Brisbane’s men-only Tattersall’s Club has voted to allow women to become members, ending gender-specific discrimination spanning more than 150 years.

The vote was close, with 1405 members voting in favour of the change and 1368 voting against.

Tattersall’s Club president Stuart Fraser said the motion received an unprecedented response from members.

“A total of 63 per cent of our membership participated in the ballot … the highest for a motion in Tattersall’s Club history,” he said.

“This is a significant for Tattersall’s Club – we have been part of Queensland’s history for more than 150 years, and we have evolved continuously over that time.

“We welcome the women in our families, the women in our lives, and the women in our communities.”

Brisbane Tattersall’s Club president Stuart Fraser welcomed the decision. Photo: ABC

Mr Fraser said members took the decision to increase patronage and said they want to introduce a family membership model.

The club was founded in 1865 by “a group of gentlemen” prominent in the Queensland thoroughbred horse racing industry.

It describes itself as “one of Australia’s most prestigious private membership clubs” and a “home away from home” for its members.

Members last voted on whether to allow women 12 years ago, when the motion was knocked back.

Female relatives and friends had been allowed into the club as guests only.

–ABC