South Wales, and most of these mentioned send drafts of yearlings
regularly to the Sydney sales held every Easter at Randwick by the
bloodstock firms of Messrs. H. Chisholm and Co. and William Inglis and
Son. About 500 yearlings are offered each year, and most of the breeders
get a satisfactory return. In 1920, 572 yearlings realized £107,233,
averaging £187/15/-; in 1921, 512 brought £104,891, averaging slightly
over £204; while last year the 524 sold aggregated £101,669, averaging
£194. The sales have grown steadily in importance each year, and buyers
attend from all parts of Australia and New Zealand to satisfy their
wants. The possibility of buying an embryo Breeders’ Plate or Derby
winner cheaply is the magnet which lures the bids from the buyers at the
ringsides. There is a fascination in buying a yearling which does not
enter into the purchase of a horse whose galloping powers have been
tested, and nearly every buyer at the sales thinks, until disillusioned,
that he has the winner of the next Derby in his newly acquired equine
baby. When one pauses to consider that the average number of runners in
a Derby field is about ten, it will be seen what disappointments the
yearling lucky dip holds. It is good that racing men, one and all, are
more or less always cheerfully optimistic, and the compensation of a
yearling purchase turning out well makes up for a lot of
disappointments.
Victoria has, after many years of stagnation, taken on a new lease of
life as a stud centre, and, with such successful stallions as Comedy
King, The Welkin and Woorak, all located south of the Murray, New South
Wales will have to look to her laurels.
The valley of the Goulburn has become the happy hunting-ground of the
Victorian breeder, and mostly all the principal studs are now located in
this rich strip of country, which extends from Seymour along the banks
of the river for many miles.
At Wahring, about 87 miles distant from Melbourne, Mr. Norman Falkiner
has established his Noorilim Stud, whose rich and highly improved
paddocks shelter the best collection of mares owned by any one man in
Australia. Here, too, is that most perfect horse Comedy King (imp.), a
splendid son of Persimmon, and one of the outstanding stud successes of
to-day. He is a most versatile sire, producing as he does sprinters,
stayers, Cup and Grand National winners. With Comedy King at Noorilim is
the imported Spearmint horse Spearhead, a highly bred young English
horse who is just starting his stud life.
Some ten miles away on the Melbourne side is Chatsworth Park, where the
Redfearn family bred many good horses in days gone by. The V.R.C.
Chairman, Mr. L. K. S. McKinnon, on Woorak’s retirement from the turf,
established him at Chatsworth at the head of a very select lot of mares,
but dispersed the stud in 1921. Chatsworth is now owned by Mr. Hildyard,
who is gradually establishing a stud there with the imported Quæstor, by
Cicero, at the head of it. The hunting enthusiast, Mr. A. T. Creswick,
whose years sit lightly on him and who yet takes tea with the best of
them over the stiff post and rail fences the Melbourne Hounds hunt over,
has a nice property at Negambie. Here, at the Nook Stud, is All Black,
an imported son of Gallinule, and whose daughter Desert Gold is one of
the best of the Australasian Turf’s fair sex. White Star, an own brother
to the English Derby winner Sunstar, is also at The Nook with a
wonderfully choice collection of mares, who are bound to produce more
than their share of winners. Not far away Mr. Winter Irving keeps some
half-dozen very select mares, and he has already added to the valley’s
reputation by breeding good horses.
This year death removed Mr. J. V. Smith, a familiar figure from the
horse-breeding world of Victoria; he has left his sons to carry on his
breeding operations. Only recently the stud was moved from Bundoora,
where it had been for many years, to Kuarangi, a rich valley property
near Dhurringle. Wallace, who was at Bundoora for several seasons, was
undoubtedly the best horse Carbine left behind him in Australia, and the
Messrs. Smith are happy in the possession of a number of well-bred mares
by him. The stallion now in use is Ethopiam (imp.), a son of Dark
Ronald, and this year will be his first at the stud. Toolamba is another
valley stud of recent origin, owned by Dr. S. A. Syme. He has a
prospective stud success here in imported Lanius, a very well performed
and staying son of Llangibby, whose progeny are just starting to race
this season. The New Zealand-bred Broadsword is also at Toolamba, and
siring useful horses.
All the successful Victorian studs are not to be found in the fertile
Goulburn pastures, for one of the most famous of them is situated some
20 miles the other side of Melbourne. This is Mr. E. E. D. Clarke’s
property, Melton, which he keeps almost entirely as a private stud, only
selling a few yearlings each year at the sales. Melton shelters that
wonderful horse The Welkin, one of the most successful stallions ever
imported to the colonies. Another importation is Cyklon, by Spearmint,
who was bought by Mr. Clarke quite recently. This year Melton has
achieved something in the way of a double-barrelled record, for The
Welkin is at the head of the Winning Sires’ List, while Mr. Ernest
Clarke tops the names of the Winning Owners of Australia.
Other Victorian breeders, in Messrs. Philip Russell, Major Alan Currie
and the Hon. Agar Wynne, have all established studs on the Western
Plains of Victoria, and are breeding their share of winners; while
Messrs. F. W. Norman, D. J. Bourke, H. F. Creswick, A. S. Chirnside are
also doing their bit in the production of the Victorian Thoroughbred.
Most of the breeders above named send drafts of yearlings annually to
the sales held in Melbourne during March by Messrs. W. C. Yuille & Co.
and Messrs. Adamson, Strettle & Co. The number of yearlings sold by the
two firms falls a long way short of the number offered in Sydney, but
they are remarkably successful.
South Australia does not produce a great number of Thoroughbreds, but
quality is very much in evidence in the yearling drafts which are
annually sold in Victoria by Messrs. J. H. Aldridge and R. M. Hawker.
Richmond Park, owned by the Aldridges, has been famous as a Thoroughbred
nursery for many years, and has been remarkably successful in
insistently producing good winners. The sires now in use are Pistol, by
Carbine, imported some years ago; St. Anton, by St. Frusquin; and
Lucknow, by Minoru. Mr. L. F. Aldridge, who manages Richmond Park, is a
practical enthusiast who leaves nothing to chance. Mr. R. M. Hawker
comes of a South Australian family famous as sheep breeders, but he has
shown that he can breed Thoroughbreds equally as well, and his young
Cyklons are proving themselves on the racecourse.
Western Australia for years barely attempted to produce the home-grown
article in the Thoroughbred, but recently Messrs. P. A. Connelly, D.
Grant and others have started breeding with success, and with others
following their example the West should more than hold their own against
horses bred in the other States.
The Thoroughbred studs of Queensland are more or less confined to a very
rich tract of country known as the Darling Downs, situated within easy
reach of the New South Wales border. Here Mr. C. E. McDougall has that
fine property Lyndhurst, where he has been breeding winners for many
years. Lyndhurst has been particularly fortunate in its stallions, for
Ladurlad (imp.), Syce (imp.) and Seremond (imp.) have all been stud
successes, Syce in particular being a really great sire. Another English
importation in Chantemerle, by Polymelus, is now at Lyndhurst in company
with Seremond; and the stud sends drafts of yearlings annually to the
Sydney sales, where they sell exceptionally well. Mr. J. H. S. Barnes, a
member of a well-known New South Wales family of horse-breeders and
pastoralists, recently bought the Canning Downs property near Warwick,
on the Darling Downs, and has imported Highfield, by William the Third,
at the head of his stud of select mares established there. Other
well-known Queensland breeders in Messrs. M. Ryan and W. Glasson are
producing winners, and the future of the Thoroughbred in the Northern
State seems brighter than it has been for many years.
Thoroughbred horse breeding seems to be on the increase in nearly all
the States, and though the modern Australian Thoroughbred may not be as
tough an animal as his early progenitors, or possess their staying
powers, he is, taken all round, a sounder horse than is produced in any
other part of the world to-day. The few horses that have been sent to
England from Australia have more than held their own both on the
racecourses and at the stud, and it is to be hoped that the demand from
home for the good staying Waler will be revived.
FAMOUS RACEHORSES
In 1840 that influential body then known as the Australian Race
Committee, in a long statement, said: “They had in view the
encouragement to breed that description of horse which was most
desirable for colonial purposes—viz., one combining, with great strength
and endurance, as much speed as we can procure.” The old-time breeders
acted well up to those conditions, as we have proof in the wonderful
stamina shown by such horses as Jorrocks, Veno, The Barb, Tarragon,
Dagworth and Reprieve.
During the early part of the present century it became apparent that the
horse was gaining in speed but losing in stamina. Trainers, who have
spent a lifetime at the work, are all agreed that the horse of the
present day has not the stamina or constitution of those horses bred in
the middle and towards the close of the last century.
The question is often asked: “Which was the best horse that ever raced
in Australia?” Racing men all have their fancies. I favour the idea of
classing them according to the period in which they raced. Thus, the
best horse of the early period of racing in this colony appears to have
been Junius. Then comes Jorrocks, Veno, Zoe, Tarragon, The Barb, First
King, Grand Flaneur, Malua, Sir Modred, Commotion, Carbine, Wakeful,
Poseidon and Poitrel. Asked which were the better quartette of the lot
mentioned as far as personal opinion goes, the reply would be: The Barb,
Carbine, Sir Modred and Poitrel.
FRANK WILKINSON.
[Illustration:
JORROCKS (†) by Whisker. Sold in 1841 by his breeder, Mr. H. Bailey,
who took in exchange for the gelding 8 springing heifers (equivalent
to £40 sterling). The gelding took part in 81 races, 57 of which he
won, the majority being run in heats.
]
[Illustration:
VENO (†). Ches. Horse, foaled about 1853, by Waverley—Peri. Winner
A.J.C. Plate at Homebush, 1857, beat Alice Hawthorn in a match over
3 miles at Flemington for £2000 and the Championship of the N.S.W.
and Victorian Turf. Owned by Mr. G. F. Rowe.
]
[Illustration:
FISHERMAN (11) imp. Brown Horse, 1854, by Heron—Mainbrace. Winner of
65 races, including Ascot Gold Cup (twice), etc. Imported in 1860.
Sire of Maribyrnong, Fishhook, Gasworks, Angler, etc. Died 1865.
]
[Illustration:
FLYING BUCK (†). Bay Horse, 1856, by Warhawk or Romulus—Wilhemina.
Winner of the first Champion Race at Flemington in 1859. Owned by
the late Mr. W. C. Yuille, Victoria.
]
[Illustration:
ARCHER (†). Bay Horse, 1856, by William Tell (imp.)—Maid of the Oaks.
Winner of the first and second V.R.C. Melbourne Cups, etc. Owned by
the late Mr. E. de Mestre, N.S.W.
]
[Illustration:
CLOVE (3). Brown Mare, 1862, by Magus—Clove (imp.). Winner of the
first A.J.C. Derby, and ancestress of Abercorn, Desert Rose,
Wolaroi, etc. Owned by Mr. Cheeke.
]
[Illustration:
YATTENDON (17). Brown Horse, 1861, by Sir Hercules—Cassandra. Winner
of the first Sydney Cup, and one of the most successful sires bred
in Australia. Died at Fernhill in 1880.
]
[Illustration:
MARIBRYNONG (3). Brn. Horse, 1863, by Fisherman (imp.)—Rose de
Florence (imp.). Winner of good races and a very successful sire.
Among his progeny were Richmond, Bosworth, Woodlands, etc. Died in
1887.
]
[Illustration:
THE BARB (†). Black Horse, 1863, by Sir Hercules—Fair Ellen. Winner of
the Champion Race, Melbourne Cup, Metropolitan Stakes, Sydney Cup
(on two occasions), the last time carrying 10 st. 8 lb. A really
good horse. Sire of Tocal, Fitz Hercules, etc. Owned by the late Mr.
John Tait, Sydney.
]
[Illustration:
TIM WHIFFLER (4). Bay Horse, 1862, by New Warrior—Cinderella. Winner
of the S.A.J.C. Derby, V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, Australian Cup, A.J.C.
Metropolitan, etc. Owned by the late Mr. E. de Mestre, N.S.W.
]
[Illustration:
CHESTER (8). Brown Horse, 1874, by Yattendon—Lady Chester (imp.).
Winner of the V.R.C. Derby, Melbourne Cup, etc. A great racehorse,
and the sire of Abercorn, Carlyon, etc. Bred and raced by Hon. James
White. Died at Kirkham in 1891.
]
[Illustration:
FIRST KING (12). Bay Horse, 1874, by King of the Ring—Mischief. Winner
of numerous races, including the V.R.C. Champion Race, in which he
established a time record up to the year he was successful. Sire of
The Nun, Chintz, Ringmaster, etc. Owned by the late Mr. Jas. Wilson,
Victoria.
]
[Illustration:
ROBINSON CRUSOE (13). Brn. Horse, 1873, by Angler—Chrysolite (imp.).
Winner of A.J.C. Derby, St. Leger, and other good races. Sire of
Insomnia (dam of Wakeful), Navigator, Trident, etc. Died in 1898.
Owned by Mr. C. B. Fisher.
]
[Illustration:
GOLDSBROUGH (13). Brown Horse, 1870, by Fireworks—Sylvia. A high-class
racehorse and sire, whose daughters produced many of the best horses
of Australia, including Trenton, Wallace, Abercorn, etc. Died at
Tocal Stud in 1898.
]
[Illustration:
GRAND FLANEUR (14). Bay Horse, 1877, by Yattendon—First Lady (imp.).
Winner of £7,939, including A.J.C. Derby, V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, etc.
Unbeaten as a racehorse. Sire of Merman, Patron, Hopscotch, etc.
Died at Chipping Norton in 1900.
]
[Illustration:
ABERCORN (3). Ches. Horse, 1884, by Chester—Cinnamon. Winner of
£12,828, including A.J.C. Derby, Randwick Plate, V.R.C. Champion
Stakes, etc. Abercorn beat Carbine on three occasions at
weight-for-age. Sire of Coil, Cocos, Cobbity, etc. Exported to
England in 1898. Died in 1905. Raced by the late Hon. James White.
