Chapter XVI.. The Gist of It All.

The Gist of it all.

And now we draw to the close this thesis on the racehorse in Australia. We have been, after all, but wandering upon the outskirts of a very vast subject, and were we proposing to indite a work for the use of experts—breeders, owners, trainers, even, let us add, punters—our thesis would swell into a large volume, our large volume into an encyclopaedia, and our encyclopaedia into a library. And the gist of it all? Is the entire business, with all its branches and ramifications, with all the employment offered by it to thousands of people, with all the land now in use for breeding, with all those beautiful parks reserved for racing purposes, in and near the great cities, is it all designed simply to furnish an Australian holiday? I do assure you that there is involved something a very great deal deeper than that. It is the horse, the whole future and welfare of the horse, that is the great stake for which we are playing, most of us unconsciously. The day of the noble animal is not over, and its future spells infinitely more than the mere fact of whether he can run a mile in a minute and 36 seconds, or whether he can cover three miles in 5.23. During the Boer War, such a short time since, but which seems to our children, perhaps, to have been waged centuries ago, we expended an enormous amount of horse life in a country where soldiers had perforce to be carried on horseback, and where all the supplies for an army were dragged upon wheels, and when motor power had not yet come into its own. And in the last great death grapple, with all the petrol which was exploded, with all the motor traction used, with all the amount of transport, and of scouting by air, we still required a larger horse supply than ever before. We cannot see so clearly into the future as did the poet Tennyson, when he wrote Locksley Hall. That wonderful seer, you may remember, wrote his poem in the early ’forties of the last century, and he predicted, as plainly as words could tell, the advent of the flying machine, for use both in commerce and in war, and “all the wonders that would be.” It is not given to many to possess the true prophetic vision, but it is a simple task to foretell that war has not yet ceased upon the earth, and that we have not even begun to make reaping hooks of our spears, or spades and ploughs and harrows of our guns. It is the improvement of our horse, for general utility purposes, and for war, that is really the motive which ought to promote this racing of ours, but which poor Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in a fatuous moment, has lately dubbed “the curse of the country.”

If the supply of horseflesh is to be maintained, if we are not prepared to let the breed die out altogether, then horse racing is the only method whereby the standard can be preserved at a proper and efficient level. Shows, agricultural and otherwise, are powerless in their endeavour to accomplish this end. Magnificent looking creatures bred for the ring, only too surely and quickly prove themselves to be abject failures when tested on the course or in the field. Vitality, stamina, courage, soundness, are the qualities which we desire to perpetuate in our breeds. The show ring does not test a single one of these. The winning post must be our only guide.

Is it doing its duty in the matter? This might be a matter for endless debate, but it is safe to say that it is not doing that duty nearly so well as it might. For in our play we are so apt to forget that, after all, it is not only sport that we are following, but that perhaps the safety of our Australian nation lies in the qualities of endurance and of speed in those beautiful creatures which we are looking upon as our playthings of to-day. One’s mind invariably flies, whilst thinking over these matters, to a future and a possible “War of Defence.” Britain, let us imagine, is hampered with a Continental foe. America is on her back, and fighting for her life upon the seas. And we are lying here in the sunshine, a beautiful woman without means of defence, without oil for our motors, without ammunition for our guns, without horses for our men. With ammunition, and with half a million of splendid horses, and even more splendid men, we might do wonders, even without oil, until help could arrive. Without horses and ammunition we would be immediately destroyed. And we are not taking the trouble to breed chargers and transport horses for the purposes of war. Indian buyers, private dealers, your own eyesight, will tell you that we are not producing the quantity, nor the quality which we were so proud of fifty, forty, aye, even thirty years ago. We have become careless. Our young men do not desire the glorious companionship which their fathers enjoyed, that loving friendship between horse and man. They fizz through their stations now in a motor car, or possibly they even fly through the air to the back of the run, and are home for luncheon. Their sires and their grand-sires on these distant excursions camped out for nights, their saddle for a pillow, their horses, in hobbles, not far distant from their side. My young gentleman of to-day could do it all if he tried, but he does not care to ride, and hunting is a bore. But what will his son be? It is the old, old story. Read your Gibbon, study your Grote.

“All Empires tumble, Rome and Greece, Their swords are rust, their altars cold.”

You know the old and sacred saying, “At sunset, when the sky is red, you know that the weather will be fine,” and also, “When the fig tree putteth forth her leaves, ye know that summer is nigh.” And Rome and Greece fell because they would not take the trouble to see that the sky was red, or that the fig tree was putting forth her leaves. And we are travelling on exactly the same road. Not many people care to read about the “Buried Cities of Crete.” The story carries a tremendous lesson. The ancient Cretans, whose women wore high-heeled shoes, and hobble skirts, and other abominations of civilisation, were so strong in their sea power that they neglected the means of defence on land. Ruins, buried deep beneath the soil, tell us the sad story to-day. A foreign power, despised perhaps, but now grown strong, sprang at their throats so suddenly that it took the Islanders completely by surprise. The blackened walls, the charred rafters, thirty feet below ground, preach their sermon to those who care to read. Neither does one ever forget what took place at the great conference at Vienna between the Powers when Napoleon had at length been chained and was languishing in his little island kingdom and prison of Elba. There had been much discussion, bitter wrangling, but matters were at length approaching a more or less satisfactory conclusion. Then, unheralded, there burst into that august assembly a messenger, “bloody with spurring, fiery with hot haste.” “Napoleon has escaped and has landed in France.” A moment’s silence, and the ambassadors with one accord fell a-laughing. After all their grave debates, with the waste of so many millions of words, the whole edifice of their deliberations was thrown to the ground by one sweep of the hand. So may it be to-morrow. A League of Nations may meet and deliberate. The representatives, perhaps, will disagree. Ere they can turn round, one Power, which is, may be, the best prepared, declares war. Necessity, when nations are in dire distress, choking for air and starving for their daily bread, knows no law. Will we never learn our lesson not to put our trust in Princes, no, nor in the children of men? Therefore, let us foster our horses by every means in our power, and place our dependence rather upon them. And let us remember that the race course, the hunting-field, and the polo grounds are the nurseries and gymnasiums of the breeds both of horse and man. The thoroughbred is the keystone of the arch, the cornerstone of the building.

And yet one knows so well that prophecy is all in vain, that our rulers only smile and imagine a vain thing, and that no seer has any honour in his own country, until the words are proven to be true, and then it is all too late. Bitter was the fate of Cassandra, that ancient prophetess of Troy, whom no man could believe, and bitter still the lot of anyone who tries once more to read the writing on the wall, and give it voice.

“Then like a raven on the wind of night The wild Cassandra flitted far and near, Still crying, ‘Gather, gather for the fight, And brace the helmet on and grasp the spear, For lo, the legions of the night are here!’ So shriek’d the dreadful prophetess divine; But all men mock’d and were of merry cheer; Safe as the Gods they deem’d them, o’er their wine.”

But, with the tremendous importance of the end in view, the improvement of the thoroughbred horse, is our sport sufficiently fulfilling that end? That is a question which is indeed a hard one to determine, and one great camp may give its voices to the “Ayes,” and one may roar in unison for “No.”

There is one thing, and perhaps only one thing, quite certain. Our horse has increased in size. The fifteen-hands-two of the great winners of a hundred years ago have swollen in their average dimensions somewhere in the neighbourhood of sixteen-two. This may not, however, indicate allround improvement. A good big one, we know, is better than a good little one on the course, but I question if the rule holds good, either in the battle or the hunting-field. Ormonde beat The Bard because he outstrode him down the Epsom hill, but The Bard might have carried his master, with his twelve stone ten, had he had the opportunity, more safely and more speedily to the end of a forty minutes run, than his great conqueror on the race course over the mile and a half of Epsom Downs.

And we have gained in speed. There can be little doubt of that. If the inexorable test of the “Winning Post” has not compelled us to breed from our best, and if, in the course of the flying centuries, the result has not been a march upwards, then Heaven help us and our methods. But do you think that stamina and soundness have improved along with our size and our speed? That, too, is hard to tell. And yet it is probable that it is so. Races now are real tests of the stayer. In the days of Fisherman, and Voltigeur, The Flying Dutchman, Plenipotentiary, Bay Middleton, and before their time, races were not run in a manner to prove stamina. More frequently there was much loitering on the way in the two, three, and four mile bouts between the steeds of our ancestors. To-day we run the two miles all the way from pillar to post, and Archer’s three minutes and fifty-two seconds for the Melbourne Cup has dwindled to the three twenty-four and a half claimed by Artilleryman. Twenty-seven seconds difference means at least two furlongs, and that takes catching. Well, admitting that we have marched forwards in the matter of both speed and stamina, surely there is much more unsoundness to-day than there was one hundred years ago, or even fifty years since. At the first blush one would say “Yes.” But on second thoughts one does not feel quite so sure. Herod was “a bleeder,” and bleeding has been not uncommon in his descendants. It is one hundred and sixty-four years ago since Herod was foaled. We rear regiments of racers now, where our forebears bred squadrons. And yet “bleeding” is not so very rife after all. But we hear more about it, with an active press focussing its microscope on every individual racer in the land. And roaring, you ask? Well, Pocahontas roared, and Prince Charlie made a fearful noise, and Belladrum was indistinguishable from a fog-horn, and Ormonde did more than whistle, but in Australia, at least, this is a defect, an actual unsoundness, which we do not so very often see—or hear. But we are breeding bad knees, bad feet, and round joints, and with the extra weight of the enlarged frames, ligaments and muscles cannot bear the strain. Yet this was always so. Bay Middleton had a mysterious foot and leg, Whalebone’s near fore-foot was contracted, and all were “pumiced”—whatever that might mean. He was “the most double-jointed horse I ever saw in my life,” was the verdict of that celebrity’s groom. Whitelock was “a naggish horse with a big, coarse head and plumb forelegs.” Flat, thin-soled feet were the “bane of lazy Lanercost,” Rataplan “always went proppy on his long fore pasterns,” and “Dundee’s suspensory ligament went so badly in the Derby that after that race his fetlock nearly touched the ground.” Partisan had a “clubby foot.” Touchstone had “very fleshy legs,” and his “near fore ankle was never very good.” And so on we could go, from the Adam of horses to our own most rapid, modern times, which these grandchildren of ours will shortly call “the old times.” But I cannot say if the “Sport” is improving; I fancy not. I was talking to Walter Hickenbotham the other day, the doyen of the profession of trainers, or at least one running in double harness in that capacity with old Harry Rayner, of Randwick. Walter was recalling the “old days” of his youth. Meetings were fewer then, and railways were a comparative rarity where his paths led him. Mr. C. M. Lloyd was his “boss.” Riding a mare and leading Swiveller, Walter would leave the station on one of those beautiful, bright, health-giving mornings of the late summer or early autumn, with just a touch of frost in the clear air. The boy, with the buggy and the gear, the feed, and all the other necessaries, had gone on before. From station to station, ’twixt sunrise and sundown, the little cavalcade would press steadily on. Mr. Lloyd, no doubt, would follow in a few days with his tandem or the four-in-hand. And so from meeting to meeting they would go. Round Wagga, Hay, Bathurst, Deniliquin, Gundagai, Goulburn, a great circuit, would they wander, taking with them the romance and glamour of the Turf in their train. You can imagine the stir and enthusiasm at the stations as they came. Nothing was too good for them, either for man or beast. Everyone welcomed them, and the old greybeards, in the evenings, beneath the big gum tree, while the boxes were being done out, and the horses meanwhile were held in the shade, would talk horse, and nothing but horse, by the yard. Some might even remember having seen Rous’ Emigrant or Manto, and another might have come from Yorkshire, and had known all about Sledmere and Sir Tatton Sykes. And the racing was more for the fun of the thing then, and the owners betted more like gentlemen between themselves. And ere the country circuit was completed, horse and man had travelled almost a thousand miles, and had won many a Cup, and much fine gold. And then, calling in at the station to drop their burdens, they would be off to the Metropolis to take down the numbers of the swells which trained there, ere settling down for the short, dark winter days at home. Good days those, jolly days, grand days! And is it not so good now? No? Alas! I fear that it is not in the sport, not in the horses, not in the world at large, that we find changes for the worse. All things are developing, evolving, marching upwards. It is in us, the individual men, to whom we must look to find “the weary change.” And yet even we must take comfort.

“Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’ We are not now that strength which in old days Moved heaven and earth; that which we are we are.”

PAINTINGS OF RACEHORSES BY MARTIN STAINFORTH

The figures in brackets are the Bruce Lowe family numbers of each horse. (†) signifies no family number.

PLATE 2.

MUSKET (3) imp. Brown Horse, 1867, by Toxophilite—half sister to Gen. Peel’s dam. Winner of the Ascot Stakes, and 9 of his 11 last races. Imported to New Zealand in 1878. Sire of Carbine, Trenton, Hotchkiss, Nordenfeldt, Maxim, Martini-Henri, etc. Died 1885. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 18 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

PLATE 3.

