Turf Monthly October 2024

turf monthly

October 2024

THIS MONTH THE FIRST CAULFIELD GUINEAS AND SOME PAST WINNERS

Editor’s Letter

It is October already and the Spring Carnival is in full swing. October sees some of the truly special races of the Australian turf including the Caulfield Cup, Caulfield Guineas and Cox Plate. It is really interesting in terms of history to see the development of not only these races, but of racing in general. The Caulfield Cup was second only to the Melbourne Cup in history as the two competing race clubs in Melbourne had each as the feature of their Spring Carnival. The Caulfield Guineas was developed to enhance the Melbourne Race Club carnival and also to lead into the feature 3yo event, the VRC Derby. Things have come a full circle with the Guineas now surpassing the Derby in importance. The Cox Plate was developed as another middle distance race to complement the feature races of the Spring. Again, it has now become the feature rather than the stepping stone. The Spring in Melbourne was also the main event, and the Spring in Sydney never had the impact of Melbourne. While Sydney still aims to outdo the Melbourne Spring, at least that is one thing that has not really changed. Let us hope that some things never change. You never know, we might even see one day when the Melbourne Cup field has more than a handful of locally bred horses.

CONTENTS 4

Red Anchor

8

Caranna

16

Just A Dash

21

Eusebius

25

Wheatear

29

The First Caulfield Guineas

Until next month

Ross Prowd

COVER PHOTO OLE KIRK with Tommy Berry COURTESY OF ATC AND VINERY STUD

Turf Monthly ABN 64 892 144 940 Phone 0412 712 181

Email editor@turfmonthly.com.au 2 Swan Street PARKSIDE Q 4825

TURF MONTHLY 3

RED ANCHOR CHAMPION 3YO

W

hen we talk about Caulfield Guineas winners, it is hard to go past the mighty Red Anchor who dominated the Melbourne Spring in 1984 like few others ever have. Red Anchor had only a brief career, but it was a spectacular one. The son of the Irish bred Sea Anchor out of the imported Irish mare, Decoy Girl by Decoy Boy had his first race start on 26 November 1983 at Rosehill in a 900m 2yo Handicap.

He started at an incredible 400/1 but managed to finish third behind Gold Card. His next start was not until 2 January 1984 on a heavy track over 1200m at Rosehill where Red Anchor started at 9/4. He was to run second behind Bletchencore. Red Anchor then broke his maiden over 1200m at Randwick beating Our Billy Boy. He then ran second to Inspired in the Pago Pago to miss a start in the Golden Slipper that was won by that colt. Red Anchor went to the Sires Produce where he was beaten by Victory Prince over the 1400m, but quickly made amends by winning the Champagne Stakes over a mile from that colt. He then headed to Brisbane to win the Sires Produce at Eagle Farm over 1400m, beating Noble Peer before he ran second behind the star local colt Prince Frolic in the Castlemaine Stakes when the 10/9 favourite. That was to be Red Anchor’s last defeat as he came out as a 3yo to stamp his authority on Australian racing.

Red Anchor Champagne Stakes

TURF MONTHLY 4

H

is first race at three was in the Roman Consul over 1200m at Randwick where he beat Royal Troubador. Next it was to Melbourne where he beat Lord Of Camelot in the Moonee Valley Stakes over 1600m. He defeated the same cot in the Caulfield Guineas when starting the even money favourite. Red Anchor then went on to win the Cox Plate at his next start, beating another 3yo in Street Café. It is a little known story that the colt had a serious mishap at Moonee Valley in the days leading up to the Cox Plate, where he slipped and almost fell. Although nothing was found to be amiss, there are questions as to whether this incident had an impact on his career. In the Cox Plate, the colt who had won the Caulfield Guineas effortlessly, hit a flat spot at the same place that he had the mishap. The two incidents may not be related, but the colt while never really looking like getting beaten, won by only three quarters of a length under riding from Mick Dittman. Red Anchor then won the Victoria Derby effortlessly before heading for a spell. Sadly for the turf, he was to have only one more start winning the Apollo Stakes first up at Randwick over 1400m. He suffered a leg injury and the valuable colt was quickly retired.