]
[Illustration:
MALUA (3). Bay Horse, 1879, by St. Albans—Edella. Winner of the V.R.C.
Newmarket Hcap., Melbourne Cup, and Grand National Hurdle Race, etc.
Sire of Maluma, Malvolio, Mora, etc. Died 1896. Owned by the late
Mr. J. O. Inglis, Victoria, who rode him in the Grand National
Hurdle Race he won.
]
[Illustration:
WAKEFUL (9). Bay Mare, 1896, by Trenton—Insomnia. Probably the best
mare bred in Australia. Winner of £16,580, and at the stud has
produced Nightwatch, Blairgour and Baverstock. Owned and raced by
Mr. C. L. Macdonald, Victoria.
]
[Illustration:
LA CARABINE (1). Ches. Mare, 1894, by Carbine—Oratava (imp.). A
high-class stayer, winning 15 races, including Champion Race on two
occasions. Raced by Sir Rupert Clarke, Bt., Victoria.
]
[Illustration:
CARLITA (1). Brown Mare, 1911, by Charlemagne II. (imp.)—Couronne.
Winner of V.R.C. Derby, Oaks, Champion Stakes, A.J.C. Randwick
Plate, Craven Plate, etc. Now at the stud. Owned by Mr. P. Puech,
Sydney.
]
[Illustration:
TARTAN (13). Brown Horse, 1901, by Lochiel (imp.)—Colors. Winner of
£9697, including A.J.C. Sydney Cup. Died 1914.
]
[Illustration:
POSEIDON (10). Bay Horse, 1903, by Positano (imp.)—Jacinth. Winner of
£19,946, including V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, A.J.C. and
V.R.C. Derbies, etc. Sire of Telecles, Greg, Old Mungindi, etc.
Owned by Mr. H. R. Denison, N.S.W.
]
[Illustration:
PRINCE FOOTE (5). Bay Horse, 1906, by Sir Foote (imp.)—Petruscka
(imp.) Winner of V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derbies,
etc. Sire of Richmond Main, Prince Viridis, Prince Charles, etc.
Died 1922. Owned by his breeder, Mr. John Brown, Will’s Gully Stud,
N.S.W.
]
RACING IN NEW SOUTH WALES
By FRANK WILKINSON (MARTINDALE)
The early history of racing in New South Wales is somewhat obscure owing
to the extreme reticence of the State’s first journals.
The first newspaper published in New South Wales was the “Sydney Gazette
and New South Wales Advertiser,” which made its appearance on March 5th,
1803. There was no competition, and thus the recognition of good news
depended on the inclination of a single office staff.
The first sporting note published in the “Gazette” was relative to a
cockfight which took place in the village of Parramatta in September,
1804. It was not until April 30, 1810, that any mention of racing was
made. Six years later the “Gazette” of May 5th records a match at
Parramatta on April 5th. Even in this first notice there are indications
given of previous matches, and a considerable amount of fame attributed
to some of the performers.
The report is interesting:—
The following express from a correspondent at Parramatta. We
acknowledge its receipt by its insertion. The annals of this country
have never been able to record such _outré_ pastimes—such feats of
humour and fun so congenial to the spirit and temper of Englishmen as
this day has produced in the village of Parramatta. The sport
commenced with a race between the celebrated horse Parramatta and the
b.h. Belfast, which was won by the former. A trotting race succeeded,
when the famous mare Miss Betty was victorious, going over the ground
in a style scarcely to be surpassed by some of the first trotters in
England. On these matches, bets to a considerable amount were pending.
When these animals had retired from the field, the old but not very
humane or merciful custom of cockfighting was introduced, and a main
of cocks was fought, the chances of which were for a long time
precarious until at length death decided the victory, and the survivor
was borne off triumphant. Then succeeded the motley mirth of
footracing, wheelbarrow races, or rather stumbling, for the heroes who
had charge of these wooden conveyances were blindfolded to give them a
fairer chance of effecting by accident that which they had no visible
means of doing. Jumping in sacks came next in order, and a venerable
host gave the calculated complement of calico for a “chemise” to be
run for by three vestals of the current order. This was a very warm
contest, and was obstinately kept up as long as the fair competitors
could keep themselves up. But this not being practicable nor
altogether answerable to the wishes of the spectators, the sacks were
soon disburthened of their fair contents and the prize awarded. The
day’s proceedings finished up with the carrying of the good host on
the shoulders of some spectators to his own door, when he “shouted”
for his carriers with a copious libation of the best West Indian
product.
THE FIRST RACE MEETING AT SYDNEY.
The officers of the 73rd Regiment, together with many of the better
class of people in Governor Macquarie’s reign, were evidently keen on
racing, for they announced in the “Gazette” that the Sydney races were
to take place in October (1810) for three fifty-guinea plates. A track
was prepared on what is now known as Hyde Park. Chatting with some of
the old hands years ago I was told that the stand was placed close by
what is now the junction of Market and Elizabeth Streets, the straight
being along the latter thoroughfare from Park Street. The attendance was
the largest ever collected in the colony. The winners were:—
Subscribers’ Plate of fifty guineas Chase
Ladies’ Cup, fifty guineas Chase
Magistrate’s Purse, fifty guineas Scratch
The second Sydney race meeting occupied August 12th, 14th and 16th,
1811, on the Hyde Park track. On the first day the Subscription Plate of
fifty guineas was won by Mr. Bent’s ch. g. Matchem, while Captain
Ritchie’s Cheviot won the Two-year-old Sweepstakes. Here we have the
interesting fact of thoroughbreds being produced, yet not a word as to
their sires or dams. On the second day the Ladies’ Cup of fifty guineas
was won by Colonel O’Connel’s Carlo and the presentation to the winner
was made by Mrs. Macquarie. A pony race was won by Mrs. James Cox’s
Fidget. On the third day the Magistrate’s Plate was won by Mr. William’s
Strawberry.
Just a year elapsed before the third meeting took place. It extended
over four days, August 17, 19, 21 and 22. On the opening day Colonel
O’Connel’s black horse Carlo won the Subscription Purse of fifty
guineas, and Mr. Williams’s rn. h. Strawberry took the Ladies’ Cup on
the second day. Mr. Birch’s Cheviot won the Subscription Purse of fifty
guineas on the third day. The sporting people also subscribed fifty
guineas for a three-mile race, in which Mr. Kearns’ b. m. Creeping Jenny
outdistanced her two opponents. On the fourth day a sweepstake of
fifteen guineas for gentlemen riders was won by Mr. R. Campbell’s
Tallboy, and a match for twenty guineas between Captain Cameron’s Miss
Portly and Captain Crane’s Erin was won by the former.
The fourth race meeting was held on August 16, 18 and 19 (1813), when
Little Pickles won a 50-guinea Plate; Carlo won the Ladies’ Cup and
Plate; Purse, Mulberry.
It was not until May 31, 1819, that a race meeting was held, when a
programme of three events was run off. A Silver Cup (two-mile heats) was
won by Mr. Emmett’s Rob Roy, beating Commissary and five others. A
Silver Bowl for three-year-olds went to Mr. Cribb’s Sly Boots, who beat
Haphazard and three others. The third race was for a saddle and bridle,
which were easily appropriated by Mr. R. Campbell’s Speedy.
In 1820 there was a race meeting which extended over two days. It was a
poor affair. A Subscription Cup (three-mile heats) was run, in which Mr.
Frank’s Rob Roy beat Mr. Fisher’s Pickles. On the second day Mr.
Walker’s Haphazard won a Subscription Purse, and Mr. Campbell’s Speedy
won a prize of £20, while Mulberry collected a Silver Bowl, Cover and
Saddle.
There was a three-days’ meeting on August 14, 15 and 16, 1821, when the
winning horses were Rob Roy, Captain Dandy, Deceit, Bray and Leadbeater.
The event which created most interest was the Subscription Purse of 50
guineas, presented by the ladies of the colony for three-year-olds
carrying 7 stone, two-mile heats. It was won by Mr. Walker’s blk. f.
Miss Nettleton, after three heats, of which Mr. Cooker’s Random won the
first.
The year 1822, and the two following years, are entirely bare of
sporting news, and not until 1825 did turf affairs improve. During the
month of March a new turf club was formed, with the Governor, Sir Thomas
Brisbane, as patron. A race club was also instituted at Parramatta, and
an impromptu meeting held on a new course four miles outside Sydney, on
March 17. At first it was resolved to limit the members of the new turf
club to sixty, but this was considered too exclusive. Sir John Jamieson
was elected president, and the first race meeting was held at Hyde Park
on April 25 and 26, 1825. At this meeting the afterwards celebrated
Junius made a victorious appearance by securing first place in the Town
Plates of 50 sovereigns (heats). He was owned by Mr. Nash, and for some
time after was termed the champion horse of the colony. At this meeting
he also secured the Magistrate’s Plate, and at the second meeting of the
Sydney Turf Club, held on September 23, 24 and 25, Junius won two
events. At this meeting we read of a Handicap Stakes of five guineas
each, with ten guineas added, won by Mr. Nichol’s Captain, 7st. 2lb.
This is the first mention of a handicap run on the Australian turf.
There was also a six-furlong race for two-year-olds, won by Australian.
Racing at Parramatta.
The new club at Parramatta held its opening meeting on October 7 and 8.
There was a most fashionable attendance. Slender Billy, nominated by Mr.
Nash, won the J.C. Plate in three heats; Mr. Bayley’s Traveller took the
Ladies’ Purse, and also beat Slender Billy in a match for 20 sovereigns,
following up by gaining the Town Plate in two heats. His Excellency the
Governor presented a purse won by Mr. Yorrick’s Prince.
A New Racecourse.
The Committee of the Sydney Turf Club were evidently determined to push
the sport ahead. They had a fresh course laid out during 1826. The new
track, about four miles from Sydney, lay on the Parramatta Road, between
Gorse Farm and the farm belonging to Mr. Johnson, where the annual races
took place on June 14 and 16 of that year. It is said that there were
2,000 people present when Junius won the Brisbane Cup (heats, twice
round). Junius also won the Turf Club Plate. Other winners were Mr.
Wentworth’s Don Giovanni, Colonel Dumaresque’s Alraschid, Mr. Bayley’s
Nesta and Mr. Roberts’ Captain.
The second meeting on the new course took place on April 25 and 27,
1827, in unfavourable weather. Junius again won the Brisbane Cup, and
Australia won a Sweepstakes (mile heats). On the second day Junius
walked over for the Town Plate, when Mr. Nash, his owner, gave the prize
for a second competition. It was won by a horse owned by a Mr. Brown, of
Windsor. Australia also won the second Subscription Race.
The other notable event of this year—1827—was the first race meeting
ever held at Campbelltown, on August 13, when three events of £50 each
were run off. The keenest contest of the day is said to have been
between Young Junius and a horse owned by a Mr. Sikes. Young Junius took
the prize.
On September 14 Mr. Deely secured Steeltrap for £250, with the proviso
that the horse should be allowed to cover, free of cost, twenty-five
mares the property of his late owner. Steeltrap was a chestnut horse,
imported by Mr. Aspinall in 1823. He was by Scud from Prophetess, by
Sorcerer.
During the month of October, 1829, at a show held at Parramatta, Sir
John Jamieson’s Bennelong, a son of imported Steeltrap, was awarded
first prize, and at Parramatta races Australian won the Promoter’s Purse
and the Handicap Sweepstakes. Scratch, who came down from the Hawkesbury
district, won the Australian Youths’ Stakes, beating a good
field—Highflyer, Bowler, Abdallah, Creeper, Smallhopes and Honeycomb.
A New Race Club.
In November, 1827, an event happened which played a most important part
in Australian turf history. At a dinner given in honour of Sir Thomas
Brisbane some remarks were made by Mr. Wentworth and Dr. Wardell, which
were thought to bear a political significance. The result was that
Governor Darling considered himself insulted, withdrew his patronage
from the Sydney Turf Club, and subsequently issued arbitrary injunctions
to all members of the Civil Service to do likewise on pain of dismissal.
Many members had thus to leave the old club, but they were not long idle
in setting about forming another.
However, the split in the camp did not prevent the old club from racing
on April 9th and 11th, 1828. On the first day, the third Brisbane Cup
was won by Mr. Brown’s bl. h. Scratch, beating the old champion Junius.
There was a great race for the Produce Stakes of £75, for 2-year-olds,
the progeny of Steeltrap, Cammerton and Baron. There were four starters,
Mr. Lawson’s bl. c. Spring Gun, by Steeltrap, winning by a neck from Sir
J. Jamieson’s b. c. Bennelong, by Cammerton. In a match for £1,000
aside, Abdallah beat Don Giovanni, and Mr. Lawson’s 2-year-old filly
Nell Gwynne, by Steeltrap, won the Turf Club Plate of 50 guineas (heats
once round). The winning of the race was a great surprise, as she beat
such good performers as Australian, Young Hector, Brown George, and
Junius. The lastnamed must have been out of form, as he was distanced.
On the second day Abdallah won the Members’ Purse, also the Sweepstakes,
while Australian won the Town Plate and Handicap Sweepstakes.
The Australian Racing and Jockey Club.
On April 23, 1828, the new club was established under the name of the
Australian Racing and Jockey Club, to which Governor Darling accorded
his patronage. At that time it was generally known as the Governor’s
Club, and was expected to materially injure the old club. However, such
was not the case, for during the next few years there were three and
four meetings in place of one.
A Liberal Governor.
On July 7, 1828, the “Gazette” announced Governor Darling’s intention to
present a cup annually to the new Jockey Club. The first meeting was
held on October 1st and 3rd on the Parramatta Racecourse, as the Turf
Club refused them the use of the course near Sydney. The first day’s
programme opened with the Governor’s Cup heats, twice round the course,
gentlemen riders, and the eventual winner was Mr. Lawson’s 3-year-old,
Spring Gun. Other starters were Bennelong, Junius, Lawyer and Currency
Lad. One of the most hotly contested races ever witnessed in the colony
was for a sweepstake of 10 guineas each, with 25 guineas added.