CARBINE (2). Bay Horse, 1885, by Musket (imp.)—Mersey (imp.). Winner of £29,626. Sire in Australia of Wallace, La Carabine, etc. Exported to England in 1895, where he sired Spearmint, Greatorex, Fowling Piece, etc. Died 1914 at Welbeck, England. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 6 years, in the possession of Mr. F. G. White. ]

PLATE 4.

TRENTON (18). Brown Horse, 1881, by Musket (imp.)—Frailty. Winner of good races in N.Z. and Australia, and sire of Wakeful, Aurum, Revenue, Auraria, etc. Exported to England in 1895, where he sired Torpoint, etc. Died 1905. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 14 years, presented to the A.J.C. by Sir William Cooper. ]

PLATE 5.

CROSS BATTERY (7). Brn. Mare, 1902, by Stepniak—Firecross. Dam of Artilleryman (Melb. Cup), and ALEXANDRA (13) imp., Bay Mare, 1904. Dam of Kingsburgh (Melb. Cup), by Persimmon—Ambleside. With foals at foot by All Black (imp. sire of Desert Gold, etc.). The property of Mr. Norman Falkiner, Noorilim, Victoria. From a painting of the mares, at the ages of 18 and 16 years respectively, in the possession of Mr. Falkiner. ]

PLATE 6.

THE FINISH FOR THE V.R.C. FLYING STAKES, 1902, 7 furlongs, Flemington, Victoria. Ibex, ridden by Jas. Barden, steals the race from the great Wakeful. From a painting in the possession of Jas. Barden. ]

PLATE 7.

MALTSTER (21). Brown Horse, 1897, by Bill of Portland (imp.)—Barley (imp.). Winner of the A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derbies, etc. Premier sire of Australia on five different occasions, among his progeny being Alawa, Malt King, Desert Rose, Popinjay, Maltine, etc. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 23 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

PLATE 8.

WALLACE (3). Ches. Horse, 1892, by Carbine—Melodious. Winner of £6,116, including V.R.C. Derby, Sydney Cup, etc. Sire of winners of over £250,000, including Trafalgar, Aurous, Emir, Mountain King, etc. Died in 1917. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 12 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

PLATE 9.

LANIUS (7) imp. Brown Horse, 1911, by Llangibby—Mesange. Winner in England of the Rous Memorial Stakes, Jockey Club Stakes, and £11,406. Imported to Australia in 1917 and won A.J.C. Plate, Cumberland Stakes, etc., before retiring to the stud in 1919. The property of Dr. Syme, Victoria. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 8 years, in the possession of Mr. Ken Austin. ]

PLATE 10.

LINACRE (8 imp.). Bay Horse, 1904, by Wolf’s Crag—Lismaine. Winner Champion Breeders’ Foal Stakes, Atlantic Stakes, etc. One of the leading sires of Australia; his progeny include Dame Acre, Mistico, Tangalooma, Panacre, Lordacre, etc. The property of Messrs. A. W. and A. E. Thompson, Widden Stud, N.S.W. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 17 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

PLATE 11.

YIPPINGALE (1) imp. Bay Mare, 1909, half sister to Traquair (imp.), by William the Third—Chelandry. With foal at foot by Comedy King (imp.). The property of Mr. Norman Falkiner, Noorilim, Victoria. From a painting of the mare, at the age of 11 years, in the possession of Mr. Falkiner. ]

PLATE 12.

TRAFALGAR (4*). Ches. Horse, 1905, by Wallace—Grand Canary. Winner of £22,111, and a high-class stayer. Now at the stud in N.S.W. Sire of Visibility, Heart of Oak, Annexit, etc. Owned by the Executors of the late Walter Mitchell, N.S.W. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 7 years, in the possession of Dr. Stewart McKay. ]

PLATE 13.

BRATTLE (1). Brown Mare, 1910, by Maltster—Astron. Winner V.A.T.C. Oakleigh Plate, etc. Owned by Mr. W. Booth, N.S.W. From a painting of the mare, at the age of 4 years, in the possession of Dr. Stewart McKay. ]

PLATE 14.

POITREL (3). Ches. Horse, 1914, by St. Alwyne (imp.)—Poinard. Winner of £26,919, including Melbourne Cup carrying 10 st., and all the principal long-distance weight-for-age races of Australia. A very high-class stayer. Retired to his owners’ (Messrs. W. and F. A. Moses) stud in 1921. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 6 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

PLATE 15.

GLOAMING (26). Bay Gelding, 1915, by The Welkin (imp.)—Light (imp.). Winner of 43 races out of 46 starts to date of publication, and £28,443. One of the most brilliant horses bred in Australia. Owned by Mr. G. D. Greenwood, N.Z. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 6 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

PLATE 16.

ARTILLERYMAN (7). Brown Horse, 1916, by Comedy King (imp.)—Cross Battery. Winner V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, dead-heated A.J.C. Derby, etc. Died in 1920. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 4 years, presented to the A.J.C. by Sir Samuel Hordern. ]

PLATE 17.

TRIPTYCH. Cross Battery, with Artilleryman as a foal at foot in 1916. Comedy King (imp.) the sire of Artilleryman. Artilleryman, winner of the V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, 1919. From a painting in the possession of Sir Samuel Hordern. ]

PLATE 18.

CETIGNE (29). Bay Horse, 1912, by Grafton (imp.)—Pretty Nell. Winner of £27,216, and second on the list of winning Australian racehorses. Retired to the stud in 1921. Owned by Mr. T. A. Stirton, Dunlop Stud, N.S.W. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 7 years. ]

PLATE 19.

KENNAQUHAIR (2). Ches. Horse, 1914, by Kenilworth (imp. Fr.)—Calluna. Winner of £17,126, and a very fine individual and stayer. Retired to the Mungie Bundie Stud in 1922. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 6 years, in the possession of Mr. W. M. Borthwick. ]

PLATE 20.

COMEDY KING (7) imp. Black Horse, 1907, by Persimmon—Tragedy Queen. Winner of the Melbourne Cup, V.R.C. All-Aged Stakes, etc., and £12,945. One of the most successful stallions in Australia, having sired Artilleryman, Biplane, Fiscom, Folly Queen, etc. The property of Mr. Norman Falkiner, Noorilim Stud, Victoria. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 13 years, in the possession of Mr. Ken. Austin. ]

PLATE 21.

WOORAK (31). Ches. Horse, 1911, by Traquair (imp.)—Madam. Winner of £17,000, and the most brilliant horse of his time. Retired to the stud in 1917 and a very successful stallion. Sire of Soorak, Salrak, Yanda, etc. Raced by Mr. L. K. S. Mackinnon, Victoria. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 5 years, in the possession of Dr. Stewart McKay. ]

PLATE 22.

PANACRE (†). Brn. Horse, 1912, by Linacre (imp.)—Panara. Winner of the A.J.C. Epsom Hcap., etc. Retired to his owner’s (Mr. J. C. Wood) stud in 1921. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 5 years, in the possession of Mr. J. Campbell Wood. ]

PLATE 23.

EURYTHMIC (5). Ches. Horse, 1916, by Eudorus (imp.)—Bob Cherry. The largest stake winner of Australia, having won £33,066, including the Sydney Cup with 9 st. 8 lbs. Owned by Mr. E. Lee Steere, W.A. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 5 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

PLATE 24.

THE FINISH FOR THE A.J.C. CRAVEN PLATE, 1918, 1¼ miles, Randwick, N.S.W. Reading from the rails: Cetigne (A. Wood) first, Desert Gold (fourth), Wolaroi (second), Estland (third). From a painting in the possession of Mr. W. A. Crowle. ]

MARTIN STAINFORTH: AN APPRECIATION

By W. J. STEWART McKAY.

Next to a fine picture of a lovely woman there is nothing perhaps which more strongly appeals to the æsthetic sense than a picture of a splendid thoroughbred horse. This accounts, probably, for the vogue for pictures of racehorses by Herring and artists of lesser note, which existed in England during the last century.

These pictures, however, when scrutinised with the critical eye of to-day, are found to be full of inaccuracies and exaggerations. For example, many of us are more or less familiar with the style of picture frequently displayed in old English inns, and, more rarely, in our own country. The horse is almost invariably depicted as standing in a stable with a small feed-box in one corner, his muscles bulging out and his contour greatly accentuated by the aid of unaccountable lights and shades. Every animal was shown with a ridiculously small head, tapering legs and tiny feet. Again, the horse may be shown in action, galloping, his ears well back, legs stretched out to their fullest extent, and the animal a foot or more clear of the ground, while in the background a few spectators in top hats appear watching “The Devil doing his gallop.”

Still another phase in these sporting pictures was the introduction of the owner and trainer as in Hobbs’ painting of “Eclipse,” and Herring’s picture of “The Flying Dutchman,” or a number of horses racing in the familiar stretched-out attitude, the jockeys sitting bolt upright with arms fully extended. In the background are seen the winning post and a long line of excited spectators.

The greater skill of present-day artists, coupled with the advent of the cinematograph (which has provided them with the means of studying the horse in motion), has been responsible for some wonderfully accurate and lifelike portrayals of the more prominent of our equine celebrities. It may be said with little fear of contradiction, that among latter day artists, few, if any, have been more successful in horse portraiture than Martin Stainforth. His pictures usually represent a horse as possessed of irreproachable manners, standing quite still, and of exemplary docility. But when he leaves this favourite pose and gives us the racehorse in action his art achieves supreme heights.

An Englishman by birth, Stainforth came to this country in 1909 and now claims to have served a sufficient period of probation to entitle him to be an Australian by adoption. A year or so of station life with his cousin in North Queensland inspired him with such enthusiasm for the outdoor life and our genial climate that a return to London was out of the question, so he decided to come to Sydney, there to indulge a long-cherished ambition to paint Australia’s thoroughbreds for which he had conceived so warm an admiration.

I am the fortunate possessor of Stainforth’s picture of “Artilleryman” finishing in his memorable Melbourne Cup. The horse is shown going at top speed, quite off the ground, with his legs well under him. The drawing is absolutely correct, and shows that there is at least one phase of the gallop which is graceful and sightly. But his finest interpretation of the moving horse is to be seen in his great picture of the most exciting finish in a classic race ever seen at Randwick. It was a memorable meeting of four champions in the Craven Plate of 1918, when the faithful Cetigne, ridden by Albert Wood, forced his way through a chance opening at the last moment and snatched victory from the brilliant Wolaroi, the hardy Estland, and the consistent Desert Gold. The canvas brings the scene back to all of us who witnessed the event so vividly that we live those few intense seconds over again; we do not see the impossible horses depicted by Herring; we see four horses, lifelike in the fidelity of their pictured action, and each horse an entity in itself. In a fast and close finish the eye cannot distinguish minute details of the struggling horses, and the painter, cognisant of this, does not attempt that detail which he would portray if he were painting a stationary and specially posed horse. His chief object is to convey the impression of rapid movement. That is the essential, and he has achieved this with such consummate art that the picture is a classic among racing paintings. In Australia the horse is a national asset, and in the Craven Plate picture Stainforth has endeavoured to depict for posterity the most outstanding and memorable classic event in the annals of our turf history. By his signal success he has earned the thanks of all lovers of a good horse.

Stainforth’s art, however, is not confined to the painting of horses alone. As an exponent of that now almost forgotten art, wood engraving, he has proved himself a master. Both Lord Leighton and Sir John Millais, as Presidents of the Royal Academy, selected some of his work for the Exhibitions at Paris, Berlin and Brussels as the best examples of the English engraver’s art. He also exhibited at the Royal Academy on many occasions and has achieved considerable success as an illustrator for the principal English magazines. But his best work as an engraver is to be found, perhaps, in the illustrations to Grant Allen’s “Evolution of Art.” Much of Stainforth’s present-day skill as a painter of horses is no doubt due to the patience and attention to detail with which he became imbued as an exponent of the engraver’s art.

One has only to study his “Head of Trafalgar” to realise that he holds a high place among the great painters of animals. This work is a wonderfully lifelike and faithful reproduction of the erstwhile turf idol. The head is framed in bold relief by the shadow of the empty box, a look of expectancy is in the eyes, and our attention is irresistibly drawn to the well-shaped ears and the long, white blaze that so many of us have watched with anxious hearts as the game old battler was commencing his characteristic finishing run to victory. Note how beautifully the cheek fades away to a neck, whose glossy sheen covers smooth rolls of muscles. Surely his nostrils move, and the old horse breathes again! If Landseer had painted no picture but his “Fighting Dogs Getting Wind,” a work which he executed when quite a young man, that effort alone would have raised him to the first rank of animal painters. And without hesitation I claim that Stainforth’s “Head of Trafalgar” is one of the finest studies of the horse in existence, and, as an experienced student of sporting pictures, I declare that his “Craven Plate” is the greatest racing picture ever painted.

Recently I stood before his “Poitrel,” that great horse whose achievements almost equalled the mighty Carbine. He stands on a trimmed plot of grass with a wall at the rear, his shapely, ruddy chestnut form in such clear relief that we realise at a glance how this strong fellow won a Melbourne Cup with ten stone on his back. He stands poised in his virile beauty of pliant muscles and shining coat, a splendid specimen of the thoroughbred—truly a picture that will bring delight to future generations of horse-lovers. Such a picture should belong to the Nation.