R

ed Anchor was purchased by trainer Paul Sutherland as a yearling for the bargain price of $11,000. He sold the colt to a group of Sydney businessman but retained a share. Following Red Anchor’s 2yo season, the ownership group had a dispute over his 3yo campaign. When the dispute could not be resolved, the other owners bought out Sutherland’s share and the colt went to the stable of TJ Smith who quickly declared that he was the new Tulloch. An offer of $3 million was made for the colt after his win in the Moonee Valley Stakes but the syndicate never seriously considered it. Red Anchor was retired with nine wins from fourteen starts and $779,970 in prizemoney. He went to stud with great fanfare. Unfortunately, his

Red Anchor Cox Plate

TURF MONTHLY 5

stud performances did not match those on the track. In all, from 1985 until his death in April 2001, Red Anchor was to produce 543 live foals but only five that would win stakes races. His best son was no doubt Navy Seal who won the Sandown Guineas, AJC Hobartville Stakes and Epson Handicap. His daughters though proved to be useful broodmares, and the name of Red Anchor can regularly be seen in the modern thoroughbred. One such daughter was Super Trend who produced the colt Align by Night Shift. Align was an outstanding 2yo making his debut by winning over 1100m at Rosehill in October 1998. Put away until the Autumn the colt came out to win the Gosford Slipper before running second to Easy Rocking in the Kindergarten Stakes. He then won the Todman Stakes before being beaten a neck by Catbird in the Golden Slipper. His final start as a 2yo came when he won the AJC Sires Produce. Unfortunately that was to be his last victory although he started another eleven times. His best later results were a third in the Up And Coming Stakes behind Testa Rossa and Easy Rocking, and a second behind Diatribe in the Bill Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley. He was retired to stud in New Zealand where he had some success siring runners like Coup Align who won five stakes races, Manawatu Sires Produce winner, Nightline and NZ Cup winner, Everswindell.

M

ore recent stakes winners tracing to Red Anchor’s daughters include the siblings Rock My Pago and Pago Rock, and Lim’s Objective who was the champion 3yo in Singapore and Malaysia.

Align TURF MONTHLY 6

TURF MONTHLY 7

CARANNA

UNDERRATED STAR

Caranna winning the Rosehill Guineas

A

forgotten horse and one of the rare breed that was able to win the AJC Derby and Caulfield Guineas was the underrated Caranna who achieved the feat in 1955. We must remember that this was a time when the AJC Derby was held in the Spring, before the Guineas and VRC Derby. Caranna was in the stable of the astute Ted Hush who had a high opinion of the colt by Valognese. It had taken him eight starts as a 2yo before he recorded his first victory in a six furlong juvenile event in June. It was the manner of his victory that was to give the stable confidence and that was helped by a large and successful wager on Caranna. He won by over five lengths from a big field striding clear from the furlong pole. Caranna had always shown promise on the training track, but a series of bad barriers and poor luck had plagued him to that point. Still, while the stable had quiet confidence in his ability, the rest of the racing world did not pay much attention to him as the 3yo season opened. Bad luck saw him finish a narrow second behind Landy at Rosehill, but two weeks later he reversed the placings at Warwick Farm. Aboukir narrowly beat him in the Canterbury Guineas, but a slashing win in the Rosehill Guineas against ten of his Derby rivals saw him catapult to favouritism for the Blue Riband event.

TURF MONTHLY 8

Caranna with Athol Mulley on board

C

aranna’s jockey, Athol Mulley had injured his leg at Hawkesbury in the week before the Derby and had to prove his fitness to stewards on the morning of the race. To ensure he made his commitment, Mulley accepted only one other ride on the day, significantly after the Derby. Despite his injury and showers on the morning of the race, the AJC Derby saw the combination of Caranna and Mulley at their best.