Australian won. A 2-year-old filly named Cornelia, owned by Mr. Icely,
made a victorious effort. A hack race, won by Mr. Riley’s Major, and a
match in which a pony owned by Mr. Terry defeated Mr. Stephen’s Don
Giovanni, concluded the day’s sport.
On the second day, Australian won the Town Plate, and Lawyer (who
afterwards had his name changed to Counsellor) won the Maiden Plate. The
meeting concluded with the winning of the Handicap Sweepstakes by
Australian, who defeated Abdallah.
Leading Events of 1829.
On April 8th and 10th, the Turf Club held a popular meeting on its own
course. The report states that there were 5,000 people present on the
first day, when Mr. Lawson’s Spring Gun won the fourth Brisbane Cup,
beating Crowcatcher, Scratch and Australian. Mr. Lawson’s stable was in
great form, as his horses won the three events of the day. His filly,
Princess, took the Two-year-old Stakes, whilst Spring Gun won the
Wentworth Purse. On the second day, Spring Gun won the Town Plate, but
Princess was beaten by Australian in the Sweepstakes. In the Second
Handicap Sweepstakes, the favourite, Scratch, was beaten by Crowcatcher.
This was a great disappointment to the favourite’s followers from
Windsor, who offered to make a match to run the winner in a month’s
time, but the owner of Crowcatcher would not agree.
The Australian Racing and Jockey Club ran off a two-days’ programme on
April 22nd and 24th. The Challenge Cup took four heats to decide the
winner, owing to a dispute. Sir John Jamieson’s Bennelong eventually got
the verdict. A Maiden Plate of £30 for two-year-olds resulted in a win
for Mr. Icely’s Counsellor. A sweepstake of £10, with £20 added, was won
by Sir John Jamieson’s Abdallah, which also won the Subscription Stakes
on the second day. The Ladies’ Purse went to Counsellor, who, saddled up
a third time, appropriated the Handicap Sweepstakes. His only opponent,
Abdallah, won the first heat, and the talent laid 5 to 1 on him for the
second, but the horse threw his rider. A hack race, won by Alraschid,
brought the meeting to a close.
Hawkesbury Races.
The Hawkesbury Races took place on July 22nd and 24th, when funds were
poor. To the joy of the local contingent, Scratch won the opening event,
Steward’s Cup of £50, after a good race with Abdallah. Counsellor took
the Ladies’ Purse. A chestnut filly by Steeltrap won the Two-year-old
Stakes, beating Sir John Jamieson’s Chance, by Camerton or Abdallah. On
the second day the filly Chance was entered as by Abdallah, and unnamed,
for a Subscription Stakes of 25 guineas. She won, but a protest was
entered on the ground that she had previously run as Chance. She was
withdrawn, and the race run over again, when Scratch won. The Town Plate
was won by Counsellor, and the Handicap Sweepstakes by Scratch. The
meeting closed with a hack race, won by a black filly owned by Mr.
Badgery.
The Spring Meeting of the A.R.J.C. or Governor’s Club was held on the
Parramatta Course, on September 30th and October 2nd. There were only
two starters for the Governor’s Cup, Bennelong and Counsellor, the
former taking the prize. The Maiden Plate of £40 was appropriated by Mr.
Hays’ b. h. Sober Robin, 4 years, who won two heats, defeating Gipsy,
Golumpus, Manciella and Delphina. Abdallah won the Ladies’ Purse, and
secured a £30 Sweepstakes.
On the second day there was a keen contest for the Town Plate between
Abdallah and Scratch. The latter won the second and third heats. That
Counsellor was in great form was shown by his winning of the Ladies’
Purse. The meeting concluded with a race for hacks and another for
ponies.
Racing During 1830.
The only racing events during the year of 1830 were the annual fixtures
of the Turf Club and the Spring Meeting of the A.R.J.C. The former held
its meeting on April 20th and 22nd. The fifth Brisbane Cup (heats) went
to Bennelong. Behind him were Counsellor, Sir Hercules, Chase and
Scratch. The Two-year-old Stakes of £25, once round, attracted a field
of five, and won by Mr. Bettington’s b. c. Mantrap. The beaten division
was composed of Tally Ho, Skip, Tomboy and Velocipede. The Wentworth
Purse of £50, heats, once round, went to Mr. Lawson’s Spring Gun. Other
starters were Abdallah, Laurel, Rob Roy, Waxy, Boshey, and Bolt. During
the race, Bolt, who cleared off the course, overthrew a gig and pitched
his rider ten yards. Boshey, while crossing a bridge on the course,
fell, throwing his rider, Badgery. The bridge also brought about another
serious accident, as when contesting a match for £150 aside, Sir J.
Jamieson’s Sailor Boy, racing neck and neck with Mr. Justice Savage’s
Sir John, put his foot in a hole, throwing Lawson.
Owing to heavy rain the course on the second day was very bad, but there
was a better attendance. The veteran Scratch won the Town Plate of £50
(heats) from Bay Camerton, a two-year-old, and Nell Gwynne. A
Sweepstakes of £10 each, with £20 added, heats, once round, was won by a
chestnut colt named Chase, owned by Messrs. Cox. He easily disposed of
Spring Gun, Counsellor and Barefoot. A Handicap Sweepstakes, twice
round, concluded the programme. The winner was Sir J. Jamieson’s veteran
Abdallah, beating Skip, Tally Ho, and Boshey. The latter was again
unlucky, as he fell when leading.
Camerton’s Representatives.
The Australian Racing and Jockey Club held their Spring Meeting on
October 6th and 8th. The feature of the first day was the success of
Camerton’s stock. They won the three events, as follows:—Governor’s Cup,
Counsellor; Maiden Plate, £25, Mr. Bayley’s three-year-old Tomboy; Turf
Club Sweepstakes, £25, Mr. Bayley’s four-year-old Chase.
On the second day, the Town Plate (heats, twice round, w.f.a.) was won
by Chase, beating Counsellor, Scratch and Junius. Mr. Bayley won the
Ladies’ Purse with Boshey, while Barefoot won the Two Miles’ Handicap
Sweepstakes, beating Tomboy and Abdallah. The programme closed with a
race for untried horses, won by Mr. Bayley’s Australian.
A day’s racing at Windsor on December 27 closed the year.
From 1831 to 1835.
Turf affairs became dull during these four years, but there were several
happenings worth chronicling. On May 18th and 20th of 1831, the Turf
Club held a meeting, when Sir John Jamieson won the sixth Brisbane Cup
with Bennelong. Mr. Smith won Mr. Wentworth’s annual gift of £50 (heats)
with Boshey, and also the Town Plate on the second day. The Members’
Purse went to Tomboy, and in a match Mr. E. Deas-Thomson’s Tam o’
Shanter beat Captain Harper’s Getaway. The added money to the meeting
was £205.
During August of 1831, the death was announced of the Windsor champion,
Scratch, while being exercised.
In the same week Mr. Nash’s stables at Parramatta were destroyed by
fire, and the horses Junius and Laurel died from injuries received. For
the previous two years Junius had been pensioned off by his sporting
owner.
On August 24th, 26th and 27th, a race meeting was held on the beautiful
Killarney course near Windsor. The opening event, Publican’s Purse, was
won by Mr. Bayley’s Tomboy. There was a field of ten for the Ladies’
Purse, won by Mr. Smith’s Flying Pieman, after four heats. Winners of
other races were Chase and Matilda. The Scarvell Cup (heats) was keenly
contested and eventually won by Mr. Warby’s Sovereign.
Parramatta Subscription Races were held on October 5th and 7th, 1831,
when Tomboy, now a four-year-old, won the opening event, a £50 purse
(heats). Mr. Hartley won the Maiden Plate with Shamrock, and Chase beat
his only opponent, Brutus, for a £30 purse (heats). The first day’s
proceedings closed with a hack race, won by Matilda. On the second day,
Bennelong beat Chase in the Town Plate, and Shamrock won a Sweepstakes,
defeating Tomboy.
Mr. Wentworth elected President of the Turf Club.
Governor Burke Presents a Cup.
In February of 1832, a meeting of the Turf Club members decided to hold
the spring race meeting at Parramatta. Mr. Wentworth was elected
President of the Club, and Governor Sir Richard Burke eventually
consented to assist the Club, and presented a cup for competition. The
meeting took place on April 11th and 13th—probably the best meeting yet
held.
Proceedings opened on the first day with the race for Governor Burke’s
Cup for horses of all ages, twice round the course. There were three
starters—Bennelong, Shamrock, and Mr. Icely’s three-year-old Chancellor,
by Steeltrap from Minto, which won. The Two-year-old Stakes of £30 was
won by Mr. Lawson’s Belinda, by Skeleton. The Wentworth Purse (heats,
once round, about 1 mile 1 furlong) was secured by Mr. Bayley’s
three-year-old filly Lady Emily, by Manfred. The winner won a heat in 2
minutes 30 seconds—a very fine performance. On the second day the
seventh Brisbane Cup was won by Chancellor. Lady Emily took the Members’
Purse, Belinda the Town Plate, and Matilda a handicap.
It is reported that the second day was long remembered from the fact
that about 40 women who were taken out of the Parramatta factory to cut
brooms, bolted from the overseers and made for the racecourse, where
they were received with loud cheers. One of them was mounted on a horse
behind the rider and borne round in triumph. The others were liberally
treated to brandy and ginger beer before they were captured. Several men
also escaped from the gaol and took a few hours’ recreation at the races
before they were retaken.
Steeplechasing. First Liverpool Races.
Parramatta Races. Important Action at Law.
On August 25th, 1832, a steeplechase took place over five miles of
ground between Botany and Coogee, in which the last horse forfeited £5
to the winner. The following horses started and finished in the order
given:—
Mr. Williams’ ch. h. Thiefcatcher (Capt. Deedes) 1
Mr. E. Deas-Thomson’s Tam o’ Shanter (Owner) 2
Mr. Meller’s gr. m. Moll (Owner) 3
Capt. Hunter’s b. h. Tom (Owner) 4
Mr. Bourke’s gr. h. (Owner) 5
Mr. Finch’s gr. h. Bogtrotter (Owner) 6
Major Bouverie’s gr. h. Ugley (Owner) —
They went away at a killing pace, Captain Hunter leading, followed by
Mr. Thomson. When crossing the brook in Coogee Bay a sheet would have
covered five of the number, but a steep hill which had to be surmounted
settled the pretensions of all excepting Thiefcatcher and Tam o’
Shanter. The latter then took the lead and held it for about five
hundred yards, when Captain Deedes challenged him with Thiefcatcher and
succeeded in winning a beautifully ridden race by a neck, in 18 mins. 30
secs. Mr. Finch took a line of his own, the result of which was most
disastrous, as he parted company with Bogtrotter; otherwise it was
believed that he would have won. The course was a very severe one, and
the plucky riding surpassed anything ever before witnessed in the
Colony.
On September 1st another steeplechase between numerous gentlemen took
place on a course at Cook’s River, and was won by Mr. E. Deas-Thomson’s
Tam o’ Shanter.
A Match and an Action at Law.
A match for £100 aside was run off on October 4th, 1832, between Mr.
Bayley’s Velocipede and Mr. Hartley’s Blacklock, at Parramatta. The
former came in first, but was protested against, and the result was
finally settled at Court. This is about the first case in Australia in
which a stakeholder was summoned to return the money deposited with him.
The case, Hartley v. Shadforth, was tried on March 21st. It was an
action brought by the plaintiff before the Chief Justice and Messrs.
Manning and Lane, Assessors, to recover £100, being stakes deposited in
the hands of defendant, who acted as judge and stakeholder in a match
run at Parramatta during the previous October between Velocipede, the
property of Mr. Lawson, and Blacklock, who was borrowed by plaintiff
from his owner, Captain Harper, for the purpose of this match. The
assessors found a verdict for defendant.
First Liverpool Races.
The first races at Liverpool took place on October 12, 1832, on a course
lent by Mr. Throsby, on the Glenfield Estate. Only untried horses were
allowed to run, in order to induce owners to train the well-bred horses
in that locality. Although the day was windy and wet, the racing was
interesting. The Members’ Purse was won by Mr. C. Roberts’ b. m. Selina,
beating Broughton’s Jupiter, Wentworth’s Victoria, and Ward’s Poppitt.
Mr. Throsby took the Ladies’ Purse with Whitefort, beating Jenkins’
Fidget and Roberts’ Jolly Roger; but the winner was disqualified in
consequence of his rider dismounting without orders. Proceedings closed
with a pony race, won by a chestnut filly owned by Mr. Bayley.
A New Racecourse.
At the beginning of 1833 the Governor sanctioned a new racecourse on the
Botany Road. He also authorised the loan of 20 labourers to assist in
its formation. This year the Spring Race Meeting took place at the new
course on April 17th and 19th, when the Governor’s Cup was won by Mr.
Bayley’s imported colt Whisker—a three-year-old. This colt and a filly
named Lady Emily cost approximately £500 when young foals. Lady Emily
was said to be a handsome filly (own sister to Doctor), by Manfred.
Whisker was by Whisker from Woodbine, by Comus, from a mare by Patriot,
great granddam by Phenomenon, from Czarina. Whisker also won the Ladies’
Purse on the second day. Other winners at the meeting were: Trial
Stakes, Mr. Badgery’s York; Maiden Plate, Mr. Smith’s Chester; Town
Plate, Mr. C. Smith’s Emancipation; Handicap, Mr. C. Smith’s Chester. It
is said that the track was very heavy and should be sodded. Almost all
the leading hotels in the city were represented by booths on the
grounds. After Whisker had won the Cup, Sir John Jamieson protested that
the winner was incorrectly nominated as a three-year-old. The protest
was dismissed.
