The race course in Madras came into existence in the year 1777 when an area of 81 cawnies was granted from the village of Adyar, Venkatapuram and Velacheri, for this purpose.
Racing having made a beginning, it suffered a setback for some years due to Hyder Ali's invasion. However, in 1804 racing was revived and an additional area of little more than 36 cawnies was added to the original 81.
A properly constituted Race Club with 50 members enrolled in January 1896. So from 1896, the Madras Race Club was formed and it exists as such to the present day although the rules have been considerably modified from time to time.
With the idea of providing recreational facilities to the members of the Madras Race Club, the GUINDY LODGE which was hitherto the Official residence of the secretary was converted to GUINDY LODGE and was inaugurated by our Chairman Dr. M.A.M. Ramasamy on 25th October 1997.
Madras Race Club is the first Turf Club of India to Offer exclusive club facilities to its members and their families.