Caranna enjoyed a good run off a moderate pace until he was pocketed approaching the straight. Landy, the only runner for a young TJ Smith, held his ground, before Mulley finally got clear taking his mount almost sideways. He returned to scale with a large streak of paint on his hindquarters. After getting clear running, Caranna went on to win comfortably from stablemate, Gay Rannick with the maiden galloper, Prince Dante in third. It was only a week after the Derby that Caranna and Mulley were in Melbourne for the running of the Caulfield Guineas back over a mile. He was a class above the other fifteen runners in the race, winning easily by three lengths from French Charm and his Sydney rivals Knave and Kingster. Next up it was the Cox Plate where he challenged the champion Rising Fast for favouritism. Another 3yo in Kingster was to lead all of the way for an upset win with Caranna failing by a half neck to wear down the Star Kingdom colt. Sailor’s Guide was a further three lengths behind in third in a race that might have been another of those unique Moonee Valley results. From there Caranna went on to the VRC Derby where he started favourite. The hard racing though looked to take its toll as he finished third after a torrid run where Kingster again used bold front running tactics. His jockey, Bill Camer was outed for twice causing interference to Caranna in the race which was won by Sailor’s Guide.

TURF MONTHLY 9

Caranna second to Kingster in the Cox Plate

A

strained abdominal muscle kept Caranna out of the Autumn which was dominated by Sailor’s Guide who was to establish himself as one of out best gallopers racing successfully in the US winning the prestigious Washington International. Caranna went to Brisbane for the winter where he won the QTC St. Leger and lost the Brisbane Cup by a long neck to Redcraze. The following Spring saw him win the AJC Craven Plate but he performed well in Melbourne without winning. He was third behind Ray Ribbon and Rising Fast in the Cox Plate, coming from last on the turn. He also ran third in the 1956 Melbourne Cup behind Evening Peal and Redcraze with the official margins a half neck by a head. Caranna, ridden by George Moore was first in to the straight, albeit quite wide. He raced ungenerously down the straight causing interference to at least three runners with Moore eventually getting a two month suspension for his ride. It was to be the closest that Moore was ever to come to a Melbourne Cup win. Later in his career, Caranna was to win the Christman Cup, Lord Mayor’s Cup and Rosehill Cup back in Sydney.

Sydney Cup 1958 with Caranna third TURF MONTHLY 10

C

aranna was a son of the imported Valognese who was by Bois Roussel. Valognes started only eight times and won three races, including the Chester Vase over a mile and a half where he beat the champion galloper Alycidon. Valognes also was sent out as the second favourite in the 1948 English Derby won the Aga Khan’s My Love. Valognes was also to produce the good stayer Pandie Son notable for finishing in the famed triple dead heat in the Mackinnon Stakes. Caranna traced to the Lowe number five family that included the likes of Equipose and Djebel. His dam was Connette by Constant Son. The family traced to a mare called Powder by Blinkhoolie who arrived in Australia in the late 1870’s. She was to prove an immediate success at stud producing the 1886 Melbourne Cup winner, Arsenal and the AJC Doncaster and Oaks winner, Crossfire. Caranna was to stand at stud with limited success.

His daughters though were to ensure that his legacy continues within the modern thoroughbred. Among his most notable descendants were Just A Dash who won the 1981 Melbourne Cup. It is also the family that includes the Everest winner, Yes Yes Yes. That colt had three starts in Melbourne for Darren Weir before Christmas in his 2yo season before transferring to Chris Waller in Sydney. He won the Group 2 Todman at his first NSW start gaining him a run in the Golden Slipper where he finished seventh. A spell saw him return to run second to Bivouac in both the Run To The Rose and the Golden Rose before his Everest victory at his eighth and final start in October 2019. He suffered a tendon injury when returning in the Autumn and was immediately retired. Yes Yes Yes is by Rubick out of a son of the Fantastic Light mare, Sin Sin Sin who won 3 races including the famed Wellington Boot. Sin Sin Sin was a half-sister to the good gallopers Hot As Hell and Flaming Hot by County, and the HK galloper, Craig’s Dragon by Catbird. It is also a family that includes G1 winners, In Her Time and Under The Louvre.

Caulfield Guineas Caranna at turn

Caulfield Guineas Caranna finish TURF MONTHLY 11

T

his line of the family traces to the Caranna mare, Vista Anna who was to produce Salaam by Radames, a son of Rockefella, who won the AJC Galaxy as well as the STC Missile Stakes and Premiere Stakes. She also produced Supaburn by Blazing Saddles who in turn produced Steam Heat by Salieri. Despite not making the track herself, she produced fourteen foals of which thirteen incredibly made it to the races with all of them finding the winner’s circle. Her best progeny was likely Hot As Hell who made his debut in the Breeders Plate won by Clang, finishing unplaced.