Racing at Maitland.
A successful meeting was held on September 11th and 13th, when the
winners were Chester, Miss O’Neill (owned by Mr. Ephraim Howe),
Collingwood and Greenmantle. The meeting in the previous month at
Windsor was not up to the usual standard. On the first day Emancipation
walked over, and the events won by Firelock and Lady of the Lake were
almost as bad, as there was only one opponent for each. On the second
day Chester won the first race, the second went to Sally Grey, and the
other winner was Ironbark.
The Parramatta people continued their meetings. On October 2nd and 4th,
1833, Emancipation was returned winner of the Town Plate, and Mr. J.
Hillas’ b. f. Malvina, by Camerton, won the Maiden Plate. Mr. Bayley’s
ch. c. Mistake won the Hack Race, which concluded the first day’s
programme. Mantrap opened on the second day with a win in the Publican’s
Purse. The J.C. Plate went to Mr. Nicholls’ Sally Grey, and a pony race,
won by Mr. Taylor’s Quippe, finished up the meeting.
Racing at Bathurst.
A race meeting took place at Bathurst on October 11th and 13th. The
course in use was a new one at Alloway Bank. The opening event, Maiden
Plate, was won by Mr. Grant’s Lady Byron, and the All-Aged Stakes went
to Mr. Piper’s Earl Grey.
1834.
The “Gazette” of April 19th, 1834, stated that the old Jockey Club
had become extinct, and that racing depended entirely on two or
three individuals. Thus the meeting held on April 30th and May 2nd
was a subscription affair. The “Herald” told how the original
projectors entirely deserted their posts. There were only two
starters for each of the three races on the first day, which
resulted as follows:—Subscription Cup (value 50 guineas, heats,
twice round the course, weight-for-age): Mr. Smith’s Chester, 1; Mr.
Campbell’s Mantrap, 2. Two-year-old Stakes, of 5 guineas each, 20
guineas added, 1 mile: Mr. Roberts’ Traveller, 1; Mr. Smith’s Lady
Cardina, 2. Ladies’ Purse, of £25, heats: Mr. Bayley’s Whisker, 1;
Mr. Smith’s Emancipation, 2. Second day.—Town Plate, of £50:
Whisker. Emancipation saddling up again for the Publican’s Purse, of
£25, won from Chester. A Sweepstakes of £3 each, £10 added, produced
a good race, and was won by Traveller.
At Maitland, on July 14th and 15th, the Maitland Purse was won by Mr.
Simpson’s Pitch; Ladies’ Purse, of £15, Mr. Earle’s Countess; Hack Race,
Mr. Rudd’s Bob. Second day.—Governor’s Cup, of £5 each, £20 added, 2
miles, heats, was won by Pitch; Hunter River Stakes, of £20, Bob; Hack
Race, Mr. Earle’s Tam o’ Shanter.
The Hawkesbury Races, on August 21 and 22, were successful. First
day.—Mr. Smith’s Chester (seven starters); Ladies’ Purse, of £25, Mr.
Earle’s Countess; Pony Race, Mr. Fitz’s Darcy. Second day.—Australian
Youth’s Purse, of £30, Mr. Bowman’s Currency Lad (late Chance); Maiden
Plate, of £20, Mr. Smith’s Stella; Handicap, 2 miles, Mr. Bayley’s
Matilda; Hack Race, Mr. Earle’s Tam o’ Shanter.
Steeplechasing was popular in those days, and the annual event took
place on August 20th on the new course. The distance was three miles and
consisted of nine three-rail fences, upwards of 4 feet in height, and a
hedge and ditch. It was a wet day, and only three started, viz., Captain
Petty’s Waxy, ridden by Captain Waddy, Captain Hunter’s Smuggler (Mr.
Croker), and Captain England’s Cock Robin (Mr. De Bucker). All refused
the first fence, but eventually Waxy took it and was followed by the
others. Waxy cleared the second, but the others refused; but after
several trials Cock Robin got over, but parted company with his rider,
who remounted, but was unseated again. Smuggler refused altogether.
Waxy, in negotiating various obstacles, unseated Captain Waddy twice,
but he got him home. The winner was sired by Baron, at one time owned by
Governor Darling.
The Parramatta Races took place on October 1st and 3rd, with the
following results:—First day: Maiden Plate, of £25 (heats), Mr. Roberts’
Woodman; Australian Plate, of £50 (mile heats, w.f.a.), Mr. Roberts’
Traveller (Bennelong started, but broke down); Hack Race, Mr. Lawson’s
Velocipede. Second day: Town Plate, £50, Mr. Roberts’ Traveller;
Sweepstakes, £5, with £50 added, Mr. Lawson’s Velocipede; Hack Race,
Spider.
Cumberland Turf Club.
The Cumberland Turf Club, at Campbelltown, held its first race meeting
on October 21st and 22nd, on the estate of Dr. Redfern. Results:—First
day: Members’ Cup, 25 guineas, two-mile heats, Mr. Howe’s ch. h.
Forrester (late Mantrap); Hack Race of £2 each, with £10 added, Mr.
Scarr’s b. h. Rattler; Pony Race, £10 (mile heats), Mr. Byrne’s filly;
Sweepstakes, Mr. Stewart’s ch. m. Norma, 1; Mr. Hordern’s Fireway, 2.
They were ridden by their owners. Second day: Ladies’ Purse of £30 (for
maiden three-year-olds, mile heats), Mr. Keightan’s b. f. Creeping Jane;
Sweepstakes of £3 each, £20 added, Mr. Howe’s Theorem; Hunters’ Plate (a
steeplechase), Dr. Kenny’s b. h. Ramrod; Ladies’ Race, once round,
concluded the meeting, and was won in good style by Miss Byrne, of
Campbelltown, on the veteran Scratch.
The last sporting announcement of the year was that of the formation of
the Illawarra Turf Club at Wollongong.
1835. Imported Horses. Sydney Races.
Maitland Races. Racing at Patrick Plains.
One of the most notable happenings of the year—1835—was the arrival of
Gratis, the afterwards-celebrated sire, and Velocipede. They arrived in
the ship “Hercules.” Gratis was a performer in England, and was by
Middleton from Lanica, by Gohanna. He was imported by Captain Daniels,
as was also Velocipede, a grey, by Velocipede from Jane, by Superior
from Bried’s Noblesse. Later on in the year both were offered for sale,
but passed in, Gratis at £350 and Velocipede at £300. Afterwards Mr. C.
Roberts purchased Gratis for £450.
Sydney Subscription races opened on April 22, with the following
results:—First Day: Members’ Plate of £20 (heats), Mr. C. Smith’s
Chester, by Camerton; Two-year-old Plate, Captain Williams’ br. c.
President, by Emigrant; Ladies’ Purse, Mr. C. Smith’s b. f. Lady Godiva,
by Emigrant. Second Day: Farm Stakes of £50, Mr. Smith’s Chester;
Tradesmen’s Purse, Lady Godiva; Sweepstakes of £5 each, £20 added, was
won by Flirt, by Whisker, who was described as being the most perfect
picture of a racehorse in the colony. The stewards at this meeting were
Majors Bouverie and England, and Captains Williams and Hunter. Judge,
Captain Deedes, and Treasurer, Mr. G. Hill.
The meeting at Maitland was held on July 8 and 10, with the following
results:—First Day: Maitland Purse, £50 (2-mile heats), Mr. Simpson’s
Pitch; Ladies’ Purse, for two-year-olds, Mr. Earle’s filly, by Whisker;
Hack Stakes, Tam o’ Shanter. Second Day: Town Plate of £30 (2-mile
heats), St. Patrick’s Toss; Hunter River Stakes, Countess, who was
considered to be the best of her inches in the colony. Hack Race,
Steamer, who was then backed to run Tam o’ Shanter. The former won the
first heat by a short neck, while Tam won the second and third heats.
On September 9th and 11th the first race meeting was held at Patrick’s
Plains, with the following results:—First Day: Patrick Plains Purse of
£25, Mr. John Earle’s Countess, by Mantrap; Ladies’ Purse, Mr. H.
Scott’s Panula, by Toss; Hack Race, Tam o’ Shanter. Second Day:
Sweepstakes of £2 with £10 added, Mr. J. Earle’s Countess; First Hack
Race, Steamboat; Second Hack Race, No Mistake.
Parramatta races were held on September 30th and October 1st and 2nd.
Results:—First Day: Australian Plate of £50 (two-mile heats, w.f.a.),
Chester; Maiden Sweepstakes of £5 each, £15 added, Mr. Lawson’s filly; a
second Sweepstake was won by a colt, by Whisker. On the second day there
appears to have been only a Steeplechase of £3 each, £15 added, about 2
miles, 11st. 2lb. up, won by Woodman. Third Day: Town Plate of £50, Lady
Godiva; Two-year-old Stakes, Mr. Plunkett’s Lilla.
1836. Sydney Subscription Races.
Campbelltown Races. Meeting at Patrick’s Plains.
Racing at Yass. Sydney’s Annual Hurdle Race.
In this year Mr. Henry Bayley’s racehorses were announced for sale. The
lots consisted of Spiletta, by Whisker—Lady Emily; Young Whisker, by
Whisker—Matilda; Memmon, b. c., by Whisker from a Steeltrap mare. No
mention of the sale having taken place is made, and taken all round
there was a general shortage of sporting information throughout the
year. On March 22nd and 24th, at Campbelltown, Mr. Kemp won the Members’
Purse with Flirt, beating Chester and Creeping Jane. The Hack Race went
to Mr. W. Jenkin’s Red Rose; Snob, also owned by him, running second.
Mr. Boon’s Chester won the opening event and a Pony Stakes. The
Steeplechase, three miles, 11st. 7lb. up, was won by Major England’s
Whipcord, with Mr. Waddy’s Ketchimocan, a three-year-old, second.
Sydney Subscription races were held at the old course on April 27th and
29th. Mr. C. Smith won the first race, Sweepstakes of £5 with £50 added,
with Lady Godiva. The Produce Stakes of £30 for two-year-olds, 7st.
6lb., one round, by Mr. C. Roberts’ Lady Fly, by Whisker (Badkin).
Australian Purse (J. Dunn), who was one of the most noted riders of the
day, won on Mr. Williams’ President, by Emigrant. J. Badkin was the
successful rider in the Town Plate, the opening event of the second day,
winning on Mr. C. Roberts’ Traveller, by Camerton (J. Kerwin), commonly
known as the “Milkman,” landed Mr. C. Smith’s Lady Godiva, by Emigrant,
home in the Ladies’ Purse of £30, and also a Sweepstakes of £5, with £30
added.
The added money to the Patrick Plains meeting on July 20th and 22nd was
£240. Lady Godiva won the Patrick Plains Plate of £120 on the first, and
Hunter River Plate, £50, on the second day. Other winners were Mr. N. B.
Wilkinson’s Pauline, by Old Camerton; she got home in the Ladies’ Purse
for two-year-olds. Weight did not seem to matter much then, as we are
told the winner carried 14lb. over, while Northumberland (second), owned
by Mr. Otto Baldwin, put up 28lb. over. Tam o’ Shanter won the Weller
Purse on the first day, and the Hurdle Race, three miles, on the second.
On September 20th the Annual Sydney Hurdle Race was run off on what was
termed the new racecourse, known later on as Randwick. There were nine
starters, and the winner, Whisker (Major England), Fergus (owner),
second, and Steeltrap, third. The winner received £73.
1837. Hurdle Races. Sale of Horses. Sydney Races.
Bathurst Race Meeting. Racing at Parramatta.
The Cavan Cup.
On March 9th there were several hurdle events. The first race, Sydney
Hunt Stakes of £50, was won by Major England’s Whisker, 4 years, 11st.
4lb. (owner); Mr. Renell’s Traveller, 5 years, 11st. 8lb., 2; Mr.
Barker’s Steeltrap, 6 years, 11st. 8lb. (Mr. Stein), third. Hunters’
Plate of £50, Mr. Renell’s Fergus, 12st. 2lb. (Mr. Stein), 1; Lieut.
Waddy’s Frederick, 5 years, 11st. 12lb. (owner), 2; Mr. Barker’s Jim
Charcoal, 4 years, 3; Ladies’ Purse, Captain Williams’ Petersham, 5
years, 11st. (Captain Simmons), 1; Major England’s Camden, 6 years,
11st. 4lb., 2.
On March 19th the late Mr. W. E. Riley’s horses and mares were disposed
of at auction. The twenty-eight lots sold realised £1,143/10/-.
Sydney Subscription races were held this year on May 3rd and 5th, when
the added money amounted to £240. First Day: Sweepstakes of £10, with
£75 added, Mr. C. Roberts’ Traveller 1, Whisker 2; Two-year-old Stakes
of £25 (heats), Mr. C. Smith’s Clifton 1, Mr. Tooth’s Effie Deane 2;
Ladies’ Purse of £5, with £30 added, Mr. C. Roberts’ Lady Cordelia 1,
Mr. C. Smith’s Moggy, 2. Second Day: Town Plate, Mr. C. Roberts’
Traveller 1, Mr. C. Smith’s Moggy 2; Australian Youths’ Purse of £30,
Major England’s Whisker 1, Mr. C. Roberts’ Lady Cordelia 2; Sweepstakes
of £5 each, with £30 added, Mr. C. Roberts’ Traveller 1, Captain
Williams’ Petersham 2, Mr. May’s Sportsman 3; Hack Race, won by Mr. G.
Hill’s Black Boy, concluded the racing.
Country clubs offered very fair stakes. At Maitland on May 23rd and 25th
the added money was £300, while Patrick Plains Club gave away £240 on
June 7th and 9th, and the prize-money at the Hawkesbury Subscription
races on August 9th and 16th was £175. At Patrick Plains, Lady Cordelia
won the first event on each day. Other winners, Traveller, a filly by
Steeltrap, and two-year-old by Whisker (winner of the Maiden Race). In
the Hurdle Race nothing finished the course.
