It has been a long time in the writing but Anne Field reckons she might be nearing the finishing line of her history of Moorefield Racecourse.
But just in case there is information she has missed, Ms Field is making a final appeal for people to contact her.
So far she has written more than 40,000 words about the racecourse, which was a big part of Kogarah between 1888 and 1951.
She aims to have a draft ready by the end of the year before the book is published in hard copy and electronic format next year.
Ms Field began her research in 1993 but her busy teaching career, Rockdale Council commitments and other demands slowed her progress.
She was prompted to write her book by the late Ray Cunningham, of Monterey, who called her in mid-1992, when she was a Third Ward councillor, to request a footpath.
Mr Cunningham had worked on the racecourse from 1946 to 1951.
"The footpath was built in August 1992," Ms Field said.
"In our conversations, the subject of Moorefield Racecourse came up.
"Mr Cunningham said to me 'when I die the history will die with me'. I replied 'no it won't, I will do you a deal; I will write it. You are fortunate Mr Cunningham that I love local history and I love horse racing'."
The book will be divided into sections: the Moore family, the racecourse, jockeys and apprentices, trainers, horses and stables, Marshall Street, Kogarah Golf Club, Moorefield Racecourse and the sale.
"I am pleased that I will soon be able to present the History of Moorefield Racecourse to the local community and to our racing community," Ms Field said.
"I know that it will bring back many wonderful memories to so many people.
"It will inform people in our local area who did not know that Kogarah once had a racecourse."
Details: Contact Anne Field at: ko77582@bigpond.net.au