He was to have only two more starts at that age, winning a maiden at Newcastle in the Autumn. As an early 3yo he won two races including a 1MW race at Randwick over 1000m where he beat Blue Era and Stoneyfell Road on New Years Day, 1997.

After a spell he returned in June for a campaign that saw him win four races including The Shorts at and Randwick over 1100m at Group 3 level. The following Autumn he was second to Hockney in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes and behind Appoint in the Moet and Chandon Stakes at Rosehill. He was also to win the Listed June Stakes at Randwick over 1100m beating Antiquity and Kidlat. His final win was coincidentally in the same race twelve months later when he beat Notoire and Energize. In all, Hot As Hell won nine of twenty-seven starts and over $250,000 in prizemoney. A half-sister to Hot As Hell in Hell It’s Hot by Zeditave was to produce In Her Time by Time Thief who was to become an outstanding sprinter, winning six stakes races in the Group 1 ATC The Galaxy and VRC Lightning Stakes as well as the ATC Breeders' Classic, Millie Fox Stakes, Premiere Stakes and Sydney Stakes.

From her nine wins, the mare was to retire with over $3.7 million in prizemoney.

TURF MONTHLY 12

Caranna connections at the AJC Derby Presentation

I

t was another line of Vista Anna that was to lead to Under The Louvre. By Excellent Art out of the Noverre mare, Barcelona Girl. Under The Louvre started his racing career as a late 2yo, winning his first two starts at Swan Hill and Caulfield before finishing fifth over 1400m at Flemington. He had only one start as a Spring 3yo, finishing last of eight at Moonee Valley before heading back to the paddock.

The Autumn saw him resume with a win at Mornington which was followed by a third at Geelong before winning at Moonee Valley in a BM0-78 race over 1200m coming from near last at the 400m. Under The Louvre then had a change of trainer from Tony Vasil to Robert Smerdon. He stepped out for the new stable to win over 1200m at Caulfield before finishing unplaced in the Inglis Guineas at Scone behind Cosmic Endeavour. A fourth at Flemington followed before he finished third behind Pyrrolic in the Listed Creswick Stakes, a race that he was later disqualified from. He beat Hard Stride before running third to Trust In A Gust both at Moonee Valley.

Under The Louvre then gained black type by running second to Late Charge in the Listed Tontonan Stakes over 1400m at Flemington. He then beat Lucky Hussler over the same course and distance in the Listed Headquarters Stakes before that galloper turned the tables in the Group 2 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield. The stallion returned after a well earned break to finish a close second to Shamal Wind in the

Hot As Hell

TURF MONTHLY 13

Group 1 Oakleigh Plate, again coming from well back in the field. He then won the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington which was followed by a second in the Anniversary Vase at Caufield before Under The Louvre finished third with another barnstorming finish in the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap in Adelaide. The Spring saw him have six starts without winning, but he finished second in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis behind Churchill Dancer, a third behind Stratum Star in the Group 1 Rupert Clarke and a second to Vashka in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes. The stallion resumed in the Autumn to run third in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield before heading to Adelaide where he finished a close second to Black Heart Bart in the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap. Again, Under The Louvre came from well back in the field, this time fourteenth at the 400m to miss by just over a half-length with Supido in third. Next was a trip to Brisbane which saw Under The Louvre have his finest moment by winning the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m at Eagle Farm.

He set a new race record time in defeating Black Heart Bart. That was to be his last win, and although he raced for another year, his performances never matched his Stradbroke effort. He retired to stud in 2017 with a record of nine wins from 36 starts and a little over $1.8 million in stakes. He has been somewhat disappointing at stud, although he sired his first stakes winner earlier this year when Exotique Miss fittingly won the Listed Daybreak Lover Stakes over 1400m at Eagle Farm in April.