There was a successful two-days’ meeting at Bathurst on June 5th and
7th, when the winners were:—First Day: Bathurst Plate, Romeo; Maiden
Plate, Lushington. Second Day: Publicans’ Purse, Theorem; Sweepstakes,
Lushington; Hurdle Race (gentlemen riders), Abdallah (Mr. J. Piper,
junior).
Parramatta races held in October were productive of the following
results:—First Day: Australian Purse, Traveller; Hurdle Race, Teapot;
Ladies’ Purse, Lady Cordelia. Second Day: Town Plate, Traveller;
Australian Youths’ Purse, Lady Cordelia (walked over); Sweepstakes for
beaten horses, Lady Flora.
The annual race meeting was held at Yass on October 20th and 21st, when
Mr. Waddy’s Frederick walked over for the Cavan Cup; Yass Cup of £50,
Paddy; and Eleanor easily took the Maiden Plate. On the second day
Frederick won the Hurdle Race, and Moustache took the Ladies’ Purse;
Squatters’ Purse went to Medora.
1838. Cumberland Hunt Established. Bathurst Races.
Sydney Races. Hawkesbury Races. Parramatta Races.
There was a fair amount of racing during the year 1838. The first
notable item was a meeting on February 15th of those interested in
hunting, when the Cumberland Hunt Club was established. This was to
maintain a subscription pack of hounds. The entry fee was £5, and the
committee consisted of Messrs. W. Lawson, N. Lawson, H. Harvey, R.
Crawford and E. Weston.
On March 27th and 28th, Bathurst Subscription Races were held, when the
added money was £135. Results:—First Day: Bathurst Plate of £75, w.f.a.,
one round (heats), Mr. J. Nobel’s Flirt (Roberts) 1, Mr. J. Wriggle’s
Zorab 2, Mr. P. Flamington’s Theorem 3, twenty-four starters; Maiden
Plate of £50 (heats), one round, Mr. G. Freeman’s Jim Crow (J. Piper) 1,
Lean Jack 2, Creeping Jenny 3; Hack Stakes of £10, Woverman 1, Peacock
2. Second Day: Hurdle Race of £50, three times round, nine jumps, Mr.
Waddy’s Dr. Syntax (Lieut. Whiting) 1, Mr. Gibson’s Block (D. Campbell)
2; Hack Hurdle Race of £10, Mr. Gibson’s Toss (N. Lawson) 1, five
started. Third Day: Publicans’ Purse of £70 (heats), Mr. J. Piper’s
Theorem, 6 years (N. Suttor) 1, Mr. J. Noble’s Flirt (Roberts) 2,
twenty-four started; Ladies’ Purse of £30 (heats), Mr. J. Noble’s Medara
(Waddy) 1, Jim Crow 2; Pony Race of £10, Mr. C. Quail’s Win-if-I-can;
Sweepstakes for beaten horses, Mr. G. Fifewell’s Lushington. A ball
given by the officers of the 80th Regiment was a great success.
April 25th and 27th, Sydney Subscription Races. First Day: Sweepstakes
of 15 guineas, with £75 added, Mr. C. Smith’s Chester; Produce Stakes of
£25, Mr. C. Smith’s Bessy Bedlam; Sweepstakes of £6, with £30 added, Mr.
C. Roberts’ Miss Flirt. Second Day: Town Plate of £50, Mr. C. Smith’s
Chester 1, Mr. C. Roberts’ Traveller 2; Ladies’ Purse of £30 (heats),
Mr. C. Roberts’ Miss Flirt 1, Mr. C. Smith’s Bessy Bedlam 2, Mr. Riley’s
Lady Cordelia 3; Sweepstakes of £5, with £30 added, Mr. C. Smith’s
Clifton 1, Mr. Riley’s Jorrocks 2. The meeting was held on the Sydney
course, which was said to be in a very bad state, as was also the road
out to it.
Parramatta, October 3rd and 5th. Results:—First Day: Australian Plate of
£50, Mr. C. Roberts’ Lady Cordelia 1, Mr. C. Smith’s Lady Godiva 2, Mr.
D. Egan’s Crockford 3; Maiden Plate of £25, Mr. Evan’s Victor 1, Mr. C.
Smith’s Cinderella 2, Mr. Darling’s No Mistake 3; Ladies’ Purse, Sweep
of £5, with £20 added, Mr. C. Smith’s Bessy Bedlam 1, Mr. Sadler’s Robin
Hood 2, Mr. Egan’s Crockford 3. Second Day: Parramatta Town Plate, Sweep
of £5, with £50 added, Mr. C. Roberts’ Traveller; Australian Youths’
Purse of £20 (mile heats), Mr. C. Smith’s Bessy Bedlam 1, Crockford 2;
Beaten Stakes, Crockford walked over.
1840. Light Racing Year. Meeting at Parramatta. Braidwood Races.
Hawkesbury Meeting. Races at Campbelltown. An Important Match.
Establishing Racing in the Metropolis.
The first meeting of importance was on April 20th at Parramatta. The
winners were:—First race, Hunters’ Plate, value 100 guineas, Mr.
Broughton’s Medora (owner) 1, Mr. R. Anderson’s Artful 2, Mr. W.
Lawson’s Pickwick 3. A match, 50 guineas aside, Mr. N. Lawson’s Don
Giovanni, beat Captain Hunter’s Billy. Third race, a stake of 200
guineas, was won by Messrs. Douglas and Sutton’s Crockford, who won both
heats against the Campbelltown horse, Rob Roy. There was heavy betting,
over 2,000 guineas changing hands on the result.
On July 17, at Braidwood, a match for £100 aside took place between Dr.
Wilson’s Sir James, ridden by Mr. Farmer, and Mr. Burnell’s Improver,
who was piloted by Andrew Badgery. Improver won by a neck, but he
encroached on the course and no decision was given. Mr. Farmer’s horse
won a £10 sweepstake.
A meeting was held at the Hawkesbury on August 5th, 6th and 7th. First
Day: Stakes £100, Bessy Bedlam; Two-year-old Stakes, Eleanor;
Sweepstakes, Jerry Sneak. Second Day: Hurdle Race, Slasher. Third Day:
Australian Youths’ Purse, Jerry Sneak; Maiden Race, Cinderella; Beaten
Stakes, Woodpecker; Hack Race, Snowball. On September 9th and 11th a
meeting was held at Campbelltown, with following results:—First Day:
Members’ Purse, w.f.a., £50, Mr. Onus’s Jerry Sneak 1, C. Smith’s Crazy
Jane 2; second race, Maiden Plate, Mr. Raymond’s Theorem, filly. Second
Day: Match, £200, J. Barrie’s three-year-old colt beat Warby’s horse. A
hurdle race was won by J. Sutton’s Slasher on the third day. Mr. Rouse
won the Campbelltown Plate with Bessy Bedlam, also the Two-year-old
Stakes with Eleanor.
The most important event of the year was a meeting in Sydney of what was
termed the Australian Race Committee, when it was decided to raise funds
for Autumn and Spring meetings at Homebush in February and September of
1841.
1842. Racing at Homebush. First St. Leger. Adoption of Newmarket Rules.
Committee Appointed. Sale of Old Racecourse. First Meeting of Hawkesbury
Turf Club. First Meeting at Homebush. First St. Leger. Jockeys’ Fees
Fixed by A.J.C. Committee. First A.J.C. Spring Meeting.
In May of 1840 the Australian Race Committee decided to adopt the rules
which governed racing at Newmarket (England), and appointed the
following committee:—Captain Hunter, Mr. Lawson (senr.), Captain
O’Connell, Messrs. Kater, Scott, G. Way, Anderson, Holden, P. T.
Campbell, Leslie, Captain Westmacot, Lieutenant Price (28th Regiment),
Lieutenant Chambre (96th Regiment). The stewards acting at the first
meeting, held at Homebush on March 16th and 18th, were Mr. P. T.
Campbell, Captain O’Connell and Messrs. R. Scott and H. H. Kater; Judge,
Captain Hunter; Clerk of the Course, Mr. A. Way. On the first day it was
estimated that 8,000 people attended. Many made the trip in steamers to
Homebush Bay. The course presented a gay appearance with its three
buildings, viz., Grand, Walker’s and Pullinger stands. The band of the
80th Regiment performed on the lawn. His Excellency Sir George Gipps,
Sir Maurice O’Connell, Mr. P. T. Campbell, Major Nunn and others made a
great display with their handsome carriages. There was also a special
stand for the officials opposite the grandstand. On it were Messrs.
Kater and Holden, also Captains Westmacott and O’Connell and Lieutenant
Chambre, while in front of the grandstand was exhibited the handsome
trophy to be presented to the winner of the Metropolitan Cup, the first
race on the programme, won by Mr. Hall’s Hercules, who went out
favourite. The St. Leger, a sweepstake of 10 sovereigns each, with 200
sovereigns added, was won by Mr. Rouse’s Eleanor. Other starters were
Eucalyptus, Industry, Tranby and Young Duke. The winner was favourite.
Captain Hunter won the Ladies’ Purse of £50 with Prince. A match between
Mr. C. Roberts’ Colonel and Mr. H. H. Kater’s Cap-a-pie for £200 aside
resulted in a win for the latter by a length.
There was a great crowd on the second day, over a thousand coming out on
horseback. They created disorder by galloping into the paddock with the
racehorses. The first race on the card, Gold Cup, valued at 100
sovereigns, with 100 sovereigns added, 10st. up, two-mile heats, was won
by Mr. Onus’s Jerry Sneak. Mr. C. Roberts won the Homebush Stakes with
Flirt. The third race was to have been over hurdles, but through some
mistake the jumps were not erected, and the stewards decided to make a
flat race of it, with gentlemen riders, 12st. up. The winner was
Frederick, ridden by Lieutenant Chambre, with Slasher (Mr. Carne) second
and Markman (Mr. Raymond) third.
In April of 1841 Camperdown Estate, known as the old racecourse where
the defunct Sydney Turf Club raced, was announced for sale. It comprised
two hundred and forty acres, and was the property of the late
Rear-Admiral Bligh.
At Windsor the sportsmen had established the Hawkesbury Turf Club, and
they held their first race meeting on what was termed the Australian
Racecourse, on August 4th, 5th and 6th, 1841. Mr. James Cullen was
secretary of the club. The Town Plate was won by Mr. Rouse’s Jorrocks.
The Colonel broke down in the race. Mr. C. Smith won the Two-year-old
Stakes with Beeswing.
The Australian Race Committee started with their second meeting at
Homebush on August 26th, 1841, when the Australian Stakes, a sweep of
sixteen sovereigns, with 200 sovereigns added, w.f.a., was won by Mr. C.
Smith’s Beeswing, a chestnut filly by St. John. Jorrocks went out
favourite at 2 to 1. Beeswing’s price was 5 to 1. She won her first heat
(2½ miles 140 yards) in 5 min. 10 sec., and the second in 5 min. 12 sec.
Mr. Scott won the Publicans’ Purse of 50 sovereigns, 1¼ mile and 310
yards, with Mentor, by Toss; he won his first heat in 2 min. 41 sec.,
and second in 2 min. 44 sec. Captain Hunter’s Prince, by Camerton, won
the Welter easily. He was ridden by Mr. Pryce, and ran the 3¾ miles 210
yards in 8 min. 5 sec. Beeswing won the Champion Cup in two heats (2½
miles 180 yards), the first in 5 min. 30 sec., and second in 5 min. 40
sec. Mr. Scott’s Mentor won the Ladies’ Purse, beating Jorrocks (Mr.
Rouse), but the latter won the Handicap with 10st. 9lb., beating
Gohanna, 11st., and others.
In 1842 the Autumn Meeting at Homebush saw Jorrocks in winning form. He
led off on the first day, March 24, winning the Metropolitan Stakes of
10 sovereigns each, with 75 sovs. added. The St. Leger of 15 sovereigns
sweepstakes, with 100 sovs. added, 1½ mile, was won by Mr. S. Smith’s
Beeswing, by St. John, ridden by Marsden, Captain Hunter’s The Princess,
by Gratis second, and Conservative, by Gratis, third. Mentor, by Toss,
won the Ladies’ Purse, and a Selling Stakes of 25 sovereigns went to Mr.
Cullen’s Prince, by Toss, piloted by Higgerson. On the second day Mr. C.
Smith’s Gohanna (Dunn) won a race, w.f.a., a sweep of 10 sovereigns,
with 100 sovereigns added, and the same owner won the Hack Race with
Prince. There was also a Pony Race, won by Master Hunter’s Billy, alias
Billy the Devil, eleven years old.
The third day’s programme opened with the Cumberland Cup, won by
Jorrocks; Eucalyptus and Eclipse also started. The betting was 3 to 1 on
Jorrocks. Mr. Scott won the Homebush Stakes with Mentor, by Toss,
favourite at 5 to 1 on, and the Beaten Plate went to Mr. Egan’s
Zephyrine. Prior to the meeting, Toss beat Colonel in a match.
Formation of the Australian Jockey Club.
According to the “Sydney Morning Herald,” at a meeting held on April of
1842, it was decided to form the Australian Jockey Club. In August of
that year a meeting of the club at the Royal Hotel appointed stewards
for the forthcoming meeting in September at Homebush. The stewards were
Captain Sawbridge, Mr. Lawson and Mr. Icely; Judge, Major Hunter; Clerk
of the Course, Mr. May, and Hon. Sec., Mr. W. Hunter.
At another meeting it was resolved that jockeys be paid the following
rates:—Rider of the winner of a £50 prize of public money and under, £5;
a loser in a race of similar amount £3. Winner of more than £50 of
public money £10, and a loser £5.