DUKE FOOTE (1). Bay Horse, 1907, by Sir Foote (imp.)—Ortelle (imp.). Winner of £14,069, and a high-class horse. Now at his owner’s (Mr. John Brown) Will’s Gully Stud, N.S.W. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 5 years, in the possession of Dr. Stewart McKay. ]

DESERT GOLD (2). Bay Mare, 1912, by All Black (imp.)—Aurarius. Winner of £23,133, and one of the best mares bred in Australasia. Now at her owner’s (Mr. T. H. Lowry) stud in New Zealand. From a sketch of the mare, at the age of 5 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

MALT KING (5). Ches. Horse, 1906, by Maltster—Patrona. A very brilliant horse, winning £12,663, including All-Aged Stakes, Sires Produce Stakes, Metropolitan Hcap., etc. Retired to his owners’ (Messrs. J. E. and C. H. Brien) stud in 1913, and his progeny include Maltgilla, Green Malt, Hawker, Pannikin, etc. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 5 years, presented to the A.J.C. by Mr. J. E. Brien. ]

BIPLANE (3). Brown Horse, 1914, by Comedy King (imp.)—Air Motor. Winner of £13,596, including A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derbies, Craven Plate, etc. Retired to the stud in 1922. Raced by Mr. G. D. Greenwood (N.Z.) and now owned by Mr. T. A. Stirton, Dunlop Stud, Merriwa. From a sketch of the horse, at the age of 3 years, in the possession of Mrs. H. Gordon. ]

THE WELKIN (19). Brown Horse, 1904, by Flying Fox—Woodbury. Imported in 1910. A brilliant sprinter and a phenomenal stud success. Premier sire of Australia for 1921–22. Among his progeny are Gloaming, Furious, Thrice, Rosina, Isa, Three, etc. Standing at the Melton Stud, Victoria, the property of Mr. E. E. D. Clarke. From a sketch of the horse at the age of 16 years in the possession of the artist. ]

CAGOU (13). Brown Horse, 1909, by Ayr Laddie (imp.)—Tartar. Winner of £15,514, including A.J.C. Metropolitan Handicap (twice). Owned by Mrs. O. C. Flemmich, and now at the stud in Queensland. From a painting of the horse at the age of 7 years, now in the possession of Mrs. Flemmich. ]

GREENSTEAD (4*). Brown Horse, 1914, by The Welkin (imp.)—Tuning Fork. Winner of £12,450, including A.J.C. Epsom Hcap., etc. Now at the stud in N.S.W. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 6 years, in the possession of Mrs. F. Body. ]

BEAUFORD (18). Brown Gelding, 1916, by Beau Soult—Blueford. Winner in 1922 of 8 races and £11,390 up to the date of publication. One of the most brilliant horses of recent years. Raced by his breeder, Mr. W. H. Mackay, Sydney. From a painting of the horse, at the age of 6 years, in the possession of the artist. ]

MARTIN STAINFORTH sketching the famous Poitrel. The artist when preparing for a painting, inspects the horse and makes written notes and slight sketches. ]

A couple of pages reproduced actual size from Martin Stainforth’s note-book. He makes detailed notes of outstanding features and carefully preserves the general character of the horse. ]

At his studio he makes a memory sketch of the horse as it impressed him. On a second visit he corrects various parts and paints these separately until the character is secured. ]

With his note-book, his rough sketch and careful studies of various parts, the artist proceeds to paint the finished picture, using the rough sketch as his main guide. ]

By this method the artist obtains freshness, virility and truth that could not be secured if a complete painting were attempted from an animal in training. ]

“Ready,” a sketch by Martin Stainforth in the National Art Gallery of N.S.W. In the original of this sketch Martin Stainforth has displayed excellent technique, and shows his facility for painting animals in a lifelike manner. ]

In his paintings of dogs the same extreme care is shown to preserve the character of the animal. Pal, the bull dog sketched above, is owned by Mrs. Herbert Marks. ]

In this picture Martin Stainforth has successfully overcome the problem of painting an eight-year-old setter as it would have appeared at the age of three. The dog, Mallwyd Albert, is owned by Dr. Herbert Marks. ]

There have been a few men in Australia who could both draw and paint the horse. One of them was Douglas Fry. I knew him well, and had every opportunity of examining his work. As a draughtsman he was fine. His pencil studies of horses showed expert facility, yet when he employed colour as his medium, though he produced an artistic study, the animal often lacked that lifelike quality so essential to a successful portrait. Stainforth may not be able to do with the pencil what Fry could, and I am sure he doesn’t know the horse as Fry did, yet he far out-distances his late rival, not only in his facility for technical expression and in his gift for infusing life, but because he has the power to delicately handle his subject without robbing it of its strength and character.

Aylyng Arnold, who from 1906 to 1910 was a special correspondent for the “London Sporting Life,” happened to be visiting Australia in 1915 and saw some of our artist’s work in Melbourne. He did not know Stainforth, but he went back to his hotel and wrote him a letter in which the following words occur: “I can confidently say I have seen as many portraits of horses as falls to the lot of any one man, but never have I seen anything approaching yours.”

It is surprising to find how few notable Australian horse-owners have a sufficient affection for their animals to desire their portraiture in paint.

I once asked Stainforth to give me some idea of his methods. He replied that he first examines the horse carefully, making small pencil sketches with remarks on characteristic features, and then, with the impressions fresh in his mind, makes a small sketch in colour from 8 to 12 inches in size, giving as far as possible the pose, proportions and colour, without any attempt at fine detail. This study is then compared with the horse, and any alterations that are necessary are made, and further notes are made all round the study. In some cases he makes several sketches, each one getting nearer the perfect representation. The head is the part that requires the greatest care, and many studies of this alone may have to be made before he is satisfied with the results. Having decided the size of the canvas, he next decides on the pose which will best suggest the character of the subject and the direction from which the light will fall to show to best advantage such salient features as the head, shoulders or quarters. An appropriate background has also to be chosen.

When we come to sum up the merits of Martin Stainforth as a painter of horses, the first point which must be conceded in his favour is his power for conveying a faithful delineation of the particular animal that he is dealing with. He possesses a gift for detecting a horse’s chief characteristics and is thus enabled to interpret anything in the animal’s conformation that is vital in helping to make the completed work an accurate portrait, in addition to its being an agreeable work of art. As regards his medium, he is equally at home in either water-colour or oils, but he tells me that oils give him much more scope for his large pictures, while water-colour is more suitable for his small studies. His technique has reached such a pitch that he can paint a horse’s coat with such fine detail and beauty of texture that it resembles the work of a painter of miniatures.

Stainforth’s love for the horse helps him to strike the ideal pose for each particular animal, and this is most happily shown in his studies of the brilliant Woorak, who was noted for his exuberant spirits and playful, contented nature. Perhaps there is nothing more difficult to achieve in painting a horse than the successful suggestion of his muscular body by means of delicate light and shade. The ordinary painter of the horse generally represents exaggerated muscles, but in Stainforth’s horses, though we do not actually see muscles brought into relief, we are nevertheless made aware of their presence under the glossy skin with its vivid sheen.

The reproductions of Stainforth’s pictures included in this volume will serve in a great measure to prove to the public generally his calibre as a painter of the horse. Those of us, however, who have had the pleasure of studying his work in the originals, have every confidence in allowing posterity to judge of his merits. Certain it is, that at no distant date his pictures will be acclaimed and much sought after as classic examples of equine portraiture.

THE SECRET OF STAYING POWER

By Dr. W. J. STEWART McKAY

The ambition of every man that breeds racehorses is to produce a good stayer. That this is a difficult matter is made evident by the large number of horses entered for the Derby and St. Leger and the few that run.

Therefore the question is naturally asked: Why cannot all horses run a distance? The answer is that all horses can run a distance; it’s the time they take that is the important point.

In dealing with the questions relating to “staying,” we must take into consideration distance, time, and weight. We must try and find out the difference between the horses that can sprint six furlongs in 1.12 and the horses that can go two miles in 3.24, and ask how they differ from the horses that can go 80 miles from sunrise to sunset.

If a number of racing men and breeders of racehorses were to gather round a ring, and five horses—say, Soultline, Prince Foote, Woorak, Desert Gold and Poitrel—were brought into the ring, would it be possible, if the onlookers did not know the horses or their pedigree—would it be possible, I ask—to pick out the real stayers? Could a good judge tell that Woorak could just get a mile, and that Prince Foote, who was about the same size and build, could stay all day? Could a good judge say that Soultline could not stay a mile? and tell that Desert Gold, the champion of her day, was no champion once she was asked to go much more than a mile and a half? I doubt very much whether any judge could place these horses in the true order of their staying powers by merely inspecting them. The late Andrew Town, who may be regarded as one who knew everything that was to be known about the points of a horse, once said to me that had he seen Carbine with a rough coat in a country sale-yard that he would not have rushed to buy him.

If judges were able to tell the future of racehorses by their conformation, then yearlings that are sold at 1,500 guineas would not be such consistent failures. Let us never forget that the father of English racehorses, the immortal Eclipse, was sold as a yearling for less than a hundred guineas; yet he was the ancestor of Sceptre, who was sold for 10,000 guineas as a yearling, and the ancestor of Flying Fox, who fetched 39,375 guineas at public auction.

What, let us ask, is the secret of Staying Power?

We may say at the outset that all the horses that we have mentioned above had the requisite bone and muscle. Soultline and Woorak could each have carried a sixteen-stone man without turning a hair, and the same could have been said of Desert Gold. While, then, we must grant that a given horse must have the proper development of bone and muscle, this development must be of a particular pattern. This, of course, is obvious; a Clydesdale has far more muscle and bone than any racehorse, but the type of muscle is of no use for speed, though suitable for endurance, and we shall see later on that endurance is a very different thing to staying power. Mere size is not the secret, since some of the finest-looking horses ever seen at Randwick have been non-stayers—Machine Gun, Malt King and Tangalooma, for instance. But it is because size so largely influences one’s mind that high prices are given for well-grown colts in the hope that they will prove “Derby colts.” If we study the history of the evolution of the racehorse we shall find some justification for this idea, for the present-day horse is a bigger animal than he was in former days. While the average racehorse nowadays, among the best horses, would be over 16 hands, we find, if we go back to 1745, that 15.2 (the height of Sampson) was considered almost gigantic. Captain Hayes thought that English horses had increased an average of an inch in height between 1867 and 1897, and that the average horse was six inches taller than he was 200 years ago. Certain it is that pony horses don’t win the Derby nowadays.

But, as I have said above, the size of the horse is not the essential point; with size there must go a particular type of heart, if a horse is going to stay. Anyone who saw Beragoon as a yearling might easily have mistaken him for a two-year-old, and a year later he looked like a three-year-old, and he was as good as he looked, for he won the Derby here and in Victoria, yet he could not stay in the true sense of the word.

While large size is the rule among stayers, yet small horses may occasionally be good stayers and have the required pace. That marvellous horse Prince Foote was very stoutly built, but he was not taller than Woorak—this his trainer, Frank McGrath, assures me—yet he won everything, including Derbys, Legers, and a Melbourne Cup. He had the proper staying heart and he transmitted it to Prince Charles and enabled him to win a recent Sydney Cup. Yet in the same stable was Furious with a Welkin heart; the one with the non-staying heart was, a little before the day, almost favourite, the other went out at 33 to 1, and won.

Wakeful, the finest mare over all distances ever seen on the Australian turf, was on the small size, yet she won the Sydney Cup with 9.7 in the saddle.

We may at once admit that there may often be a very considerable difference between the conformation of the stayer and the sprinter, yet the real difference lies hidden from the sight of the judge, for the difference is in the particular kind of heart that the animal has inherited.

If my contention as regards the heart be accepted, we then have a simple explanation of the common rule that staying sires produce staying stock. Carbine, for instance, was the prince of stayers, and his son, Wallace, gave us Trafalgar and innumerable other stayers. Positano was a stayer, and he gave us four Melbourne Cup winners. Maltster, on the other hand, was an indifferent stayer, and while he was one of the most successful sires in the whole world, he gave us only one stayer, Alawa. Some of his sons and daughters could just get a mile and a half—Malt King and Maltine were both Metropolitan winners, but they could go no further. Thus it is brought home to us that though a sire may be the father of hundreds of brilliant milers, it is reserved for a few horses to beget stayers of two miles or more. Nothing could show this better than a study of the progeny of Grafton and Linacre. These sires have been the fathers of hundreds of horses that have won races up to a mile, and yet we look in vain for long-distance horses from either. True it is that Peru won an Australian Cup, and that Lingle and Erasmus both ran second in the Melbourne Cup, but three swallows don’t make a spring.