Under The Louvre

TURF MONTHLY 14

JUST A DASH

MELBOURNE CUP WINNER

T

he daughter of Caranna in Native Lass was to produce a gelded son by Whiskey Road that was to hold a special place in Australian racing history. He had been bred by Mr and Mrs IC Woodford-Smith of Moss Vale in NSW but sold as a yearling for $2500 to Mr and Mrs Gary Towzell. Gary was a committee member at Wagga Amateur Picnic Race Club and the Towzells were looking for something sound that they could race around the local region. Despite begin quite stoutly bred, the horse called Just A Dash made his debut as an early 2yo fittingly on Melbourne Cup Day 1979 at Canberra. He finished a moderate fifth but was win his next two starts at that track. He then ran placings at Gundagai, Canberra and Wagga before he was taken to Sydney to win the Mosaic Handicap over 1600m at Randwick in May 1980.

As a 3yo, Just A Dash started his campaign unplaced in a 1000m Flying at Wagga.

The then stepped up to a mile to win the Cootamundra Cup which was followed by another Handicap win over a mile all at Wagga. Connections then decided to try him again in Sydney, and he won the Dee Why Stakes over 2000m at Randwick on 29 October, 1980.

TURF MONTHLY 16

T

hat win saw Queensland Turf Club committee man Bill Stanley take an interest in the horse. He made connections an offer of $80,000 for the gelding subject to a vet examination. Unfortunately, the vet reported that Just A Dash had a bone issue that could see him break down at any time. Mr Stanley was to say that he was told “He (Just A Dash) might go in a couple of weeks, or he might race for a couple of years.” After deliberation, Stanley decided that it was not worth the risk and Just A Dash resumed for his original owners. He started his Autumn campaign by winning over 1500m at Wagga. He then finished second over the same distance at Rosehill before running unplaced over a mile at Randwick. He then finished sixth behind Ring The Bell in the Canterbury Guineas before he ran third of five runners in the 2000m Rawson Stakes at Rosehill. The race was won by Hyperno who had previously won the 1979 Melbourne Cup on the day of the gelding’s first start. Just A Dash was unplaced in the Tulloch Stakes again behind Ring The Bell and then ran third behind Shaybisc in the Frank Packer Plate and third in the Sydney St Leger over 2800m behind November Rain at Randwick. The Towzells though had more interest in the horse by this stage, this time from Melbourne businessmen, Lloyd Williams and George Frew and their Queensland partner, TR Pettiona. Just A Dash won the SA St Leger at Morphettville before the new owners paid $45,000 for the gelding who was transferred to the stable of leading trainers, TJ Smith. Just A Dash duly won the Adelaide Cup at his first start for his new connections beating Rock Show and earning $14,000. Eleven days later he earned $65,000 by winning the two mile Adelaide Cup beating Beau Noble.

A

fter a good spell, Just A Dash returned as a 4yo to run unplaced in a 1200m handicap at Rosehill. He then headed to Melbourne where he ran fourth behind the star galloper, Sovereign Red in the Craiglee Stakes over a mile. He ran second to the same horse in the Underwood Stakes over 2000m and then fourth behind No Peer in the Turnbull Stakes. Just A Dash was unplaced in the Herbert Power and Caulfield Cup but ran a strong fifth to Mr Cromwell in the Hotham Handicap on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup. He was well supported in the market, reportedly with some large bets on behalf of his owners, which saw him start at 15/1 in the big race. The other TJ Smith runner was Kingston Town who failed badly with jockey Malcolm Johnson failing to ride his mount out. Just A Dash had no such problem and became the second Melbourne Cup winner for both his trainer, Tommy Smith, and his jockey Peter Cook. Notably, Just A Dash became the first Cup winner for the expanding bloodstock interests of Lloyd Williams. Just A Dash pulled up lame from the race, and this may have impacted his future racing, and may have even had its origins in the original issues that saw Bill Stanley pass on the purchase. Stanley did have Mr Cromwell in the race who was to finish ninth and was ridden by the top Brisbane rider, Michael Pelling.