The first race meeting carried out at Homebush by the A.J.C. extended
over three days, starting on September 20th, when the first race,
Champion Cup, a sweep of 10 sovereigns, with 100 sovereigns added was
won by Mr. C. Smith’s Eclipse, by Whisker (Dunn), Sir J. Jamieson’s Sir
Charles second. The Two-year-old Stakes of 10 sovereigns for starters,
with 30 sovereigns added, went to Mr. C. Roberts’ President, by
Emancipation. Mr. C. Smith won the Australian Stakes with Tranby, by
Operator, also the Maiden Plate of 25 sovereigns with Chillington. There
were two races on the second day—Tradesmen’s Purse, a sweep of 5
sovereigns, with 30 sovereigns added, won by Mr. C. Smith’s Eclipse, and
a Hack Race won by a horse owned by Major Hunter.
The third day’s programme opened with the Champagne Stakes, a sweep of
10 sovereigns, with 75 sovereigns added, the winner to give three dozen
of champagne (heats, twice round); Mr. C. Roberts’ Quail, by Gratis,
walked over for it. Sir Charles, by Gratis, won the Ladies’ Purse.
Claret Stakes of 10 sovereigns, with 50 sovereigns added (heats, once
round), winner to give three dozen of claret to the ordinary. It went to
Mr. C. Roberts’ Tranby, by Operator, ridden by Johnny Higgerson. The
Beaten Stakes, won by Plutus, concluded a most successful meeting, which
was followed by a dinner at the Royal Hotel.
Racing at Homebush. A.J.C. Easter Meetings. Horses for India and First
A.J.C. Meeting at Randwick.
With racing firmly established at Homebush, under the management of the
Australian Jockey Club, there were few other meetings from 1843 onwards
held within reach of metropolitans. The stewards for 1843 were Mr.
Lawson, senr., Captain Ramsbottom and Mr. W. Russell. Major Hunter acted
as Judge. Racing commenced at noon each day, and the Press notified that
there would be no false starts. At this meeting Mr. Rouse won the
Metropolitan Stakes, also the Cumberland Cup with Jorrocks, while the
St. Leger Stakes went to Mr. Scott’s b. f. Marchioness, Attila running
second.
The club held a Spring Meeting in 1843, when Jorrocks won the Champion
Cup, ridden by Higgerson. He carried 9st. 9lb., and ran the three miles
in 5 min. 50 sec. In those days the Champagne Stakes was for all horses
w.f.a., twice round and a distance, and Jorrocks won it, carrying a
penalty of 5lb. Some other winners at the meeting were Attila, Lottery
and Marchioness.
In 1844 the horse stock in the colony had increased to such an extent
that shipments to India and other places were frequent. The ship
“Neptune,” bound for Madras, had been fitted up with one hundred horse
stalls. The “Medusa” had taken sixty to Madras, and the “William
Metcalf,” whose destination was Calcutta, had been provided with thirty
stalls. Even so early in her history Australian horses had made a name
abroad.
The Australian Jockey Club. Classic Winners.
To give a detailed account of the racing under the rules and regulations
of the Australian Jockey Club, from its formation in 1842 up to date,
would be more than our space can afford. The one race that was always
present in their autumn programme was the St. Leger. It is thus the
oldest classic race in Australia. As will be seen in previous chapters,
when the Subscription racing started at Homebush in 1841 they instituted
the St. Leger, run at 1½ mile, and the A.J.C. wisely adopted and carried
it on during their whole tenure of Homebush. From 1842 to the autumn of
1859 the winners of the St. Leger were:—
1841—Eleanor.
1842—Beeswing.
1843—Marchioness.
1844—Blue Bonnett.
1845—Peter from Athlone.
1846—Lady Theresa.
1847—Whalebone.
1848—Snake.
1849—Pastile.
1850—Cossack.
1851—Plover.
1852—Surplice.
1853—Cooramun.
1854—Venison.
1855—Camden.
1856—Stumpy.
1857—Laurestina.
1858—Chevalier.
1859—The Don.
1860 may be put down as the foundation year of the Australian Jockey
Club. The A.J.C. was not strong financially when it decided to take up
racing at Randwick. Several gentlemen, however, came to the club’s
assistance. The names of those friends are inscribed on a tablet in the
present grandstand. The land at Randwick, now used as a racecourse, was
set apart for the purpose in 1833 by the authority of Sir Richard
Bourke. It comprises two hundred and two acres and, according to a
letter which appeared in the “Sydney Morning Herald,” signed by Mr.
Mortimer William Lewis, the locality of the original track in 1860 was
selected by the Hon. E. Deas-Thomson, and set out and surveyed by Mr.
Lewis under the former’s personal direction. The whole of the timber for
the fencing and erection of buildings was supplied by Messrs. W. Jolly &
Company. Mr. Kelly was the architect.
The race track was 1¼ mile in circumference, with a straight run home of
seventeen chains. The made part of the track was fifty feet wide from
going out of the straight to the last half-mile, where the width was
increased to seventy feet. It was laid down with “doob” (couch) grass,
with a mixture of English grasses and Dutch clover, top-dressed with
bone dust. Posts, five chains apart, marked the race track. A remarkable
feature on the ground was “The Rocks.” They were just fifteen chains
from the winning post, and nearly opposite the present 9 furlongs post.
Further on, at twenty chains from the winning post, stood the starting
post for the mile course. The level between the fifteenth and
twenty-fifth chain was called the Lachlan Flat, and the bend at the
twenty-eighth chain was in honour of the Governor-General, designated
the “Denison Corner.” At the fortieth chain, or half-mile from the
winning post, stood the starting post for the T.Y.C., and for the six
furlongs races. There was a gentle rise called “Constitution Hill.” The
turn at the sixtieth chain post became known as “Champion Corner.”
Beyond the eighty chains came the starting point for the Derby and Oaks,
which was named “Derby Corner.” All those old landmarks have passed
away, with the formation of the present track. The lessees of the
grandstand for the opening meeting were Messrs. J. Poelhman and G. C.
Barkhausen, while the race cards were issued by “Bell’s Life in Sydney”
and printed on the course in a tent. The prices of admission were, if
taken for the three days, a guinea for gentlemen, 10/6 for ladies and
5/- for children.
First Race Meeting at Randwick.
The first meeting at Randwick commenced on May 29th, 1860, with an
attendance of 6,000. The first race was the First Year of the Second
Triennial Stakes, a sweepstakes of 10 sovereigns, with 100 sovereigns
added, 1 mile, won by Mr. I. K. Cleeve’s b. f. Chatteress, by Chatterbox
from Jessie (Henderson); Mr. J. Tait’s b. c. Alfred, by Warwick—Clove,
second. Won easily. Time, 2 min. 10 sec.
The Australian Plate of 130 sovereigns (twice round) was won by Veno,
ridden by Higgerson, beating Strop by two lengths in 5 mins. 11¼ secs.
Planet, ridden by J. Driscott, won the Metropolitan Maiden Plate of 150
sovereigns, and the Squatters’ Purse of 50 sovereigns went to Mr. T.
Ivory’s Flying Doe. Tattersall’s Free Handicap to Mr. W. Towns’
Stranger.
Second day, May 30th, Second Year of First Triennial Stakes Mr. J. T.
Roberts’ Moss Rose, by William Tell; Publicans’ Purse, Mr. W. R.
Blackman’s True Blue; Welter, Mr. T. M’Guire’s Egremont; City Plate, Mr.
J. J. Roberts’ Gratis; Hack Race, Mr. J. Taylor’s Pussy Cat.
Third day, May 31st, Prince of Wales Stakes, Mr. Ivory’s Euroka, and Mr.
A. Loader won the Randwick Plate with The Don, ridden by Higgerson.
Gratis won the A.J.C. Handicap, and Ackbar the Consolation Stakes.
Forced Handicap, Planet. The last three races were run in heavy rain.
Australian Jockey Club History. The Champion Race. Death of Strop. The
Tally-Ho Stakes. St. Leger and Derby Stakes.
The year 1860 was notable from the fact that the second race for what
was termed the Australian, New Zealand and Tasmanian Champion
Sweepstakes was run off at Randwick. It took place on Saturday,
September 1st, when about 10,000 people, including the Governor and the
Premier (Mr. John Robertson), Colonial Treasurer (Mr. Meekes), Minister
for Works (Mr. Arnold) and Mr. M’Quade (starter) were present.
The conditions of the leading event on the card read:—Second Australian
Champion Stakes, of a sweepstakes of 100 sovereigns each, h. ft., with
500 sovereigns added; second horse 200 sovereigns if three horses start,
or save his stake only if two start; third 100 sovereigns; 3 miles,
N.S.W., w.f.a. The following were placed:—
Mr. J. Tait’s ch. m. Zoe, by Sir Hercules—Flora M’Ivor, aged, 9st.
3lb. (J. Ashworth) 1
Mr. G. Dupas’ b. g. Wildrake, by Sir Hercules—Woodstock, 5 years,
9st. 1lb. (R. Snell) 2
Mr. J. Higgerson’s ch. g. Veno, by Waverley—Peri, aged, 9st. 5lb. (J.
Higgerson) 3
Mr. Hargrave’s b. m. Deceptive, by Young Plover—Vanity, 5 years, 8st.
13lb. (Willis) 4
Other starters were: Gratis (Holmes), Moss Rose (J. Cutts), Strop (J.
Carter), Waimea (J. Redwood), Young Morgan (J. Driscoll), The Don
(Murphy), Flying Buck (Perkins).
Betting: 7 to 4 Flying Buck, 5 to 1 Zoe, 6 to 1 each Veno and Strop, 8
to 1 Deceptive, 100 to 8 Young Morgan, 100 to 5 each Moss Rose, Wildrake
and The Don.
The Don led until going up the hill near the six furlongs post the
second time, when Zoe took up the running, and remained in front to the
finish, winning easily by a length from Wildrake, who beat Veno by two
lengths, with Deceptive a length away fourth, followed by Strop, Gratis,
The Don, Young Morgan and Waimea, with Flying Buck and Moss Rose last.
Time, 5 min. 59 sec.
This race and others showed that the New Zealand horse, Strop, was by no
means in his best form, and when he returned to the paddock the old
horse staggered, fell down and died. An investigation showed that the
cause of death was congestion of the lungs. He was buried just at the
back of the old winning post.
A notable item in connection with the A.J.C. Spring Meeting of 1860 was
the winning of the first race by Archer—the Maiden Plate of 120
sovereigns—which he won easily from the New Zealand mare Io. On the
second day of the meeting was run the first hurdle race, known as the
Tally-Ho Stakes, of 50 sovereigns, 2¼ miles, over nine hurdles three
feet six inches. The winner was Miss Weller, ridden by Chase. The added
money for the year was £2,320.
There was nothing of a sensational nature connected with the Autumn and
Spring Meetings of 1861, when the winners of the St. Leger and Derby
Stakes were Mr. John Tait’s Alfred, ridden by J. Driscoll, and Kyogle
(Driscoll), nominated by Mr. S. Jenner. These meetings extended over
four days, and the added money for the year totalled £2,505.
The A.J.C. held a race meeting at Randwick on January 1, 1862, when a
five-event programme was run off, carrying 385 sovereigns. The principal
events, Hurdle Race of 100 sovereigns and Free Handicap, 100 sovereigns,
were won respectively by Mr. J. Faraher’s Prince and Mr. W. O’Brien’s
Peter Finn.
Great regret was expressed at the death of Mr. T. Ivory’s William Tell.
His death robbed the Spring Meeting of 1862 of a lot of interest. At the
Spring Meeting the All-aged Stakes resulted in a dead heat between Ben
Bolt (Thompson) and Eugenie (Bishop). The former, who was favourite, won
the run off. The Derby Stakes went to Mr. T. Ivory’s Regno (Higgerson).
The winner was a half-brother to Tarragon, who was beaten by Traveller
in the Innkeepers’ Purse on the last day, but had previously won his
first race—Metropolitan Maiden Plate—on the first day. The added money
to the meeting was £940, while that to the Autumn Meeting of 1862 was
£1,130. At the last-mentioned meeting the St. Leger was won by Mr. de
Mestre’s Exeter.
The Hon. John Eales. Judge Cheeke’s St. Leger. Champagne and Derby Wins.
Tarragon in Form.
The racing in 1864 practically concluded what may be termed the second
racing period in this colony, as in the following year the A.J.C.
altered the title of the Randwick Derby Stakes to the more high-sounding
name of the “Australian” Derby Stakes, increased the sweepstakes fee,
and cut out the added money to both it and the St. Leger. In connection
with the opening event of the Autumn Meeting of 1864 appears the name,
as owner of the winner, Mr. John Eales, the popular owner and breeder of
Duckenfield Park. He won the Autumn Metropolitan Maiden Plate with The
Dutchman, ridden by Moore, beating Sir Patrick, owned by Judge Cheeke,
who on the second day of the meeting won the St. Leger Stakes with
Ramornie. Mr. de Mestre’s Deerfoot second, and Mr. Massey’s Mavourneen
third. Both second and third were by New Warrior.
That year the Champagne Stakes—a sweep of 16 sovereigns—with 80
added, was won over a mile, in heavy rain, by Yattendon (Sir
Hercules—Cassandra), ridden by Sam Holmes. Time, 1 min. 58 sec.
At the spring meeting in September he won the Spring Maiden Stakes, 1½
mile, in 2 min. 52 sec., and on the third day beat Colleen Bawn in the
Randwick Derby Stakes, 1½ mile, 150 sovereigns.
At the Autumn Meeting in April, Tarragon, ridden by Johnny Higgerson,
won the Randwick Grand Handicap of 300 sovereigns (2 miles) in 3 min. 48
sec., and on the third day took the Queen’s Plate of 200 sovereigns (3
miles) in 6 min. 20 sec.
In the following Spring (1864) Meeting Tarragon, 10st. 1lb., beat
Volunteer, 8st. 9lb., by a length in the Cumberland Handicap of 150
sovereigns (3 miles) in 5 min. 57 sec. On the third day, in the
Metropolitan Cup of 200 sovereigns (2 miles), Tarragon, 10st. 4lb.,
defeated Ramornie, 7st. 12lb., with Ben Bolt third. Tarragon was by New
Warrior from Ludia.
