racing is brought to fans by the kind support of Tabcorp, Goulburn Soldiers Club, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, ARW Multigroup, Hollingworth Crane Hire Service, RSM Accountants, and a host of smaller businesses including Top Water Carters Crookwell, First National Real Estate Goulburn, Goulburn Livestock Transport, Goulburn Landmark, Albury J Communications, Crust Gourmet Pizza, Glen Mia ACT Saddlery and Ranvet.

Fields and tips for Monday’s race meeting will be available in Monday morning’s Queen’s Birthday public holiday edition of the Goulburn Post.

For all the latest Goulburn harness racing news visit the club’s website at www.goulburnpaceway.com.au and don’t forget to like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/goulburnpaceway/