T

he following Autumn saw Just A Dash return again over a sprint distance, this time running last behind the speedster Ubetido over 1100m at Rosehill. He then ran third behind Vivacite int eh Chipping Norton over a mile, and second behind Allez Bijou over 2000m in the Rawson Stakes. That was to be the end of his Autumn as the gelding returned to the paddock. As a 5yo, Just A Dash was not the horse he had been a year before. He ran a creditable fourth in the Underwood Stakes behind

TURF MONTHLY 17

Fearless Pride but his best run was when he teamed up again with Peter Cook to run second behind Carringbush in the Herbert Power. After a disappointing eighth behind Allez Bijou in the Hotham Handicap in the lead up to the cup, rather inexplicably Just A Dash was backed into favouritism for the Melbourne Cup at 11/2. This was despite the presence of Tommy Smith’s superstar Kingston Town in the field again who Smith had proclaimed a weighted certainty. We all now how he was narrowly beaten by Gurner’s Lane while Just A Dash finished sixteenth which seemed more fitting of his recent form.

A

long spell ensued and it was June 1983 before Just A Dash returned to racing.

His first four starts were moderate at best, but in August he ran third in the Persian Link Handicap at Rosehill over 1900m to give connections some confidence.

The now 6yo followed with a second behind Gala Mascot in the Tattersall’s Plate at Warwick Farm over 2400m and he then ran third when 6/4 favourite in the STC Cup behind Tulsa Knight over the same trip at Rosehill. Back in Melbourne, he was unplaced in the Herbert Power and Moonee Valley Cup before he ran a better fourth behind Chagemar in the Hotham Handicap. With Harry White taking the ride in the Cup, Just A Dash was again met with good support starting at 14/1 but was never in contention finishing sixteenth behind Kiwi. The following Saturday week he lined up in the Sandown Cup but finished fourteenth behind Al Dwain before again heading for a spell. He returned for one more campaign and ran a surprising fourth over 1400m first up in a Welter at Pakenham. Two unplaced runs at Flemington were followed by a fourth at 100/1 behind What A Nuisance over 1400m at Caulfiled and then a third behind Special Khan over 2500m in the Shaggy Ridge Handicap at Flemington. Sent to Adelaide, he was unplaced behind Moss Kingdom in both the 2400m West End Stakes and 3200m Adelaide Cup. His last run came in Brisbane where he finished ninth behind Rake’s Pride over 2200m at Eagle Farm when ridden by Greg Hall. In all, Just A Dash was to win ten of his 61 starts and $362,690 in prizemoney.

W

hile we have noted that Just A Dash was by Whiskey Road out of the Caranna mare, Native Lass, his pedigree deserves a little more comment. The gelding traces back to a mare called Chersonese who came to Australia shortly after World War I. Many readers will be familiar with the mare by Cyglad as she was to prove an important broodmare producing two stakes-winners in Cimbrian who won the Hotham Handicap and Williamstown Cup among his four stakes victories, and the champion Heroic who we have written about extensively in previous editions.

Heroic needs little introduction to racing enthusiasts winning nineteen stakes-races including fittingly for this edition, the 1924 Caulfield Guineas. Heroic was also to become one of our greatest stallions winning the Champion Sires Title on seven consecutive occasions.

TURF MONTHLY 18

EUSEBIUS

GUINEAS / VRC DERBY WINNER

Eusubius returning to scale after winning the Derby

Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), Wednesday 6 November 1918, page 26 DERBY DAY AT FLEMINGTON: VICTORY FOR EUSEBIUS. The gathering at Flemington on Saturday was a record one, visitors from all parts of the Commonwealth and New Zealand being present. The afternoon was fine and bright, the racing track was in splendid condition, and good sport was witnessed.

V.R.C. SPRING CAMPAIGN. DERBY DAY. — After a lengthy absence, Flemington seemed quite new to me on Derby Day. Many improvements have been made since I last visited the historic course. A new, elaborate stand has been built on the lower end of the lawn, and classic architecture is as much observable in this as in Collins-street. When I was last in Melbourne there was a very fine crowd present for the Derby, but the flat badly beat the other two enclosures for numbers. Since then the V.R.C. has obtained power to charge admission to the flat, and in consequence there has been a decided falling off in the attendance thereon. If the spectators have to pay, of course they do so at the hill gates, and the hill was very full on Saturday. The V.R.C. is now controlled by the powerful hand of that splendid Australian, Mr. L. K. S. McKinnon, and one of the most recently-elected of his henchmen is Mr. J. M. Niall, who in the long ago emerged from the seclusion of sleepy South Australia and went forth to the broad plains and basalt hills of the Barcoo, and quickly became a squatter of