Let us then recognise this fact, that just as a man may transmit his nose, his eyes or his ears to his sons and daughters, just so may a horse transmit his bone, his muscle, his colour and his heart to his sons and daughters. So now we come to the secret: It matters not whether a horse is black or brown or chestnut—the essential thing the animal has to possess in order that he may stay is a staying heart.

Now, the first objection that will be put forward to this proposition is that every now and then a true stayer arises from a non-staying sire—I admit this is true. I have already mentioned that Alawa was a son of Maltster; Lingle a son of Linacre, Peru from Grafton, while Eurythmic, the most wonderful horse at present racing, who won a Sydney Cup carrying 9.8 on his back, with a run that will for ever make him famous, had for a sire Eudorus, a brilliant horse for a mile, especially when that mile was in the mud!

The answer to these objections is that, just as a genius sometimes comes from a back-lane; just as a poet is born in a hovel; just as some great orator comes from a peasant stock; so with a sprinter for a sire we get sometimes a stayer. This would have been explained by Darwin by his theory of Atavism—throwing back to a former ancestor for hidden powers—and this is a reasonable explanation. Thus we may reasonably say that David, through his granddam Wakeful, did inherit some of her ancestor Musket’s power to stay. But this leads up to another explanation that can be put forth with plenty of examples to back it up—i.e., that the horse may get his staying powers from his mother: that is, that he has inherited his dam’s heart, not his sire’s. Eurythmic must be regarded as an excellent example of this, for, as we have just mentioned, Eudorus was but a good miler, and his other sons do not show staying powers in spite of the fact that Eusebius won a Derby and a V.R.C. St. Leger, both, however, in shocking time! But when we come to examine the pedigree of Bob Cherry, the dam of Eurythmic, we find that staying is spelt in every line of her pedigree, being by Bodadil from Ardea by Wallace.

Now that I have enunciated my theory, let me suggest why it is that some horses begin their career in brilliant fashion, and look from their first performances as though they would stay, and yet go off and never come back. My opinion is that some of these horses have poor hearts and are made too much use of during their two-year-old period; while some horses during their early three-year-old career are asked to do more than their hearts are fit to do, as a consequence their hearts become dilated. They fail time after time, and are consequently called rogues; in reality, they may be quite honest animals, but their strained hearts cannot respond when called upon—Bigaroon, I think, is an example.

I regard the failure of Eurythmic, when matched against Beauford, as an instance of the dilated heart. Eurythmic was asked to carry the record weight of 10.7 in the Futurity Stakes. He won, and critics said that it was merely a welter race, and that he had nothing to beat. When he came to Sydney to run against Beauford, almost every trainer gave their opinion that Eurythmic would win. What happened? He pulled up absolutely in distress, and a few days later was beaten by David and Furious over two miles. The real explanation is that no matter what may be said to the contrary, Eurythmic did not have a true staying heart, having inherited it from his mother; that it probably became strained in the Futurity and probably dilated, and that while he may win at a mile or a little more, I think it unlikely that he will ever win at two miles again.

Footnote 1:

This was written in April, 1922.

Let me make my meaning about the dilated heart quite clear. First of all, one must understand that the heart is a pump; that its walls are composed of muscle—though not of the same kind of muscle that the flesh of the arms and legs is made of. Then the valves of this wonderful pump are made of very strong tissue almost as strong as fine canvas. Considering the amount of work that the heart is called upon to do, getting no entire rest either night or day, the wonder is that it can keep on for sixty or seventy years in man, and twenty or more in the horse, in such a very efficient manner.

Now, if a man who has been working in an office gets “run down” from overwork, and takes it into his head to go off for a holiday, and part of that holiday is devoted to climbing mountains, he will often come back to his office in a worse condition than when he started. What has happened? He has tried to make his heart muscle do work which it is not prepared to do. He has strained his heart. In other words, this wonderful pump has done its best to cope with the extra work that it was called upon to do, and while it may have succeeded, the effort has affected it, and the result of the extra work performed is that the heart has become dilated, and, for the time being, it is not able to do the ordinary work that it is called upon to perform. Provided such a heart is rested and nursed it may come back, but if the possessor of such a heart tries to drive it, and does not rest it, then that heart will fail to do ordinary work, and will most certainly fail if asked to perform extra work.

What happens to the untrained office-man happens over and over again on the racecourse to horses that are asked to win races when they are not “ready”—that is, when they are only half-trained; and while they may succeed they often dilate their unprepared hearts in their honest efforts to succeed. The most recent example of this is Salrak, injured by his Newcastle race.

Again, when a horse is “ready” and his muscles are fit and he is quite able to run a mile and carry a decent weight, he is asked to run a mile and a half; he makes a mighty effort, and from that day on he never does himself justice in a race, for his effort strained his heart; and not being allowed to rest, his heart remains dilated till the end of his days.

Let me illustrate these general remarks by a few concrete instances. Woorak was a most brilliant two-year-old; his bones were short and strong, his hindquarters were perfect, while his muscles were so exquisite that had he been cast in bronze he would have been a joy for ever. He ran in the Chelmsford stakes as a three-year-old, and won, beating his great rival Mountain Knight. Then came the Derby a few weeks later. Everyone who had seen Woorak race recognised the fact that he must be given his head, and that to check him would be fatal. He was a very pronounced favourite, and one of the most experienced trainers said to me: “If you don’t back Woorak don’t bet on the race.” But I remembered that Woorak’s sire had been only a brilliant sprinter in England, so I backed Mountain Knight at six to one simply because his sire, Mountain King, had a Wallace-Carbine heart and could run a mile and a half, and even further, at a brilliant pace. The Derby was run and Woorak put up the effort of his career, but was beaten in the last hundred yards by a very narrow margin. Now we come to the after-history. Five days later Woorak was brought out to run in the Craven Plate, ten furlongs, and he won in record time; some of the field being at the half-distance when he was walking in. From that day onwards Woorak never won at a distance again. These two races dilated his heart, and a mile was the length of his tether. Watching him do his training gallops at Randwick during the winter of 1916, I became convinced that as he had to carry less than weight-for-age in the Epsom that he would be able to run the mile right out. I backed him well and truly, and was rewarded by seeing him win the Epsom by six lengths in a common canter. Now this form so impressed the public that a few days later they simply rushed to back him in the Craven Plate, he having only four opponents. He was at odds-on, and ran in front to the half-distance, then his dilated heart failed suddenly and he was easily beaten by St. Carwyne and Reputation.

Let me take another example. Wallace Isinglass was a fine upstanding three-year-old with plenty of bone and plenty of muscle, and had a proper Derby-Wallace-Carbine inherited heart. He ran in the Rosehill Guineas a few weeks before the Derby of 1916, the distance being increased from seven furlongs to a mile and a furlong, and he was made an odds-on favourite. By some means he got into a bad position, and when he entered the straight he seemed to have no chance of beating Cetigne. Then he made a wonderful effort; it was the effort of a horse with a stout heart, and he put every ounce of reserve he had into the final run, and inch by inch he gained on the brilliant, honest Cetigne, and won by a nose! Never was a braver effort ever seen on a racecourse, and I felt that he had to thank his Wallace heart—not to mention what his dam (Glass Queen) may have added—for his victory.

This victory made him an odds-on favourite for the Derby, and Bobby Lewis, thinking that he had a real Wallace stayer to handle, determined to “make the running” and knock Cetigne out; but he failed for two reasons. In the first place, he hurried his mount most unwisely for the first half-mile, forgetting what Fred Archer had laid down as a rule, that if you hurry a stayer enough for the first half-mile you will kill him dead; and, in the second place, Bobby not being a pathologist did not know anything about dilated hearts, so he evidently took it for granted that his mount’s heart was of the true Wallace brand. But he found to his dismay that he had made so much use of his horse that he died in his hands in the last fifty yards and Cetigne won. The effort certainly did not do Cetigne’s non-staying heart any good, for he never ran a decent race over a distance afterwards, though he lived to win the most dramatic race ever seen at Randwick when he won the Craven Plate in record time in 1918. Now, though Cetigne had a non-staying heart—Grafton being no sire of stayers—yet he must have had a very sound heart to win a Newmarket six furlongs with 9 stone in 1.13½, a Villiers mile in 1.38¼ with 9.4 in the saddle, and lower Woorak’s Craven Plate record of 2.5¼ to 2.4½; and yet he could not run a mile and a half with success in good company.

Let me say that a heart that is dilated may recover if the animal is properly rested. Wallace Isinglass being bred to have a staying heart on his sire’s side as well as on his dam’s side, was judiciously nursed by his rich owner, and, as a result, as a four-year-old and a five-year-old he did well over a distance, and lived to defeat Desert Gold at two miles in Melbourne, and to run Lanius and Westcourt to a neck over the Cumberland Stakes two miles.

Let us see if we can learn anything of use from the above remarks. The chief lesson that is to be learnt is: That you can’t make a stayer out of a horse that has not inherited a staying heart, train him as you will. The old ideal that if you wanted a horse to run two miles you had to train him over that distance was absurd. You must, of course, get the animal’s muscles in a fit condition, and that can be done by slow, long work, and by running him at a fast pace from time to time over a mile or so; but you can’t make his heart carry him two miles at the requisite pace if he does not inherit the proper kind of heart, no matter how you train him! It is quite true that a horse in some cases stays better the older he gets, because his heart improves; still the fact remains that the true stayer is born, not made.

After all in staying it is the pace that tells; in other words, a great stayer must have the power to run at a great pace all the way and to have something out of the common to finish with; and unless the horse has an inherited staying heart it is quite impossible for him to finish well. When we think of the run that Poitrel with 9.9 on his back made when Kennaquhair won the Sydney Cup in 3.22¾; when we think of the run he made in the Spring Stakes when he beat Desert Gold in 2.31 one year, and Gloaming in the same race the following year; when we think how he finished in his Melbourne Cup, carrying ten stone, then we realise what a true staying heart is capable of doing when called upon.

It has often been observed that great stayers are wont to hang behind in the early stages of a long-distance race. No one, for instance, ever saw anything of old Tartan until the distance was reached, then he would come along like a bolt from the blue and smother his opponents, as he did with 9.6 in the Australian Cup. This is quite characteristic of the stayer. If you hurry him too much in the early stages of a long race you will defeat him. The reason is that his heart must not be asked to do too much too quickly. You must let him gradually get his heart beating in a slow, methodical way, and then all goes well, and when the time comes everything is as it should be; his lungs being unimpeded in their work co-operate with the heart. If, however, you hurry the stayer too much in the first part of the race the circulation becomes upset—that is, the circulation in the lungs causes an engorgement that interferes with the breathing of the horse, and with the smooth working of his heart.

Some stayers have a particular kind of heart which enables them to sprint, and, at the same time, it allows them to begin quickly in a distance race, to get into a good position early, and to keep their places. Poseidon was such a horse. He was a perfect stayer, could sprint like a pure sprinter, and was so clever in a big field that he could take up any position he liked in any race no matter the distance. Mooltan, another horse with a Positano heart, could run a mile (second in the Epsom), win a Metropolitan, and run second in a Melbourne Cup. No better example of this type of horse could be found now than Sasanoff—a perfect sprinter and a perfect stayer. Wakeful was another.

Again, there are some horses who can run in front of the field for a distance and keep up the pace. They, in fact, run a waiting race in front. These horses, however, are often not true stayers. Desert Gold, Biplane and Gloaming could each do this for a mile and a half; for two miles Prince Bardolph did it in the Sydney Cup with success, and tried to do the same thing in the Australian Cup, but when he had gone two miles and a furlong a horse with a Carbine heart—Defence—caught and beat him easily. Posinatus won his Melbourne Cup in this way from start to finish, and I fancy Newhaven did the same thing, while Harvest King, with a Comedy King staying heart, won the last Australian Cup and led throughout.

Now a word on Endurance: this is not the same thing as staying. The difference between the two is a matter of pace. For instance, some horses in East India can sprint quite well for three furlongs, but cannot go fast for any distance, yet they are capable of going 80 miles in a cart from sunrise to sunset. This brings home to us that staying power—that is, the ability to go two miles at a very rapid pace—requires a different type of heart to the endurance heart. We may admit that this latter must be a good type of heart, but it is a different type to the staying heart. The endurance heart is well illustrated when we come to deal with jumping horses. We all know of horses that could only get a mile on the flat—say, for instance, Lord Nagar, who won the Villiers—yet when these horses become hurdlers we see them putting up records and winning over two miles in quite brilliant fashion. The explanation is that it is only a matter of pace. A cab horse can run two miles, but his pace is nothing. A hurdler can run two miles, but the time he takes would leave him a furlong or two behind in a weight-for-age race. Therefore when we say a horse can stay, we imply the possession of a heart that can stand the enormous strain of running two miles, or more, in time that will not much exceed three minutes twenty-six seconds, carrying a good weight.

And now that I have mentioned weight, let us ask: What effect has weight on a horse in regard to staying?

