The year 1822, and the two following years, are entirely bare of sporting news, and not until 1825 did turf affairs improve. During the month of March a new turf club was formed, with the Governor, Sir Thomas Brisbane, as patron. A race club was also instituted at Parramatta, and an impromptu meeting held on a new course four miles outside Sydney, on March 17. At first it was resolved to limit the members of the new turf club to sixty, but this was considered too exclusive. Sir John Jamieson was elected president, and the first race meeting was held at Hyde Park on April 25 and 26, 1825. At this meeting the afterwards celebrated Junius made a victorious appearance by securing first place in the Town Plates of 50 sovereigns (heats). He was owned by Mr. Nash, and for some time after was termed the champion horse of the colony. At this meeting he also secured the Magistrate’s Plate, and at the second meeting of the Sydney Turf Club, held on September 23, 24 and 25, Junius won two events. At this meeting we read of a Handicap Stakes of five guineas each, with ten guineas added, won by Mr. Nichol’s Captain, 7st. 2lb. This is the first mention of a handicap run on the Australian turf. There was also a six-furlong race for two-year-olds, won by Australian. Racing at Parramatta. The new club at Parramatta held its opening meeting on October 7 and 8. There was a most fashionable attendance. Slender Billy, nominated by Mr. Nash, won the J.C. Plate in three heats; Mr. Bayley’s Traveller took the Ladies’ Purse, and also beat Slender Billy in a match for 20 sovereigns, following up by gaining the Town Plate in two heats. His Excellency the Governor presented a purse won by Mr. Yorrick’s Prince. A New Racecourse. The Committee of the Sydney Turf Club were evidently determined to push the sport ahead. They had a fresh course laid out during 1826. The new track, about four miles from Sydney, lay on the Parramatta Road, between Gorse Farm and the farm belonging to Mr. Johnson, where the annual races took place on June 14 and 16 of that year. It is said that there were 2,000 people present when Junius won the Brisbane Cup (heats, twice round). Junius also won the Turf Club Plate. Other winners were Mr. Wentworth’s Don Giovanni, Colonel Dumaresque’s Alraschid, Mr. Bayley’s Nesta and Mr. Roberts’ Captain. The second meeting on the new course took place on April 25 and 27, 1827, in unfavourable weather. Junius again won the Brisbane Cup, and Australia won a Sweepstakes (mile heats). On the second day Junius walked over for the Town Plate, when Mr. Nash, his owner, gave the prize for a second competition. It was won by a horse owned by a Mr. Brown, of Windsor. Australia also won the second Subscription Race.