TURF MONTHLY 21

note, punctuating his pastoral avocations with horseracing; he was always a clever manager of racing stock and a smart racing man. The members of the V.R.C. were wise in selecting him to their committee. The most distinguished visitor among the many thousands who thronged the grandstand enclosing was the famous French soldier General Pau who was marched around in state by that Chesterfield in the world of sport, Mr. WH Croker— the Beau Brummel of the committee. The racecourse improvements greatly charmed the General, and it is understood he said so in French. There was a doubt in the pressroom as to whether the bringer of the glad news to the slaving pressmen was capable of fully construing the great Frenchman, who. however, certainly looked charmed. M. Henri Corbiere was the most interested of the French party, for he happens to be an owner and breeder and an accepted authority on the French Stud Book. He found a congenial soul in the charming French gentleman who owns Carlita. M. Corbiere has gathered much material, written and pictorial, concerning Australian racing to carry back to France, and has been greatly assisted in the commendable work by Mr. C. W. Cropper, secretary of the A.J.C, who was present in Melbourne.; and, being on holidays, appeared to be quite happy. Of course, Mr. Cropper can hardly be expected to grin delightedly and hob-nob with everybody at Randwick, where the heavy weight of management is hard to uphold. M. Corbiere was interviewed in Melbourne, and contributed the following concerning the German and German horse breeder. If it is nearly correct, it would appear their racehorses are in the same class as their fighters:- ‘Prior to the war I came into contact with a number of German sportsmen when they visited France. The German Government invested vast sums in the purchase of thoroughbred stallions and mares, and German owners of racehorses spared no expense in the upkeep of their stables, giving princely retainers to English and Australian jockeys; but in the past Germany never produced a really great performer on the turf, and I do not. think there will ever be one. The Germans will be obliged to continue the practice of making purchases of thoroughbreds in Great Britain and in France. Racehorses in Germany do not seem to succeed as they do in the western part of Europe. Austria, however, has some good horses. I know of many excellent Sportsmen in Austria and Hungary, and the people of those countries are really fond of horses.

TURF MONTHLY 22

Eusubius winning the Derby

A POOR LOT.— It. is unfortunate that these splendid French missioners were not present to see the Sydney Derby run, and rather an impression of a good threeyear-old —the best in Australia— to wit, Gloaming. Doubtless their estimate of our three-year-olds after seeing the Victorian Derby on Saturday is a very poor one. The race. was not one of stamina, and was a mere scramble over half a mile or so. It is unfortunate also that the contestants were such a very bad lot; but we are likely to have very bad lots in the Derbies to come unless leading owners take a pull at themselves and reserve their best youngsters till the autumn. M. Corbiere was surprised when he was told the number of races Desert Gold had started in, and was very shocked to learn that half of the Victorian Derby field had only just turned three years old instead of being three years and three months old. I am rejoiced to think that such a competent authority as he so thoroughly agrees with me in the stand I have always taken against racing big, strapping two -year -olds in the spring. After all, the French system of racing two-year-olds is the best. Their advent is postponed till the summer, and then only small races are put on, to discourage high-class youngsters starting.

FlNMARK BEATEN.— When betting opened on the Derby a. few bookmakers took 7 to 4 and backed the field against Finmark, who, local commentators declared, had improved out of all knowledge since his arrival at Mornington, though his appearance was about the same as at Randwick. Of course, he would need to have been well in advance of Sydney form to warrant laying odds-on him, but the heads did so, and bet with greater vigour than usual. Finmark was ridden by the crack jockey, McLachlan, whose orders were emphatic that he was to remain behind the leaders to the straight, and was not to make his run until fairly in a line for home.

He obeyed these to the letter. Outside Finmark, Outlook, and Eusebius, nothing was backed, nor was there any reason why they should start in a Derby. Consensus of opinion on this side was that any one of the three would be lucky to win a welter handicap. Curiously, most Victorians I know were equally positive that Eusebius was not worth, a rap, and if Finmark was half a horse he would surely defeat Outlook, who wants everything his own way, as do most horses that have been raced to the bitter end as two-year-olds.