If we walk and carry a weight we can go a certain distance and not feel fatigued, but if we attempt to run with the same weight we soon find out the difference. In walking we always have one foot on the ground; in running we are entirely off the ground at times. In walking we put little strain on the heart, for the foot that is always on the ground helps us; while in running we have to lift the whole weight of the body from the ground, and so we call on the heart to do much more work. If then, we have to carry a weight and run, we have not only to lift the body from the ground but also the weight. Naturally, the heart is called upon to do more work and becomes exhausted in proportion to the amount of weight carried, the distance it is carried, and the time consumed. The heart muscle, as a matter of fact, in great exertion has to work at eight times its normal rate, and so it becomes tired, and the effect of fatigue is simply to reduce the output of the heart.

Weight acts on the heart in the same way that distance does—that is, weight tires the heart after a certain amount of energy has been expended, and distance exhausts the heart in galloping on account of the amount of work required from the heart; a horse may trot fifty miles who cannot gallop two; the reason being that in the trot his body is not entirely off the ground, in the gallop it is. It is the pace that tells.

There are many horses capable of carrying a huge weight at a great pace for a short distance, and yet they cannot carry a light weight for a long distance. Thus Woorak, as he got on in years, could carry weight-for-age for a mile, but we saw 9.12 send him into second place in the Doncaster; yet he ran away with the Oakleigh Plate, 5½ furlongs, with ten stone five in the saddle. What a heart the immortal Carbine must have had when he carried this very same weight to victory in his celebrated Melbourne Cup! Is it any wonder that Wallace and Trafalgar inherited great staying hearts?

THE AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB AND RANDWICK

By KEN AUSTIN

There is a faded document hanging in the Secretary’s room at the Australian Jockey Club offices. It may be regarded as the coping-stone of what is now the most important Racing Club in Australia. This document reads as follows:—

“S. C. Burt, Esquire,—

“In consideration of your commencing the foundation of a Racecourse at Randwick, I hereby undertake to become liable to the extent of £50 for the purpose of paying the expense thereof.

“The revenues to be derived from the annual subscriptions and the sale of gates, booths, stands, etc., when completed, to be a security to me for whatever I may be called upon to pay under this guarantee.

“Sydney, Thirtieth June, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.

“(Sgd.) GEO. ROWLEY.”

“Pay to the order of W. McQuade, Esq., Treasurer, A.J.C.

“(Sgd.) S. C. BURT.”

R. JONES, S. C. BROWN, CHAS. MARTYN, ROWLAND HASSALL, W. G. HENFREY, JNO. ROBERTSON, DAVID BELL, HENRY PRINCE, J. H. ATKINSON, W. M. ARNOLD, J. F. PERRY, A. LODER, GEO. ROWLEY, ALEX. MACKELLAR, ALFRED CHEEKE.

There is not much data concerning the early days of Randwick, but the wonderful strides the Club has made since 1880 may be gauged by comparing the Club’s racing expenditure, which was £734/10/- for that year and £152,559 for the year ending August, 1922.

The late T. S. Clibbon, who took over the duties of Secretary in 1873, made the most of his then somewhat slender opportunities. He was succeeded by the present Secretary, Mr. C. W. Cropper, in 1910, who made his name in Western Australia. Under his regime Randwick has never looked back, but has flourished like the proverbial bay tree of old. C. W. Cropper is the ideal Racing Secretary, a man who is held in the highest esteem by all who come in contact with him, and whose heart and personality are embodied in the course. Of the men who have controlled the destinies of the Club as Committeemen from time to time, no one has done more for Randwick and racing generally than the present Chief Justice of Australia, The Right Hon. Sir Adrian Knox, who was elected to the Committee in 1896 and was Chairman from 1907 to 1919. On his resignation the Club made a presentation to him of his portrait. A duplicate of the picture hangs in the Committee’s Council Room. The Adrian Knox Stakes, a race for three-year-old fillies, held early in the year, was also inaugurated in 1921 in his honour. During the time he acted as Chairman, Randwick was practically rebuilt, the prize-money was tremendously increased, Associations to control country racing were formed, and racing legislation generally widened and improved.

So long as racing flourishes in Australia the name of Sir Adrian Knox will be held in affectionate esteem by everyone who realises what a wonderful influence for good he brought to bear on turf matters generally.

General View of Randwick Racing and Training Tracks and Flat taken during Steeplechase. ]

Randwick Weighing Yard, Official and other Stands, and Judge’s Box. ]

The Flat at Randwick, with Betting Ring in foreground, St. Leger (on left), Members’, Grand, and Official Stands. ]

Plan of Randwick Racecourse. ]

A list of names of the men who have served on the Committee of the Jockey Club since 1870 is not out of place in an article such as this, and I am obliged to include my father’s name among those who helped to make the A.J.C. the respected and capable institution it is to-day. The names of the Committeemen who served for various periods since 1870 are Messrs. S. C. Brown, W. R. Campbell, Hon. H. C. Dangar, E. Lee, A. Thompson, H. Thompson, Henry Austin, J. W. Johnson, J. A. Scarr, Colonel Richardson, Water Hall, J. de V. Lamb, F. C. Griffiths, F. W. Hill, Hon. James White, Captain Osborne, W. B. Walford, J. Wentworth, Andrew Town, S. A. Stephen, F. C. Griffiths, J. H. Want, W. A. Long, W. C. Hill, Richard Jones, Junr., Dr. W. M. Traill, C. A. Goodchap, E. M. Betts, Vincent Dowling, Alex. Mackellar, Harry Chisholm, Sir Adrian Knox, F. W. Wentworth, A. Busby, George Lee, R. C. Allen, Ewan R. Frazer, A. Hooke, John McDonald, Hunter White, E. A. M. Merewether, C. C. Stephen, Sir Samuel Hordern, T. A. Stirton, F. A. Moses, Walter Brunton, George Main—the names of present Committee being in italics. Mr. C. C. Stephen has held the position of Chairman since the resignation of Sir Adrian Knox. He has proved himself a worthy successor to the best Chairman the Club ever had.

The Australian Jockey Club opens its Randwick season with what is known as the Spring Meeting, held generally during the last days of September and the first week in October. The racing is extended over four days. On the first day of this meeting the A.J.C. Derby is decided. This race, which is run over a mile and a half, is a classic event in which colts and geldings are asked to carry 8 st. 10 lbs., while fillies get an allowance of 5 lbs. The added money this year is 7,000 sovereigns, to which a sweepstake of 25 sovereigns from each starter is added. The breeder of the winner receives 250 sovereigns.

The Spring Stakes, a weight-for-age event, 1½ miles, involving 2,500 sovereigns, is another important race of this day, as well as the Epsom Handicap, 1 mile, of 3,000 sovereigns. A considerable amount of ante-post wagering in connection with this race and the Metropolitan is indulged in prior to the meeting. The second day’s programme includes the latter race, a handicap worth 6,000 sovereigns to the winner plus a sweepstake of 30 sovereigns for starters, the distance of which is one mile and five furlongs. The first two-year-old race of the New South Wales racing season is the other important event. The Breeders’ Plate, 5 furlongs, of 2,000 sovereigns, is reserved for colts, who are asked to carry 8 st. 5 lbs., and geldings 8 st. 2 lbs. The Craven Plate, weight-for-age, 1¼ miles, of 3,000 sovereigns, and the Gimcrack Stakes, 5 furlongs, of 2,000 sovereigns, for two-year-old fillies, form the attractive events of the third day; while on the last day’s racing a two-mile weight-for-age contest, known as the Randwick Plate, of 2,500 sovereigns, tests the stamina of the best.

Four richly endowed jumping races are included in the Spring Meeting programme.

Two meetings are held by the Jockey Club in December—the Villier’s Stakes, a mile handicap; the December Stakes, 5 furlongs, involving 2,000 sovereigns, for two-year-olds; and the Summer Cup, a handicap of a mile and five furlongs. A two-days’ meeting is held in the January of each year at which the Challenge Stakes, a six-furlong handicap, and the Anniversary Handicap, 1½ miles, are decided, as well as a race over the hurdles on each day; and the Adrian Knox Stakes, 1 mile, of 1,500 sovereigns, a set-weight race for three-year-old fillies.

The Autumn Meeting, held every Easter, offers a splendid programme to horse owners. On the first day is the Autumn Stakes, 1½ miles, weight-for-age, of 2,500 sovereigns; the Doncaster Handicap, 1 mile, of 3,000 sovereigns; the A.J.C. Sires’ Produce Stakes, 7 furlongs, for the two-year-old colts and geldings carrying 8 st. 10 lbs., and fillies 8 st. 7 lbs. The added money is 5,000 sovereigns in addition to a subscription of 10 sovereigns each from the sires nominated, the progeny of which are only eligible to compete. The nominator of the sire of the winner receives 250 sovereigns. The A.J.C. St. Leger, 1¾ miles, is also decided on this day, and is a classic race for colts, geldings and fillies, of 2,500 sovereigns added money. The second day of the Autumn Meeting is held on Easter Monday, and in the presence of some 80,000 people, which number increases each year, the Sydney Cup is run. This is the most important long-distance handicap decided at Randwick, and is run over two miles. The added money in 1921 was 6,000 sovereigns, and the best horses in Australia are to be generally found among the field. The Champagne Stakes, a six-furlong, set-weight, two-year-old race, is decided before the Cup is run. Colts are asked to carry 8 st. 10 lbs., fillies 8 st. 8 lbs., and geldings 8 st. 7 lbs., the winner receiving 3,000 sovereigns in added money. On the third day are the All-Aged Stakes, 1 mile, weight-for-age, of 2,500 sovereigns; the Easter Stakes, 7 furlongs, a special condition race for two-year-olds, of 750 sovereigns; and the Cumberland Stakes, 2 miles, weight-for-age, of 2,000 sovereigns. The concluding day’s racing contributes the A.J.C. Plate, 3 miles, weight-for-age; the second Steeplechase, and some interesting handicap races.

What may be termed the Jumping Meeting is held early in June, and this year the A.J.C., who have recently become alive to the importance and attractiveness of cross-country racing, wisely established the Australian Jockey Club Hurdle Race, 2 miles 3 furlongs, of 2,000 sovereigns added money, and a similarly named Steeplechase carrying the same amount of added money, and run over a course of about 3 miles.

So much for the races which the Club offers the horse owner in New South Wales. In addition to the fourteen days’ racing held at Randwick by the premier Club, the two principal Betting Clubs have six days between them there, while racing takes place every Saturday in the many proprietary racecourses around Sydney, the Rosehill Club being the principal of these moneymaking concerns.

But to return to Randwick. The pictures of the course and buildings will give a good idea of the general outlook. The racing track is of oblong shape, and the horses are asked to race round four easily negotiated turns in traversing the mile and three furlongs of grass sward, which the course proper measures in circumference two feet out from the inner rail. It is practically a level stretch from start to finish, though there is a gradual decline from the winning post to the mile and a quarter start and a slight rise between the four and the two furlong posts. The average breadth of the racing track from fence to fence is 100 feet, so that there is plenty of room on it for a very large-sized field of horses to race with safety. The plan of the course published in this book gives a good idea of the various training tracks; a recent improvement to the latter is the conversion of the sand into a cinder track, which will be of great value to work on during the wet months of the year.

A distinctive feature of Randwick is its steeplechase course, situated inside the course proper, and three other training tracks. A good field of jumpers streaming up the hill and negotiating the jump on the crown of it before racing down the steep incline to the foot is a splendid sight. Steeplechasing is gaining favour with the public, and one of the principal reasons for this is that the horses are well in view for the greater part of the journey. The ascent and descent of the hill is most spectacular, and also serves as a good test of stamina. The credit for this successful innovation is due to the late Mr. Vincent Dowling, who was a thick-and-thin supporter of jumping, and during the time he was on the A.J.C. Committee did much for the “leppers” generally. There are eleven fences to be jumped at Randwick, all made of thickly packed solid brush, which will bring down any horse taking the slightest liberties with them. The average height of the jump is about 4 feet 3 inches and 2 feet 6 inches wide across the top. Only two other courses in Australia have a hill like Randwick—one in Victoria, at Warrnambool, and the other at Oakbank in South Australia. Randwick is a very convenient course for the average race-goer. It is situated some four miles from the Sydney Post Office and Railway Station; it can be easily reached by a very excellent tram service. Once inside the course one is struck by the splendid buildings, which are growing every year. The great Totalisator House, which handled in 1920 no less than £1,280,861, a sum that has increased largely since; the Grand Stands, capable of seating over 25,000 people on their spacious decks; the Members’ Enclosure; the Tea Rooms; the Leger Stand, etc. All these bear silent testimony to the great, steady progress of the Club. The crowds are each year increasing, and before long some big comprehensive scheme of remodelling the paddock and stand accommodation will have to be introduced. The erection of the Totalisator buildings has severely taxed the already somewhat overcrowded accommodation, and the problem of expansion is one which the A.J.C. will have to seriously consider. However, the policy of the Club has always been a progressive one, so we need not fear.