The year 1865 witnessed the first Australian Derby Stakes, won by Judge
Cheeke’s Clove. From that year the Australian Jockey Club has made
extraordinary progress. At Homebush, in 1842, the added money for the
meeting held in the spring was £245.
In the first season at Randwick (1860) the club distributed in added
money £2,327. In 1870 it handed out £3,140. For the season ended 1880
the added money had increased to £6,792, and in 1890 the A.J.C. balance
sheet showed that it had distributed £24,450 in added money. Still going
strong, and despite the hard times during the following ten years, the
club contributed in stakes during the season of 1899 and 1900 the sum of
£23,475, which had increased to £44,950 in 1910. In the season of
1919–20 the A.J.C. treasurer was signing cheques to the amount of
£80,560, and for the season ended July, 1922, the added money amounted
to £111,200.
A.J.C. History. Winners of the Randwick Derby. St. Leger. Champagne
Stakes Winners. Zattenden Wins the St. Leger and Sydney Cup. Western
District Performers. First Sporting Calendar. Earliest Stud Book.
In the preceding chapters we have given, not perhaps a detailed report
of racing affairs in the colony, but a fairly full history up to the
establishment of the Australian Jockey Club’s first Spring Meeting at
Homebush in 1842.
As a matter of course much racing has been passed over. No space can be
devoted to details of the sport at such places as Barwon Park (a small
track near St. Peters), Cook’s River, Parramatta, Five Dock, Cross
Roads, Ashfield, or the meetings promoted by a syndicate at Homebush
after the A.J.C. had located at Randwick. Perhaps the most notable of
the meetings carried out while the A.J.C. were racing at Homebush were
the yearly fixtures at Liverpool. For instance, at the Autumn Meeting in
1857 the Liverpool Derby of 200 sovereigns, with a sweepstakes of 15
sovereigns for starters, was won by Lauristina, and the Liverpool Town
Plate by that famous performer—Dora, by Camel. The Liverpool Club’s
Members’ Plate was won by Mr. G. T. Rowe’s Planet, by Waverley. His
rider was the owner’s son-in-law, the late Mr. Ettie de Mestre.
Undoubtedly the old order of racing passed away in 1864, as the A.J.C.
then drew up the conditions of their now classic events, the Australian
Derby and St. Leger Stakes, as they were then termed. Some years ago the
word “Australian” was changed to “Australia” Jockey Club Derby, which
has been shortened to A.J.C. Though Clove is given as the first Derby
winner at Randwick, this is hardly correct. Certainly she was the winner
of the first Australian Derby Stakes. There were, however, four Derbies
even prior to Clove’s win in 1865.
At the Autumn Meeting of 1865 the Western district horses Pasha (De
Clouet’s), Union Jack and Alphonse were in great form. Union Jack, by
St. John, who raced in the name of Mr. Gregory, won the Randwick Grand
Handicap of 200 sovereigns (2 miles), and Alphonse, owned by Mr.
McGregor, claimed the Waverley Stakes. Maid of the Lake won the All-Aged
Stakes, and Tamworth defeated Sir Soloman in the Autumn Metropolitan
Maiden Plate Stakes. There is no reason to give further details of
racing at Randwick.
It is stated in the club’s annual report of 1869 that the general
improvements during the year cost £390/1/6. In buildings and fencing
they spent £352/7/9. Members on the roll numbered three hundred and
fifteen. The committee reported an increase in entries for coming
events. Those for the Sydney Cup numbered forty-eight, against forty-one
for the previous year, while there were twenty-eight in the coming
Derby, twenty-seven for the St. Leger, fifteen stallions were put in for
the Sires’ Produce Stakes, one hundred and thirty-two entries for the
Mares’ Produce Stakes, and thirty-three for the Champagne Stakes. It is
interesting to compare these figures with the entries for similar races
run off in 1921. For the Derby of that season there were four hundred
and thirty-three nominations, one hundred and eighty-five in the
Metropolitan, three hundred and seventy-one in the Sires’ Produce
Stakes, and three hundred and eighty-four for the St. Leger, while for
the Champagne Stakes of 1922 the entry list totalled four hundred and
fifty-two. How the members have increased is told by a resolution passed
in 1921, when it was decided to limit the number to one thousand five
hundred.
During the last forty years several proprietary race clubs have come
into existence. They race at Rosehill, Canterbury Park, Moorefield and
Warwick Farm. Racing under the rules and regulations of the Jockey Club
they have done well. In addition to these, four other clubs were racing
in the metropolitan area in 1921, under what was termed Associated Club
Rules—Ascot, Victoria Park, Kensington and Rosebery Clubs. They raced
ponies and horses (all heights), and for the above year paid out in
prize-money £106,646.
Past and Present New South Wales Riders.
During the past hundred years or so there have been a number of most
proficient horsemen. In the early days the riding was principally done
by members of the military forces stationed in the colony. Since then
our riders have achieved fame, not only on the Australian race tracks,
but also in England, Germany, Austria, Russia, India, China, Japan and
the East India Islands.
Early racing reports are very brief, and rarely is the rider mentioned.
However, as the sport increased in popularity, the Press gave details,
which mentioned the names of the winning riders. Thus we read Mr.
Broughton and Mr. Rouse, two of the early owners, rode their own horses.
Among the early professionals were Dunn, Badkin, Hedly, Marsden,
Cashman, Ford and John Higgerson.
The most remarkable of those old-time jockeys was John Higgerson who, in
his 95th year, met with fatal injuries through the accidental discharge
of a gun. Higgerson commenced riding in races when about seventeen years
of age, and in his fifty-fifth year won the Champion Race at Flemington
after a dead heat between Tarragon and Volunteer; time, 5 min. 47 sec.
As the principals could not agree to divide, mainly owing to Tarragon’s
owner, Mr. Town, not being present, the dead heat was run off, when
Tarragon won in 5 min. 58 sec. In October of 1857, at Flemington,
Higgerson rode Veno, when he beat Alice Hawthorn (S. Mahon) in the great
match for £2,000 (3 miles). The same afternoon, on Cooramin, he beat
Tomboy (R. Mitchell) in a match for £200 aside, 1½ mile, and two hours
after winning the match against Alice Hawthorn, Veno saddled up again
and beat Van Tromp (S. Mahon) over three miles. The stakes in this last
contest were £700, Mr. G. T. Rowe, who owned both Veno and Cooramin,
laying £500 to £200. Higgerson also won the match on Ben Bolt, beating
Lauristina. A complete history of Johnny Higgerson’s career in the
saddle would fill a volume.
John Cutts was one of the best of our old-time riders. He won the first
two Melbourne Cups on Archer, also the first St. Leger, at Homebush, in
1847; on Whalebone and the Queen’s Plate at Homebush in 1851. He was the
mount on Lady Morgan in the Champion Race at Randwick in 1860.
James Ashworth, who was principally connected with the Byron Lodge
stables, had a remarkable riding career. Some of his notable wins were
on Zoe, Talleyrand, Glencoe, Goldsbrough and The Barb. During the latter
period of his life he acted as Clerk of the Course at Randwick.
Contemporary with Ashworth was John Driscoll, who, in 1857, won a race
at Parramatta on Blue Bonnett. Ten years later he won the Melbourne Cup
on Tim Whiffler. In after years he became landlord of the Blind Beggar
Hotel, at the corner of Liverpool and Oxford Streets, Sydney.
Joseph Kean, like Ashworth, finished up his days as Clerk of the Course
at Randwick. He was on Javelin when that colt won the A.J.C. Derby, and
was the rider of Kingsborough for the late Sir Hercules Robinson when he
won the A.J.C. Champagne Stakes, and landed O’Mera home for O’Brien’s
Cup at the meeting held by Tattersall’s Club in 1867. He also rode
Yattendon in his last two races.
In the ’sixties there were a number of well-known riders—“Bricky”
Colley, John Ramsay, P. Piggott, Donald Nicholson, Charley Stanley, Dick
Snell, William Yeomans, Thomas and John Brown, Joseph Burton, Michael
Bryant, Arthur Battye, and that fine old Englishman—Sam Holmes. W.
Yeomans, who only died recently, amongst other events won the V.R.C.
Oaks three times with Formosa, Mileta and Petrea; Ascot Vale Stakes on
Newminster and First King, also the Australian Cup and V.R.C. St. Leger
on the First King, and A.J.C. Derby on Wheatear. Yeomans put up a
remarkable riding performance at Wagga on St. Patrick’s Day, 1870, when
he rode the winners of six races, and was second and third in two
others. The programme consisted of eight events.
Samuel Holmes was an Englishman. A most able rider. After retiring from
the saddle he became host of the Cottage Inn at Parramatta. Many an
afternoon have I put in with him chatting over old times. His most
memorable winning ride was on Tomboy, in a sweepstakes of 25 sovereigns,
with 100 sovereigns added, w.f.a. (3 miles), which took place at
Flemington on the third day of the Melbourne Jockey Club’s Spring
Meeting, 1857, a week after the great match between Veno and Alice
Hawthorn. Included in the field of six was the champion Veno, ridden by
Higgerson. Sam Holmes, on Tomboy, decided that he would make the field
travel all the way. He was the first to show in front, where he
remained, winning easily by twenty lengths from Moss Trooper, with Veno
two lengths away third. The time, 6 min. 16 sec., tells that Veno had
gone off. There was great cheering at the defeat of the Sydney champion,
and to commemorate the victory Holmes was presented with an engraved
silver watch.
John Ramsay was an able horseman who won, among other events, a Wagga
Cup on Janitor, A.J.C. Champagne and St. Leger Stakes on Lecturer and
Moselle, respectively. He is still alive, as also is P. Piggott, who
landed the double for the Hon. J. White, V.R.C. Derby and Melbourne Cup
on Chester in 1877. Donald Nicholson, who was killed in the Caulfield
Cup accident in 1885, was undoubtedly the cleverest lightweight rider
ever seen in Australia. Piggott, Nicholson and T. Bennett were
associated with the late Mr. T. Ivory. Bennett won the first
Metropolitan Stakes at Randwick (1866) on Bylong. He now receives a
pension from the A.J.C. Dick Snell was another valuable old-timer, who
won the Victoria Derby on Tricolor in 1857, and the St. Leger at
Homebush in 1855 and 1857. Charles Stanley did most of his riding for
the late Mr. John Tait, in whose “yellow and black” livery he won the
Champion Race on The Barb, the Melbourne Cup with Glencoe, Victoria
Derby with Fireworks and Florence, who also won the Oaks, and the A.J.C.
Derby on The Barb, Fireworks and Florence. For years he was an
hotelkeeper at Campbelltown. George Donnelly won many good races for the
late Mr. de Mestre, among them the A.J.C. Champagne Stakes on Chester.
Perhaps his most notable ride was on Dagworth in the Queen’s Plate (3
miles) at Randwick, when he ran a dead heat with Reprieve, and beat him
on the run off.
The brothers John and Thomas Brown, of West Maitland, were able
horsemen. The latter did best in important events, as he won the
Melbourne Cup on Calamia, Victoria and A.J.C. Derbies with Loup Garou,
Standish Handicap Duration, and A.J.C. St. Leger on Commodore. Later on
he trained principally for the late Hon. William Long. His best horse
was the unbeaten Grand Flaneur. Mention of Grand Flaneur reminds me of
his rider, Tom Hales, in his day termed the “Grand Horseman.” For the
late Hon. J. White, Hales rode in three hundred and two races, of which
he won one hundred and thirty-seven, winning in stakes £75,944. In the
course of his twenty years in the saddle, Hales had one thousand six
hundred and forty-five mounts, winning four hundred and ninety, three
hundred and twenty-six seconds, and third in one hundred and ninety.
Value of stakes won by him was £166,770.
In later days perhaps the most distinguished of our riders were James
Barden, now a leading trainer at Randwick, Matt Harris, who died a few
years ago, and James and John Gough. T. Clayton was mostly associated
with Poseidon, winner of the double Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in
1906. John Delaney and William Delaney were also much in demand. Perhaps
the former was the more able rider. In the lightweight division the late
Cecil Parker was at the top of his class. He was a pupil of a famous old
rider—Samuel Lovell, who was tutored in his young days by Johnny
Higgerson. Unfortunately Parker died at an early age, but Samuel Lovell
is still hale and hearty, living at Camden.
Other prominent riders of the old school were Martin Gallagher, admitted
to be the most skilful with the whip in the left hand that we ever had;
Edward M’Grade, who lost his life in the wreck of the “Ellen Nichol”; L.
Kuhn, W. and E. Huxley, T. Nerricker, John Gainsforth, the Brothers
John, Frank and Fred Fielder, John Hincks, C. Pearson, F. M’Grath and W.
Kelso. Quite a number of these are now leading trainers.
Present-day Riders.
During the last decade race riding has undergone a complete change. The
old-time seat has passed away in favour of the “Tod Sloan” position.
Races are differently run, and the training of horses has altered. So
far as jockeyship is concerned, the new style has its advantages over
the old, as this style enables the escape of wind pressure, and the
placing of weight more on the withers. Those who shorten their leathers
within reason have a fair command of their horses, but the majority ride
so short that the power to guide or control their mounts is often lost.
The most skilful of our riders of this State during the last twenty
years are W. H. M’Lachlan, Myles Connell, Albert Wood and K. Bracken.
Prominent Gentlemen Riders.
In the racing history of the colony gentlemen riders have played a
prominent part. At the time of writing the oldest of those is the Hon.
