the broad, flat pastureland here at the intersection of green lane and manukau roads was used for sporting events from the 1850s onwards but the alexandra park raceway and asb showgrounds were only formally established around 1900. the alexandra park raceway was named after the duchess of cornwall (later queen alexandra), and specialises in trotting races. the showgrounds have been the site of many trade exhibitions and agricultural shows, especially the annual auckland royal easter show.