The Club now pays over £24,000 in wages annually, and to add to this big figure there is a Totalisator staff of over 400 when the machines are in work. Hitches at Randwick are unknown, and everything goes like clockwork from the time the turnstiles are opened on race days until the day’s racing is over. The starting is in the capable hands of Mr. Harry Mackellar, who not only has the confidence of the jockeys, from the smallest apprentice upwards, but is a thorough horseman in the truest sense of the word, and a starter by instinct. The important position of handicapper is filled by Mr. Fred Wilson, for many years the present Secretary’s right-hand man in the office, and now an established success as a weight adjuster. The Club is lucky in having two such officials.

One of the highest tributes the course has received in its long history comes from the present Prince of Wales, who during his visit to Sydney spent some of his happiest days riding impromptu races at Randwick.

It is the Mecca of Australia to the true horse-lover, and, sitting under its shady fig-trees, one may see the bronzed men of the far Northern Territory who have come thousands of miles to swell the cosmopolitan crowds which tread the green lawns and back their fancies. In the paddock the strangest conglomeration of people assembles, for racing is the greatest class leveller in the world. There is much truth in the saying that all men are equal both on the turf and under it.

THE VICTORIAN RACING CLUB AND FLEMINGTON

By Dr. W. H. LANG

The early colonists of Victoria inaugurated racing, first upon the slopes of Batman’s Hill, and then on the now famous flats alongside the Salt Water River. The first Secretary of the Victorian Racing Club, Mr. Bagot, performed his duties with an enthusiastic and far-sighted thoroughness, and, at his too early death, his place was taken by Mr. Byron Moore, who has carried on the work unremittingly ever since, and who is still at his post there in Bourke Street, quiet, urbane, mild, and entirely business-like. The name of Mr. Byron Moore will live for ever in the annals of the V.R.C. During the late ’seventies, the ’eighties, and the ’nineties of the last century, the accommodation at Flemington was ample, and no one ever seemed to imagine that the great extent of lawn and hill, flat and grand stands would ever be overtaken by the magnitude of the crowds which assembled there to watch the national sport of the country. But since those days vast changes have been silently creeping on almost unnoticed. In the early days of the twentieth century, and even earlier, it became noticeable that on Cup days it was extremely difficult to force one’s way from the stands to the saddling enclosure and the betting ring. There was a somewhat narrow “bottle neck” between the corner of the main stand and the saddling and weighing enclosure, where, on a Melbourne Cup day, the difficulty experienced in worming a passage between races was almost insurmountable. A certain amount of relief was obtained by robbing the course itself of some of its superfluous width, and by slightly altering the turn out of the straight. But the relief was only temporary. By the year 1920, on which anniversary of the great day, the crowd was a record one, the attendance on the ground actually amounted to 110,000. Crowds of holiday-makers had also assembled on what is known as “The Footscray Hill,” an eminence on the other side of the Salt Water River, which faces the long straight six furlongs, and which is a splendid coign of vantage from which to view the scene, without being able accurately to name the winner in anything like a close finish.

Estimating the numbers there, and on the steep hillside at the other end of the “straight six” at some 15,000 or 20,000 more, the folk who actually took part in the day’s sport can be set down at somewhere close on 130,000 souls. Thirty-two years previous to this, when Mentor was the hero of the day, the crowd was reckoned at 80,000—an increase of 50,000. And the question at once arises in the mind: “Where is it going to end?” Victoria, which used to be nicknamed “the cabbage garden” of the States, will, before very long, be re-christened “the workshop of Australia.” She has cheap electrical power at the very doors of her metropolis, and has already surveyed her city of the future with a view to providing accommodation for two millions. And will the growth of the city come to an end there? To what size may Melbourne grow during the coming fifty years? And when she has even her two million inhabitants, will there be room enough at Flemington to provide for the 200,000 at least who will find their way to the course on Cup day?

The V.R.C. Committee has had something of this idea in front of it when it accepted the plans, during the last twelve months, for the reconstruction of the stands, lawns and saddling paddock.

Let us take a survey of the course and its surroundings, and you will then appreciate what the famous race-ground has been, and what it is destined to become.

If you stand upon the top of “The Hill,” you can take almost a bird’s-eye view of the arena and the features of the surrounding country.

The ground which the V.R.C. received from the Government at a peppercorn rent, and additional land which they acquired subsequently by purchase, lies at the foot of, and on the north-eastern side of, a huge cup. This cup on the south side, that farthest away from the winning post and stands, has a large piece bitten out of it, and then resembles the teacup which Tenniel represents the Mad Hatter in “Alice in Wonderland,” carrying about in his hand.

To the north-west, between the Flemington and the Footscray Hills, a considerable chip from the edge of the cup has also disappeared, and through the gap thus formed flow the sluggish waters of the Salt Water River.

Here on the Hill there is accommodation for an enormous crowd of racegoers, and from this high eminence, and from the stands which crown it, a magnificent view of the racing can be obtained. It is the choicest portion of the whole ground from which to enjoy the spectacle, and the top of the hill itself is nearly fifty feet above the race track as it passes the judge’s box. From here you see the Yarra, “dank and foul,” but deep and wide enough for two great ocean-going steamers to pass one another, flowing downwards to the bay, ere, “strong and free,” it reaches “the foaming Rip and the infinite main,” as in Kingsley’s song, and becomes as a “soul that has sinned and is pardoned again.” And here, too, at the wide gap in the cup, the Salt Water joins it and increases the Yarra’s volume on its course to the bay.

There is a little bit of commercial romance connected with the acquisition of the Hill, and some other portions of the grounds, by the Committee. In the beginning of the ’eighties of the last century the Club did not own the Hill, and the Railway Department was compelled, from lack of land, to take an inconvenient and even dangerous sweep of the line to the right, just before entering the platform. The blocks on which the Hill stands, and where the railway now runs, were for sale at this period—100 acres of land—and the price was £100 an acre. The Committee met and considered the advisability of making the purchase, and turned it down. But at this time the Royal Agricultural Society was located in a miserable spot which was half a swamp, and was on the look out for fresh fields. The V.R.C. Committee, having definitely refused to buy the 100 acres, Mr. Byron Moore, on his own account, now secured the lot. Thirty acres of this he sold to the Agricultural Society at £150 an acre, and the rest of it—the Committee now having its eyes thoroughly opened—he disposed of to that body at cost price. On this land the railway found room enough to straighten out the line; the Members’ Drive now sweeps majestically through its avenue of trees; the Hill provides a glorious site for the accommodation of racegoers; and an entrance is provided into the back portion of the saddling paddock.

You can see from where we stand the Members’ Drive, with its long line of trees, winding its way up to the edge of the cup at the Melbourne end of the course, and there disappearing into the general traffic. The public drive runs up to the same vanishing point, but on a lower level. Follow the edge of the cup round to the great gap, and you see, on the low-lying lands there, the abattoirs, from which, unfortunately, when the breeze blows direct from that quarter, a somewhat disagreeable odour reaches the senses of the crowd. Over the abattoirs, through the mists of winter, or the haze of the hot summer days, you see innumerable derricks and the funnels of the great fleets of steamers lying in the docks, and, as if to remind us of the past, the slender masts and furled sails of many a ship and gallant barque, loading for their long trek across the deep seas.

Warned by the sensible proximity of the abattoirs, the Committee in 1903 bought all the rugged stony hill, which lies there close at hand to where we are standing, and disposed of it very cheaply to the Footscray Council, provided always that it should be used as a public garden. It also gained possession of all the land on the far side of the river between the Footscray Hill and the ammunition manufactory, so that any risk of industries being established in the neighbourhood of the course, and which might, in the days to come, emit objectionable odours, has been for ever done away with. There, immediately at our feet, is the Grand Stand, separated from us only by a great gulf which somewhat resembles the barriers restraining the wild animals in their enclosures at the new Zoological Gardens in Sydney. Beneath the Grand Stand lie the very beautiful lawns, in the spring-time gay with flower-beds, and with the rails of the race track festooned artistically with creeping roses. The judge’s box and winning post stand opposite the lower end of the stand, and beyond that, and nearer the river, rise the Official and Members’ Stand and the Committee and Members’ Luncheon Rooms. Here, sheltering the Members’ Enclosure and the Betting Ring, rises a delightful little forest of “immemorial elms.” In the warm spring days, and in the scorching heat often experienced at the New Year Meeting, members, standing and sitting alongside the rails, the betting public, and the fraternity of bookmakers, have conducted their business for many years past in a leafy and chequered shade, and in an odour of sanctity which almost resembles that of a great cathedral.

Beyond the betting ring, and close by the river’s banks, lies the Bird-cage, where the racers have each their stall, and where they are sheltered from any wind that blows, and from the burning heat of summer suns. A lane runs from the Bird-cage up to the saddling enclosure in front of the Official Stand, and outside the Bird-cage, too, are the Casualty Rooms and various other necessary offices of the Club. Everything is beautifully complete.

And now look at the race track itself. The straight course, six furlongs in length, and the “course proper,” are nearly as level as a table. The Newmarket Course, the only straight six furlongs in Australia, with the exception, I think, of that at Singleton, runs from the foot of the pine-clad hillside where the Members’ and Public Drives merge into the general traffic, straight down to the winning post. Half-way to the post it is joined by the course proper, which, some three parts of a furlong past the judge, curves with a perfect racecourse turn to the left. After rounding the bend the horses race along by the river and have a splendid stretch in front of them with only a very slight curve until after passing the mile post. After this the track inclines very gradually left-handed past the seven furlongs, and the Australian Cup Starting Post, and then it rounds gently, like the large end of a great egg, until it joins the straight six again. The track itself is splendidly grassed, and the going is almost always as near to perfection as possible. The circuit of the course is 1 mile 3 furlongs 111⅓rd yards, and it is essentially one which is suitable for a genuine stayer.

The Melbourne Cup Course Starting Barrier stands between the entrance to the course proper and the Newmarket Barrier at the top of the straight. It is a noble sight to see a field of between twenty and thirty of the best horses in Australia wend their way from the enclosures, and, after the canter, trot up the straight to the Cup start. Here, within easy view of all the stands, they line up, and, after a few moments of breathless suspense, the barrier rises, and, to a mighty roar from a hundred thousand throats, the field with their glittering jackets jump off and thunder down the broad ribbon of green, round the turn, and away along the river bank. It is the most heart-stirring event of the whole racing year, and will probably ever continue to be so. The Derby start takes place just above the Grand Stands and the Hill.

That, then, is the Flat Race Course. But Flemington is the home also of the Steeplechaser, and the Grand National, run for in the July of each year, is, to many sporting men, even as grand a spectacle as the Cup.

The fences are higher and stiffer than on any other steeplechase course in Australia, and although they are not nearly so formidable as they were fifty years ago, they are still a splendid test of the capabilities of the best of jumping horses in the land. The course runs inside the racing track, although at the big end of the egg it crosses to the outside and then comes back again just before the entry to the straight running. There are six obstacles to be surmounted in the straight—three posts and rails, a log, a very solid stone wall and a paling. After leaving the straight a very good live hedge, with plenty of width on top, is taken, and then along the river side two posts and rails. At the abattoirs the field turns to the left, and, crossing the race track, takes a solid post and rail and a log, then two more fences of the same description, and, lastly, a live hedge is crossed before entering the straight for the run home.

In the old days the leaps were, as we have noticed, higher, and they were also what you might call “very rough and hairy.” The top ends of the posts were left sticking right up, and were “iron-clasped and iron-bound” like Michael Scott’s book of Glamourie. Now, in a more humane age, the posts are sawn off level with the rails, the top rails themselves and the coping of the walls, and the logs, too, are well padded, so that if horses strike they no longer seriously injure their limbs, even if they hit very heavily.

The sport of steeplechasing, fostered by hunting, is a very popular one in Victoria, and in spite of the fact that races of that sort are decided almost every week, very few horses are seriously injured, and the riders, as a rule, escape with comparatively little hurt.

At the far end of the property several training tracks are laid out, some of which cross the straight six furlongs racecourse at right angles. Here are “the big sand” and the “cinders” and the “tan,” while in the space enclosed by the round course, on the flat, is a sand, and, just completed within the last few weeks, a capital grass track. The course itself is occasionally thrown open for galloping at special times, but, of course, some distance out from the rails.

There are usually somewhere approaching 400 horses located in Flemington, Ascot Vale and the neighbourhood that make use daily of these various training grounds.

Such, then, is a brief description of the course, training grounds, stands and lawns of famous Flemington, as they have been until this year of grace 1922. But, although the running tracks and steeplechase course will probably remain unchanged for an indefinite number of years, the stands, lawns, betting rings and all the enclosures and saddling paddocks are about to undergo an entire regeneration.

A plate showing the projected improvements—which will be commenced very shortly—will give the best idea of what is to be done. The present Grand Stand will remain as it is, as will the Members’ and Official Stands. The large brick stand farther up the lawn, which is being used to-day, will be removed, and a magnificent three-decker, as seen in the plate, will take its place. In front of this will be the new lawns, the saddling and mounting enclosure, and, farther up the straight, the Bird-cage.