James Gormly, who finished fourth in the memorable Ten Miles Race at
Wagga in 1868 on his own horse, Camel, and won many races in his
youthful days. The late Mr. Phil Glennister was a noted horseman in his
day, as was also Mr. W. P. Bowes. Captain Airey was a very fine
horseman, also Messrs. W. Fowles, Harry Haines, Edward Terry, G. Mason,
Coyle, W. Gosper, T. West, G. M. Bailey, W. Acraman, E. and A. Weston,
M. Millen, Benson, A. Batty, G. Fagan, W. H. Pye and Dr. Cortis. Then in
later days, at the Bligh and Tirranna Meetings, and at times at
Randwick, we have seen some excellent riding performances accomplished
by Messrs. E. M. Betts, A. M. Cox, S. B. Rouse, F. Nivison, H. Brown, E.
A. Blomfield, F. Blomfield, Dowling, W. Beaumont, W. E. Manning, C.
Stephen, W. E. White, Justine M’Carthy, K. Austin, C. R. Halloran, W. E.
White, also Mr. Tom Watson prior to his settling in Sydney as our
leading starter. The Watson family were all famous horsemen.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Illustration: THE CAR THAT MADE STUTZ GOOD IN A DAY]
The Stutz literally raced its way into the confidence of the
motor-loving public. The first Stutz Car was entered in the gruelling
300 mile race at Indianapolis in 1911. It made good in a day.
Additional racing laurels were won in 1912–13–14, and then came
the phenomenal Stutz year, 1915, when the Stutz racing Cars won first
and second in every big race, conquering the best Cars of two
Continents.
At the close of 1915 racing season, when the principles of Stutz
construction were fully proven, racing was discontinued by the factory.
Stutz then metaphorically “went to stud.”
The result of these years of experience and experiments on the
racecourse consumed in perfecting the 16 valve motor and the wonderful
chassis were given to the public in Stutz Stock Cars. The same
precision, thoroughness and efficiency that made Stutz a winner on the
racecourse is evident in the popular and respected Stutz of to-day.
The Stutz Car is an aristocrat, yet is not high priced. The best
materials obtainable, coupled with skilled workmanship, only are used in
the construction of the Stutz Cars. The bodies are in a class by
themselves in the beauty of their lines and graceful appearance on the
road. All have the low slung racy appearance, and are designed for
comfort as well as refinement. Torpedo effect is carried out on all
models.
Sole Agents
J. G. Howard & Co., Ltd.
148 Phillip Street, Sydney
[Illustration: Lindeman’s CAWARRA SPARKLING & STILL WINES Vineyards Estᴰ
1827 _Ask for_ LINDEMAN’S Private Cuvée (Champagne)·Sparkling
Hock·Mozelle·Burgundy]
Popular Dinner Wines of delightful flavour: HOCK, CHABLIS, CLARET, Etc.
Other perfect flavour Wines: PORT, SHERRIES, MADEIRA, MUSCAT, Etc.
_Lindeman’s Wines challenge comparison with the World’s best._
Case Lots supplied direct. Write for Price List.
=Lindeman Ltd.= Central Office and Cellars =Q. V. Building, Sydney=
THE REFEREE
The World’s Greatest Sporting Paper
[Illustration: _The Referee_ Acknowledged as the Premier Australian
Authority on all Sport, Games and Athletics _The Referee_ Sport Features
by Specials from all over the world]
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
=3 Months= =6 Months= =12 Months=
Australian Commonwealth, New =7/6= =15/-= =£1/9/-=
Zealand, Fiji, Papua, Rabaul and
Pacific Islands
British Solomons, Samoa, Tonga, =7/6= =15/-= =£1/10/-=
Nauru
United Kingdom =8/6= =16/6= =£1/12/6=
British Possessions, Penang, etc. =9/-= =17/6= =£1/15/-=
U.S.A. =10/-= =£1/-/-= =£2/-/-=
All other Places =11/6= =£1/3/-= =£2/5/-=
On sale all Newsagents, Bookstalls and Kiosks, or direct from
THE REFEREE NEWSPAPER CO. LTD., 136–8 Castlereagh St., Sydney
J. C. DAVIS, Editor. Hon. HUGH D. McINTOSH, M.L.C., Managing Director.
[Illustration: A CHALLENGE TO ALL STAG LAGER]
[Illustration:
NEWMARKET SALE PADDOCK: ANNUAL PARADE OF YEARLINGS IN PROGRESS
]
[Illustration:
Sold by the Firm.
The highest priced Yearling for 1922.
]
Our premises at Newmarket, Randwick, are the most extensive and up to
date in the Commonwealth. They cover seven acres and comprise some 400
Yearling Boxes, numerous exercise sand yards and paddocks, and include
the magnificent training stable formerly the property of the late T.
Payten.
William Inglis & Son Ltd.
“The largest firm of Blood-Stock Salesmen in Australia”
28 O’Connell Street, Sydney
[Illustration: FACTORY, HOSKING PLACE. (AT REAR OF 88 PITT STREET.)]
The highest ambition of a printer is attained when a publication such as
Racehorses in Australia, calling for the exercise of all that is best in
the art of printing is placed unreservedly in his hands, his customers
knowing that the result will justify their faith.
¶ This has been our experience on many occasions, as in addition to this
volume we have printed a large number of Art and other works bearing the
impress of that high quality which we have made our standard, and which
have been favourably commented on by the world’s press.
¶ Would it not be wise to send for one of our representatives next time
you are needing printing of any kind, for we carry the same high
standard of quality through all orders, be they large or small, our
prices are reasonable, and we feel sure that you would soon join our
very large circle of satisfied customers.
Phones B6464 4 Lines W. C. Penfold & Co. Ltd. Established 1830
Printers, Stationers and Account Book Makers
88 Pitt Street, Sydney
H. Chisholm & Co.
(HARRY CHISHOLM) (KEN AUSTIN)
Bloodstock Salesmen, Pedigree Experts, Property Salesmen
Sydney, N.S.W.
Cable Address: Chisholms, Sydney Codes Used: A.B.C. 5th Ed. and
Bentley’s
[Illustration:
VIEW OF SALE RING
]
Annual Sales of Thoroughbred
Yearlings, Racehorses in Training,
and Breeding Stock held every
Easter. Sales of Thoroughbred
Breeding Stock and Racehorses in
Training held monthly or by
arrangement. Sales of Polo Ponies
held during Sydney Tournaments.
=Branch Managers: The Yorkshire Insurance Company Ltd. Specialists in
Live Stock Insurance.=
All classes of Pedigree work undertaken. Sale Catalogues, Private Stud
Books, Stud Circulars. Tabulations compiled at short notice. Agents for
shipping and transporting of Live Stock.
Sole Agents The Bolinda Vale Shorthorn Stud Herd, Victoria.
(The property of Sir Rupert Clarke, Bt.)
English Representative, Mr. C. C. Edmunds, Manager of Lord Rosebery’s
Stud, Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard, England. Purchases of Thoroughbred
Horses and Cattle can be completed in the English market on the most
advantageous terms.
During past years we have sold by auction a large number of English
Thoroughbred Horses consigned to us by the well-known Breeders and
Owners, Lord Dewar, Messrs. Brice Bros., Rundle Brendon, E. de Mestre,
the late E. Kennedy Jones, etc.
STUD DISPERSALS
We have wholly or partly conducted
practically every important Stud
Dispersal Sale held in the
Commonwealth and New Zealand during
recent years. These include the
Merton, Shipley, Chatsworth Park,
Eumaralla, Ellerslie (N.Z.), Highden
(N.Z.), and St. James (U.S.A.)
Studs.
Racehorses, Stallions, Brood Mares, Polo Ponies, etc., for Private Sale.
Correspondence invited.
Head Office: 16 Spring Street, Sydney, N.S.W.
[Illustration:
VIEWS OF RANDWICK STABLES
]
[Illustration: _Two Champions_ POITREL—& STETSON HATS]
Pedigree!
Eighty-seven years of study and experience is behind the products brewed
and bottled by Tooth & Co. Ltd. Kent Brewery Sydney
⧈
The Winning Double
Your money is well invested on either—
K.B. Lager
or
T.B. Light Ale
Wherever you dine and whenever you do call for K.B. Lager or T.B. Light
Ale. You will appreciate the flavor
[Illustration: _Tattersall’s Hotel. 259 Pitt Street, SYDNEY_]
Adams’ (Tattersall’s) Hotel
259 Pitt Street, Sydney
One of the most Comfortable
Residential Hotels in Sydney
Cuisine Unsurpassed Four Large Public Dining Halls
_For appointments or particulars write, wire or phone The Manager_
Conducted by the Trustees of George
Adams’ Estate who maintain the
standard set by the late Mr. George
Adams
Phones City 9738 & 728 Every visitor to Sydney should see =The Marble
Bar=
------------------------------------------------------------------------
“_The Book on the Table_”
[Illustration: ART IN AUSTRALIA A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE AUGUST 1922
PUBLISHED BY ART IN AUSTRALIA LIMITED, SYDNEY ——LONDON: CONSTABLE AND
CO.—— PRICE 6⁄⁰⁰ PER COPY:ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 24 THIRD SERIES NUMBER
ONE]
“_Better than anything we have here._”
_Frank Brangwyn,
R.A. London._
A Symbol of Culture in Your Home
AT ALL THE BEST BOOKSELLERS
SIX SHILLINGS EDITIONS LIMITED
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Illustration: WARRIGAL TRADE MARK]
The House of Peapes
and its “WARRIGAL” Trade Mark
Australians with their intense love of sport have so made England’s
“Sport of Kings” a part of their national existence that to-day the
annual number of race-meetings at any Australian course greatly exceeds
that of all the English courses combined.
A parallel case where Australia has made English precedent her own is
that of the history of woollen articles. Originally Australia depended
entirely on the mother country for these. To-day Peapes can offer a
range of woollen articles for men’s wear and use made wholly in
Australia from the finest Australian wool. These have proved through
years of experience to give equal wear and comfort, while being
considerably less expensive than the imported variety. Included are
Underwear, Jacket Sweaters, Rugs and Suitings—all sold under the
“Warrigal” Trade Mark—Peapes’ guarantee of the highest quality and
purely Australian production.
_Catalogues and Literature on request_ _Peapes pay postage_
=Peapes & Co. Ltd.= ——Men’s Outfitters——
309–311 George Street, Sydney
Pottie’s
Laxative Drench
Can be given in Sickness or Health
As a Tonic and Regulator it improves the Health and Condition of Horses.
Unequalled as an improving Drench for Horses out of condition,
Hidebound, Worms, etc.
For Colic and other Bowel Troubles this is a splendid medicine to give
at first; afterwards, if pain continues, give =Pottie’s Colic Drench=.
=Pottie’s Laxative Drench= should be given to all Horses affected with
Worms or Bots.
DIRECTIONS
For Yearlings and Small Ponies half
a bottle is sufficient. Horses over
three years may be given the full
bottle as a dose.
In all instances administer via
mouth as a drench.
=John Pottie & Sons= ——Veterinary Surgeons——
154 Castlereagh St., Sydney
[Illustration: BY APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING The Old Blend
Whisky of the WHITE HORSE CELLAR Estab. 1742 DALGETY & Cᴼ. Lᵀᴰ., Bent
St. Sydney. _Sole Agents for New South Wales._]
[Illustration: _Sydney Cup, 1921_ _Sydney Cup, 1920_ _Prince of Wales
Gold Cup_]
_Notable Cups._
_The_ SYDNEY CUP, 1921 _Presented by_ THE AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB.
_Won by_ Mr. E. LEE STEERE’S “EURYTHMIC”
Distance: 2 miles. Time: 3 min. 24¼ secs.
Jockey: F. Dempsey, 9st. 8lb.
_The_ SYDNEY CUP, 1920 _Presented by_ Right Honorable Sir ADRIAN
KNOX, K C M G, P.C. _Won by_
“KENNAQUHAIR,” _the property of_ Messrs.
W.M. BORTHWICK _and_ J. LAYCOCK Distance:
2 miles. Time: 3 min. 22¼ secs. Jockey: A.
Wood, 9st. 5lb.
_The_ PRINCE _of_ WALES GOLD _Presented by_ THE AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB,
CUP _in honour of the visit of_ H.R.H. THE
PRINCE OF WALES, JUNE, 1920 _Won by_ Mr.
H. W. MORTON’S “PARKDALE” Dead Heat with
Mr. T. HICKEY’S “SILVERTON” (Two Cups
presented) Distance: 1 mile 5 furlongs.
Time: 2 min. 46¾ secs. Jockeys: A. Wood
8st. 2lb.; J. Simmons, 6st. 11lb.
_The three Cups illustrated were executed in Solid Gold by_
HARDY BROTHERS Lᵀᴰ.
13 HUNTER ST., SYDNEY.
118 Queen St. : 298 Collins St.
Brisbane. : Melbourne.
LONDON.
[Illustration: GAELIC SPECIAL · RESERVE Highland Whisky STIRLING BONDING
COMPANY—STIRLING, SCOTLAND & CRAIGELLACHIE DISTILLERY. GLENLIVET. NET: 1
PINT 6 FLD OZS. Red White & Blue Whisky]
Orme, Keigwin & Co. Ltd., Sydney
[Illustration]
Mark Foy’s for Racing Jackets and Riding Breeches
RACING JACKETS, in Foy’s well-known High-grade Satin, all the
registered jockey colors. These Racing Jackets are Foy’s own
celebrated make, the same as have been before the racing public
for years. Price complete, with Cap to match =50/-=
RIDING BREECHES—Jockey’s Riding Breeches made in our usual Heavy
Quality Special Silk. Cut, Style and Fit the same as already
known to the racing public. Cut to personal measurements in our
High-grade Tailoring Department. Price =50/-=
Mark Foy’s, Limited, The Home of Good Values,
:: SYDNEY ::
RESCH’S BREWERY
[Illustration:
DOWLING STREET, REDFERN, SYDNEY
]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
WHERE
=RESCH’S=
AUSTRALIAN
LAGER
PILSENER
DINNER ALE
STOUT
&
XXX ALE
(BULK)
ARE BREWED AND BOTTLED
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
1. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in
spelling.
2. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed.
3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.
4. Enclosed bold font in =equals=.