The Pakenham Racing Club was founded in 1875. Since its inception, the Club has on many occasions upgraded facilities and improved racing standards.

More than one hundred trainers and owner trainers prepare their horses at Pakenham. Most have only small teams, the bigger district trainers being permitted to train at the training complex at Cranbourne.

The most successful trainer has been Ray Webster, who won the Melbourne Cup in 1943 with Dark Felt and the Caulfield Cup in 1944 with Counsel. Nethergold, another of his team, ran second in the 1959 Melbourne Cup. He won many races during his long career, and upon retirement was honoured by the V.R.C. in being allowed to retain his badge.

Located within an hour's drive from Melbourne on the city fringe, Pakenham provides a country atmosphere within reach of the city, without the metropolitan price tag. It has a regular train service to the Pakenham Station which is an easy two minute walk to the track.

The Pakenham Racing Club operates its own seven-days-a-week hospitality and Entertainment venue called the Cardinia Club.

The racecourse is a popular spot for various picnic parties, and the Pakenham Picnic Racing Club conducts two meetings annually on the course. The New Year's Day fixture is one of the biggest amateur meetings in Victoria.