The lawns of to-day will still be there, but the betting ring will be located behind the new Grand Stand, and the park for motors will occupy the space between the Bird-cage and the Members’ and the Public Drives. And provision has been made for space in which to erect totalisator buildings, if that form of wagering ever becomes law in Victoria.

The whole scheme of things is a tremendous stride in advance of what was deemed so good during the last forty years. In the ’eighties all the arrangements were believed to be as near to perfection as it was possible to attain. In another forty years the increase of population may once more insist upon still more extensive alterations. And meantime there is one question which causes habitués of Flemington to heave a heavy sigh. And that is: What is going to happen to our glorious elms? The trees will remain where they are, of course, but who will make use of them? The leafy groves which sheltered our forefathers as they took their pleasure joyously, and which lent their shade, giving a feeling of peace even whilst sitting in their shadow beside the babel and pandemonium of the betting ring, will no longer perform their wonted function, and we shall all miss them sorely—those old and trusted, never-failing friends.

But a new generation will arise that knew not Joseph Thompson, nor Oxenham, nor Sol Green, nor the Messrs. Allen, and all the other famous members of the ring, and “Under the Elms” will become a memory.

The Lawn and Stand at Flemington. ]

Flemington Course from the Air, showing Maribyrnong River in the foreground. ]

Projected Improvements to Flemington Racecourse. ]

Plan of Flemington, showing Race-track and Steeplechase Course. ]

THE THOROUGHBRED HOMES OF AUSTRALIA

By KEN AUSTIN

Thoroughbred horse breeding in New South Wales, or, in fact, in any of the Commonwealth States, has never been on a sounder or more satisfactory footing than it is at the present time. This happy position is more or less due to the policy of the principal Racing Clubs throughout Australia in so richly endowing their race programmes, and as there has been a steady advance in prize-money from year to year, so prices for Thoroughbred stock, and especially yearlings, may be expected to hold good for some time to come.

Nowadays a majority of the successful Thoroughbred Studs in the State have their home on the Hunter River or waters that run into it, and within a radius of about 100 miles, on the upper stretches of this famous district, most of the principal horse-breeding establishments are to be found. The Hunter, on account of its extreme richness and soundness is peculiarly adapted as a nursery for the Thoroughbred. The Hunter, which derives its name from Governor Hunter, during whose regime it was discovered, is one of the most important rivers of New South Wales. It rises in the Mount Royal Ranges and flows in an easterly direction past Muswellbrook and Denman. Three miles below the latter town its waters are increased by the Paterson, and it eventually empties itself into the sea at Newcastle. An extremely rich belt of country follows the banks of the Hunter from Singleton up to Aberdeen, and some miles beyond crosses to the Widden Mountain, and it is on these rich flats and reaches that most of the studs are situated.

One of the oldest studs in Australia—the far-famed Tocal—is the first to be met with after leaving Newcastle, and here the Reynolds’ Estate are still carrying on the stud which the late Mr. Frank Reynolds owned for so many years. No name is held in greater reverence among lovers of the Australian Thoroughbred than that of Frank Reynolds—a man whose heart and soul were centred in his horses and cattle, and who was in a great measure responsible for the adoption of the Bruce Lowe Figure System. Bruce Lowe and Frank Reynolds practically originated the system between them, and, up to the day of his death, Frank Reynolds was a hard and fast believer in the figures. One could write volumes on the Tocal Stud and its influence on the Australian racehorse, but space is limited in an article such as this. Tocal’s glory is at present somewhat diminished, so far as its Thoroughbred Stud goes, and it is now some seasons since a first-class horse has come from its paddocks. A new sire, in use for the first time this season, is the Amphion horse The Nut (imp.—an own brother to Lally), a very bloodlike individual who has met with a very fair measure of success as a winner getter. About four miles from the picturesque old Georgian homestead of Tocal is another Reynolds holding in Duninald, and here Mr. Sydney Reynolds has been breeding more than his share of winners for many years past. At the time of writing, two English horses—Prudent King (a son of Love Wisely) and Piedmont (a tail male descendant of Barcaldine)—are being used. The first-mentioned horse has sired a number of winners, and, in Cadonia, gave us a good-class Leger winner. Near Maitland Mr. John Hart keeps a small but select stud at Bolwarra, and at the present time has the imported sire Something Irish in use.

The next stud of importance to be met with is Wills Gully. It is situated about five miles from the town of Singleton, and here it is the coal magnate, Mr. John Brown, breeds on a lavish scale for his own racing. There are upwards of 200 mares at the stud, including a number of English importations, and a number of good winners have been bred at Wills Gully during recent years. Prince Foote, Duke Foote, Wallace Isinglass, Richmond Main and Prince Charles are names that suggest themselves, and their owner and breeder has generally a good horse running for him among the big string that F. J. Marsden trains for him at Randwick. Stallion honours at Wills Gully are shared by Duke Foote, Richmond Main and Wallace Isinglass, all three horses having been bred at this stud. The first-mentioned two are of Wisdom descent, and Richmond Main, who is a son of Prince Foote, the best horse ever bred at Wills Gully, takes up his stud duties for the first time this year. The Australian racehorse suffered a severe loss in the recent death of Prince Foote, a racehorse of the highest class and held in almost reverent affection by his owner.

Another breeder close to Singleton is Mr. Thomas Longworth, whose property, Dulwich, shelters the English horse Shadowland and a number of good mares. Shadowland is a half-brother by Dark Ronald to Troutbeck, and is, consequently, a member of the successful Agnes family.

Across the railway line from Wills Gully is the famous old Dangar holding, Neotsfield, held by that family since 1824. The present occupier, Mr. R. H. Dangar, has practically given up Thoroughbred horse breeding, having dispersed his fine stud in 1904. Many good performers first saw the light of day in the rich Neotsfield paddocks, such horses as Gibraltar, Sussex (of jumping fame), Mooltan and Poseidon all having been bred there. About 18 miles from Neotsfield, on the Cockfighter Creek, is the South Wambo Stud, the property of Mr. R. C. Allen. Here St. Simon is represented by his son Charlemagne II., a horse of beautiful quality, whose daughter Carlita may be counted among the ranks of the first class. Another St. Simon descendant in William the Silent is also here, and the South Wambo stallion ranks have just been added to by the arrival of the French-bred Francinet, a half-brother to the Ascot Cup winner, Willonyx, by Flying Fox’s son Ajax. Here, too, spending the evening of his life, is Antonio, a remarkably fast English horse who won good races for his Australian owner before going to the stud. There are some fifty mares at Wambo, and the stud sells a large number of yearlings each year at the Sydney sales.

The next stud of importance is Arrowfield, founded by Messrs. W. and F. A. Moses, who have been remarkably successful breeders. Any success that has gone to them is well deserved, for they have bought nothing but the best, and have kept up the high standard of their stud by regular importations from England. On these rich flats, in stallion state, is to be found Poitrel, one of the best stayers Australia has produced, and the winner of the V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, and practically all the principal weight-for-age races of his time.

Poitrel is now in his second season at the Stud, and has let down and developed into a magnificent horse, who may do big things in his new sphere. Two high-class English importations—Valais, by Cicero, and Roseworthy, by William the Third—are being used at Arrowfield; and the twenty-three-year-old St. Alwyne, a son of St. Frusquin, and a great sire of stayers, is also ending his days in happiness near his best son, Poitrel. The Arrowfield mares are a splendid collection, and the stud ranks as one of the most representative of Australia’s horse-breeding establishments.

The peerless Wakeful, a winner of over £16,000 in stakes, is among the mares at Arrowfield, and the way she carries her age is a good advertisement for the richness of the Arrowfield pastures. She is still the property of Mr. C. L. Macdonald, whose colours she made so famous.

Adjoining Arrowfield, with only a fence between the two properties, is Woodlands, originally owned by the late Mr. H. C. White, but now the property of Mr. E. G. Blume. The original old stone-built homestead is still in use, and the view from the flagged verandah across the Hunter to the hills beyond has to be seen to be appreciated. Shepherd King, a good-looking horse by Martagon, is at the head of the stud, and is ably seconded by Duke Humphrey, a half-brother by John O’Gaunt to the English One Thousand Guineas winner Vaucluse, and these English horses have as a mate Piastre, a Melbourne Cup hero, by imported Positano. Woodlands can boast of a fine collection of mares, and the property has been brought thoroughly up to date since coming into the hands of its present owner.

Several small studs are to be found in more or less close proximity to the town of Muswellbrook, 76 miles from Newcastle and some 12 miles away from Woodlands. Among these are Messrs. Jos. Brown’s and Walter Brunton’s properties. The former has the Desmond horse, imported Montecello, in use, while Mr. Brunton does not keep a stallion but sends his well-bred matrons to the best available. His colours are conspicuous at Randwick, and he is not only a breeder but regularly buys at the yearling sales.

One of the best-known Muswellbrook properties is Merton, from whose luxurious paddocks Mr. E. R. White bred so many winners. It is now owned by Mr. W. H. Mackay, junr., a son of the owner of Beauford, and who inherits the family’s love of the Thoroughbred and their knowledge of them. He is just starting to breed in a small but successful way. Martindale, owned by the polo-playing White Bros., is not far away, and shelters an English classic winner in Night Hawk, winner of the Leger. This hefty son of Gallinule looks like doing yeoman service in the near future for his owners.

Leaving Muswellbrook we reach one of the most famous fattening properties on the Hunter in the famous Turanville Estate, with its beautiful flats and willow trees, and, adjoining this, is Camyr Allen, where two of the younger generation of the famous family of horse-breeding Thompsons have settled. The stud is owned by Messrs. W. B. and C. L. Thompson, who have had great success at the yearling sales, and in the paddocks is Bob Cherry, the dam of Eurythmic, the largest stake winner in Australia. His sire, Eudorus, an imported son of Forfarshire, and another English importation in Buckwheat, by Martagon, are the stallions being used at the time of writing by the Thompsons. The Camyr Allen mares are a very representative lot, and, as a great proportion of them are daughters of Maltster, it is almost unnecessary to add they have produced, and are producing, a big percentage of winners. Maltster, whose fame as a stallion is almost too well-known to bear repetition, has gained undying fame through his daughters.

Camyr Allen is only a few miles out from Scone, on the other side of which prosperous town we find the Sledmere Stud, which has been quite recently established by Messrs. H. R. Denison and H. G. Raymond, the latter recently bringing on his return from England the successful sire Quantock, a son of Thrush. Since coming to Australia Quantock’s stock have been remarkably successful in England, and he looks to hold the ball of stud success at his feet. A well-chosen and select band of matrons are happily ensconced in the Sledmere paddocks, and if the young Quantocks bred there follow in the footsteps of their English relatives, the stud’s fortune is made. At Sledmere is Mr. Denison’s old favourite Poseidon, a winner of over £19,000, and although more or less of a stud failure, is being well cared for in his declining years by his grateful owner. D. S. and H. Hall are young breeders in the Scone district, who generally are represented at the Sydney sales by a good-class yearling or two, and, leaving their place at Cressfield, we approach one of the largest and most important studs on the Upper Hunter in Kiora, the property of Mr. Percy Miller. No breeder of recent years has gone more whole-heartedly into the breeding business—for business it is nowadays—than the owner of Magpie, Sarchedon and Demosthenes, all very high-class English importations. The first-named horse is by Dark Ronald, and in his last race in England was beaten by a neck by his stable companion Gay Crusader in the English Derby. Demosthenes, by Desmond, and a close relation to Sunstar, was brought from New Zealand, where he had been a great stud success, at a very high figure; while Sarchedon, the most recent addition to the stud, and incidentally one of the highest priced horses who have come this way, is a grey son of The Tetrarch, and was the most brilliant two-year-old of his year in England. There are certainly more high-priced mares at Kiora than in any other New South Wales stud, and it keeps growing in numbers from year to year. The property is part of the very famous Segenhoe Estate, and the Hunter divides it from the original Segenhoe Homestead block where Mr. William Brown bred many good ones.

Across the range from Segenhoe, in a very rich bend of the Hunter, is Kingsfield, owned by Messrs. J. E. and C. H. Brien, and three stallions live in luxurious ease here. Malt King, one of the most brilliant horses we have had of recent years, and the fastest horse Maltster sired, has been at Kingsfield since the inception of the stud, and he is kept company by Beragoon, an Australian-bred son of Multiform, and the recently imported St. Frusquin horse Rossendale. Beragoon was one of the finest two-year-olds produced here, and was a racehorse of the highest class, winning both the A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derbies, and is siring some useful winners.

Rossendale comes from England with sire honours thick upon him, and with the splendid chances Kingsfield will afford him he should do really well, for he is a splendid type of horse whose racing merit was of the highest order. The Kingsfield brood mares are second to none, the foundation stock being young English mares bought at a very high cost from the well-known English breeder J. B. Joel, and the additions made to the mares since have been wisely chosen with a very high regard for quality and a disregard for cost. Kingsfield is an ideal situation for a Thoroughbred Stud, the Hunter running right through the property, which consists of rich flats extending by gradual slopes up to limestone hills, which form an almost natural boundary fence to the property.

Retracing our steps again to Scone, we find above Sledmere, on the Kingdon Ponds, the brilliant Panacre, by imported Linacre, at the head of the Cliffdale Stud, formed last year by Mr. J. Campbell Wood, whose colours Panacre carried with such success. On this very rich and sound piece of country a select stud is being put together, and the young Panacres will shortly be trying to emulate the deeds of their speedy sire. On north from Cliffdale Sir Samuel Hordern’s Petwyn Vale lies, a small, attractive holding whose name has yet to be made. Let us hope the well-bred Englishman Emblematic, a son of Tracery, and a fine stamp of stallion, will rise to fame and breed some good winners for his sporting owner, whose success as a breeder has been small in comparison with his efforts. He has the horse, the mares and the country—that great essential—and the remaining one, luck, let us hope, may be lurking behind one of the corner posts. Still further north, near Quirindi, is the Werribon Stud, and here The Sybarite, a half-brother to the ill-fated Craganour, is located, with a number of well-bred mares.

Branching off the Northern Railway line at Werris Creek, well outside the Hunter District, and running inland towards the Queensland Border, is Mungie Bundie, where Messrs. B. and J. P. Burgess have lately taken over the stud run so successfully by Mr. John McDonald. Here, on very rich country, is a grandson of Carbine in Mountain King, a successful sire, and this year he has been joined by another colonial-bred horse in Kennaquhair, one of the finest individuals and gamest horses who ever looked through the proverbial bridle.

Mr. D. Livingston, whose property, Boolaroo, is also in the Moree District, has recently joined the ranks of yearling breeders, and he has made an auspicious start by securing the imported Polymelus horse My Poppo, who is siring good winners. The Yetman Stud, owned by Mr. G. W. Dight, is farther north again, being practically on the Queensland Border. The well-bred importation Chipilly, a son of Spearmint, and that great mare Pretty Polly, is at the head of affairs at Yetman, and should help to strengthen the house of Carbine in Australia.

Back to Scone once more, and striking out across country towards the Widden Mountain in the direction of Mudgee, we find a belt of country which has no superior in Australia as a Thoroughbred nursery. Here is the home of a famous family of horse-breeders, the Thompsons, and it was here such famous stallions of the past as Lochiel, Grafton, Ayr Laddie and Maltster all earned their undying crown of fame. Widden is now owned by Messrs. A. W. and A. E. Thompson, and they, with their cousins, the Thompson Bros., of which firm Herbert is the head, have been wonderfully successful horse-breeders. Widden and Oakleigh are beautiful bits of country, and the excellence of their paddocks has contributed a great deal to the success of the numerous horses reared there. Herbert Thompson and his brother can lay claim to be the largest breeders of the Thoroughbred in the world to-day, and last year they sent down to the Sydney sales no less than seventy yearlings, all of whom sold remarkably well. At Widden the premier stallion of New South Wales, in Linacre, a well-performed son of Wolf’s Crag, shares the honours of the stud with the French-bred Kenilworth, a staying descendant of St. Simon. Both these stallions have been remarkably consistent as winner-getters, and if the grey Chrysolaus, the most recent addition to the stallion strength, meets with the same success, his dual owners, the Thompson Bros., and their cousins A. W. and A. E., will have no reason to regret having spent 3,600 guineas in acquiring him. The Widden and Oakleigh mares are a wonderful lot, and are kept up to a very high standard by the retention of the best fillies bred at the stud. In an article of this description it is impossible to write of individual mares, for reference to the good producers owned by the Thompsons would fill many large sized volumes. At Oakleigh are the English stallions Gadabout, by St. Denis, Sir Dighton, by Bayardo, and Cooltrim, by Flying Fox, and the Australian-bred Greenstead, by The Welkin (imp.). The stud suffered a severe loss recently by the death of imported Tressady, a successful son of Persimmon.

Another Thompson holding is Canema, where Baverstock, a son of Maltster, and Wakeful, is siring winners, his son David ranking as one of the best stayers racing in Australia at the present time. Eaton Lad, by Orvieto, sires his share of useful horses at Holbrook, near Widden, for his owner, T. A. Harris. Leaving Widden behind us, and traversing the Bylong Valley, long famous for the production of good cattle and horses, we get within close call of Mudgee. Some ten miles before you reach this veritable lucerne oasis Havilah appears in its picturesque frame of hills, and here some good performers have been and are being bred. The property is now owned by Hunter White, a member of one of the best-known pastoral families in Australia, and a nephew of the late James White, a counter-type of the famous Admiral Rous. Three, a very highly bred son of The Welkin, is the hope of the Havilah Stud at the present time, and he is a splendid individual who looks like getting good stock. Mr. Hunter White not only breeds on a large scale, but is a staunch supporter of the N.S.W. Turf, and no colours are more popular than the red jacket and white Maltese cross of their non-betting owner.

On the other side of Mudgee Mr. D. U. Seaton has Eurunderee, where his brilliant racehorse Wolaroi is embarking on his stud career. Wolaroi, by Kenilworth, was bred and raced by his owner, and few more brilliant horses have carried silk of recent years. Another good performer, in the Bright Steel horse Westcourt, a Melbourne Cup hero, is at Eurunderee, and the stud has a nice collection of English and colonial-bred mares.

Farther out from Eurunderee is the old-established stud Biraganbil, owned for years by the Rouse family, and the present owners, Messrs. L. G. and H. C. Rouse are keeping up the family’s long connection with the Thoroughbred. A beautifully bred son of Chaucer, in imported Allegory, holds sway at Biraganbil, and, if judicious mating will mean success, the horse has got into the right stud. It is almost needless to say that L. G. Rouse is identical with the keeper of the Australian Stud Book, and there is no sounder judge of pedigree in the Southern Hemisphere. He has done splendid work in his official capacity, not only as regards the Stud Book, but also as a Racing Steward, etc., and our Thoroughbred breeders are under a debt of gratitude to him, and Mr. Archie Yuille, of Melbourne, for their efforts in recording reliable breeding records whose value cannot be over-estimated.

Dunlop, near Merriwa, is a stud of fairly recent origin, Mr. T. A. Stirton having established his splendid horse Cetigne, by Grafton (imp.), there, as well as the flying Biplane, by Comedy King (imp.), a dual Derby winner and one of the fastest horses of his day.

Another Western Stud, situated near Wellington, on the banks of the Macquarie, some 80 miles from Mudgee, is that of Mr. Harry Taylor, a successful breeder. A recent purchase is the New Zealand-bred Humbug, a great, strapping son of Absurd, and a fine performer in the land of the Moa. He also owns a fine son of The Welkin in Trillion, and some very high-class mares. Mr. E. J. Watt, whose dark-blue jacket is familiar to most racegoers in most parts of Australia, has the Boomey Stud near Molong, an important station on the branch line from Orange to the Lachlan and not far from Wellington. A horse of his own breeding in Pershore, a son of All Black (imp.), is at Boomey, and he will not want for opportunity among the mares he is being mated with.

Near Cowra, a flourishing Western town, is Alfalfa, owned by the Payten Bros., sons of the successful trainer, Tom Payten, who saddled so many good winners for the Hon. James White. The colonial-bred Popinjay, a brilliant son of Maltster, has done yeoman service for his youthful owners since being given to them by the present Chief Justice of Australia, Sir Adrian Knox, whose colours he carried with distinction.

Here, too, in the rich Lachlan country, Mr. I. J. Sloan breeds a number of good horses, and the latest addition to his stud in the English horse Cyllene More should materially increase the record of winners turned out from the North Logan Paddocks. Cyllene More, as his name implies, is a son of the great Cyllene, and his dam is the well-performed St. Maura.

Another star in the Western breeders’ firmament is Mr. E. A. Haley, whose stud is not far from the celebrated Leeholme, where the great mare Etraweenie and her daughters bred so many good horses for the late Hon. George Lee. At Tekoona, near Bathurst, Mr. Haley has a real English aristocrat in Redfern, by St. Denis. This well-performed horse will be represented in the yearling sale ring of 1923 for the first time, and if Redfern’s progeny inherit their sire’s speed all will be well for the Tekoona Stud. Redfern was imported at a high cost by Sir William Cooper, Bart., who raced Trenton and other good horses, and whose colours were very popular with the Australian racing public.

Another Bathurst studmaster is Mr. John Lee, whose family bears a name famous in Australian turf and stud history. He is justly proud of a fine son of The Welkin in Wedge, the last horse to carry Mr. John Turnbull’s respected and popular colours, and who is just embarking on his stud life.

An enthusiastic breeder in Mr. C. S. Macphillamy is happily located at Warroo, near Forbes, on the Lachlan, whose peaceful waters, usually teeming with bird and fish life, flow on through the property. Good winners in the past have first seen the light of day in the rich river frontages of Warroo, and a recently acquired English horse in Polydor, by Polymelus, should sire many more there.

The Southern Districts of New South Wales breed many good horses, and the Messrs. G. and H. Main have turned out their share of winners since starting breeding at their Retreat Stud, near Illabo. William Allison, the renowned “Special Commissioner” of the London “Sportsman,” made no mistake in sending out to them the good-looking sire, Limelight, and some beautifully bred English mares, for in his first stud season Limelight was successful in siring the brilliant dual Derby winner Salitros.

At Wagga, one of the oldest racing centres of the State, Mr. J. J. McGrath and his sons have their Wattle Vale property, and this year a recent purchase in the New Zealand-bred Egypt, an own brother to the famous mare, Desert Gold, will be used the first time by them.

One of the most recently formed Southern Studs is Curraburrama, near Young, owned by Mr. A. P. Wade, whose transactions in matters pertaining to the pastoral industry generally have been on a very large scale during recent years. He has established at the head of his Thoroughbred stud a good-looking and well-bred stallion in Colugo, by The Welkin (imp.), who will not want for opportunity. Mr. Wade does not do things by halves and is giving Colugo a great chance with some splendid mares at the outset of his career.

The rich, sound lands of the Upper Murray are ideal pastures for the production of big-boned, sound horses, and here at Towong Hill, just across the river on the Victorian side, stands a turf idol of yesterday in splendid Trafalgar, the well-beloved of the Randwick and Flemington crowds. Had his owner, the late Mr. Walter Mitchell, lived, Trafalgar’s stud chances would have been greater than they now are.

Messrs. Leitch, A. E. Tyson, A. S. O’Keefe, etc., are all breeders who contribute their quota to the number of good horses the South produces. Mr. A. S. O’Keefe had in imported Bright Steel a very noble son of St. Simon, whose memory will be kept alive by Westcourt, Chrome, Scarlet and others.

Thoroughbreds also find a place on the Northern Rivers, and the old-established studs of Gordon Brook and Dyraaba, near Casino, have turned out their share of winners. The first-named property no longer goes in for thoroughbred breeding, but Mr. H. S. Barnes has a very elegant son of Bridge of Canny in the imported horse Canzone at Dyraaba as well as another English-bred horse in Repartee, by Melton, and is breeding some very useful horses.

Of the studs near Sydney, the famous old Hobartville comes easily first; a beautiful old home surrounded by the most magnificent trees and situated just outside the historic town of Richmond. Now owned by Mr. Percy Reynolds, it still keeps up its reputation for producing high-class winners, and in his English stallions Bernard, a son of Robert le Diable, and Bardolph, by Bay Ronald, Mr. Reynolds has two most valuable sires whose progeny for the most part know how to stay. Here it was that the Ascot Gold Cup winner Merman first saw the light of day, as well as the countless good horses bred by Andrew Town, Messrs. Long and Hill, and other breeders who owned the property in bygone times.

Another historic property not far from Sydney is the Camden Park Estate, owned by the Macarthur Onslow family, whose ancestor, Captain Macarthur, brought out the first Merino sheep to Australia. A beautifully bred horse in imported Polycrates, by Polymelus, is in use at Camden Park, as well as another importation in the Desmond horse Flying King.

This about completes the itinerary of the Thoroughbred Homes of New 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.

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

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. ]

TARTAN (13). Brown Horse, 1901, by Lochiel (imp.)—Colors. Winner of £9697, including A.J.C. Sydney Cup. Died 1914. ]

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. ]

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.

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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

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

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

=3 Months= =6 Months= =12 Months=

Australian Commonwealth, New =7/6= =15/-= =£1/9/-= Zealand, Fiji, Papua, Rabaul and Pacific Islands

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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.

NEWMARKET SALE PADDOCK: ANNUAL PARADE OF YEARLINGS IN PROGRESS ]

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

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

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.

VIEWS OF RANDWICK STABLES ]

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

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

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=

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“The Book on the Table”

“Better than anything we have here.”

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A Symbol of Culture in Your Home AT ALL THE BEST BOOKSELLERS SIX SHILLINGS EDITIONS LIMITED

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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

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.

Orme, Keigwin & Co. Ltd., Sydney

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

DOWLING STREET, REDFERN, SYDNEY ]

WHERE =RESCH’S= AUSTRALIAN LAGER PILSENER DINNER ALE STOUT & XXX ALE (BULK)

ARE BREWED AND BOTTLED

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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=.