TURF MONTHLY 23

EUSEBIUS FIRST.— One of the commoners, Democracy, set the pace, and though beaten out of a place at the finish was not very far away from the winner. Democracy is a cleverly built colt, by White Star, and is owned by Mr. Phillip Russell. He led to the abattoirs at a half-pace gait, then Bob Lewis moved Outlook in front, and at the bend made a wild dash for home, with Eusebius at his heels, and Finmark next a couple of lengths off. Outlook led up the straight, but in the last few strides Eusebius reached him, and beat him a head, with Finmark half a length away, and about three-parts of a length in front of Democracy, who just beat Clever Jim, the other runner, Drummore, finishing at the tail of the hunt. Of course, everybody blamed Finmark’s jockey, little dreaming that he had obeyed orders to the letter, and everybody also said that Finmark would have won easily had it been a truly run race. They did not compliment the owner and trainer with knowing the strength of the colt and the best way to ride him. The fact is that Finmark is a speedy horse, and they expected him to cut down the opposition with his pace if he was not overtaxed in the early stages of the race, but, after all, is he better than Eusebius? Here they declare that King Offa is a champion. If so, Eusebius cannot be very bad, as he was third to him and another proved champion, Wo’aroi, in the Caulfield Cup, and he came from meeting bad luck, and was finishing fast. Finmark certainly ran second in the Sydney Derby, which Gloaming won in a canter. In it he beat only horses of his own age, while Eusebius, who won the Caulfleld Guineas, did his mile and a half gallop in mixed company.

WINNER’S BREEDING LINES.— Eusebius was bred by Mr William Thompson at Yarraman, a few miles from Scone. His dam, Lager, is a very fine mare, and was a handsome yearling, whom the late Mr. W. E. White, of Belltrees, would have bought at the age but for a lying rumour which was wafted around for the express purpose of affecting the sale of the Thompson stock. Messrs. John and William Thompson had been partners for years, but they dissolved, and divided their brood mares. The yearlings were to be auctioned, each brother having the right to buy on the same terms as the public, and Mr. William Thompson told certain of his friends that unless they fetched very high prices he would buy Desert Gold and Lager for himself to use in his stud when they had finished racing. Several big buyers would not make an offer when these fillies came into the ring, and William Thompson got both. He leased Desert Gold to Colonel Richards, and she won about £6000 in stakes, and Lager was leased to Hannan, who won some fine stakes with her.

Eusebius was a charming yearling, and was purchased at Randwick by the Caulfield trainer Charles Wheeler for his patrons, Messrs. M. Wenke and K. Pierce, and he has now won over £5000 in stakes. The colt’s lines of breeding are: — By Eudorus (5) from Lager (1), by Maltster from Egale, by Goldsbrough (13). Therefore he is very nearly related to Brattle, Grist, Even Time (St. Leger winner), Popinjay, and others, and he is a descendant of Fair Duchess, an English mare, by Blair Athol, whose descendants had always been more notable for speed than stamina.

TURF MONTHLY 24

WHEATEAR

THE FIRST CAULFIELD GUINEAS WINNER

W

heatear was the winner of the very first Caulfield Guineas, a race that has established itself as one of the features of the Spring Carnival in Victoria. Not only does Wheatear hold that distinction, but he was also the first Queensland bred horse to win the AJC Derby. Unlike the thoroughbred industry that had developed in NSW and Victoria in the early days of colonisation, the industry in Queensland did not get its start until the 1840’s when large leases of pastoral land were opened on the Darling Downs. It was 1860 before the Northern Australia Jockey Club was formed at the Grange in Ipswich, and in 1861 the club hosted the Australian Champion Stakes won by Zoe owned by John Tait. In historical terms, this predates the formation of the Queensland Turf Club which wasn’t established until August 1863. The Grange was synonymous with Joshua Peter Bell who had come to the Darling Downs as a 21yo to manage the property, Jimbour, near Dalby that had been purchased by his father. In 1862 Bell was to be elected to Parliament as the member for West Moreton. From 1974-76, Joshua spent £30,000 building an ornate two-storied mansion of sandstone and cedar at Jimbour, a building which stands to this day. He was prominent in establishing racing in the new colony, and even acted as starter for the North Australin Jockey Club. Bell also established the Grange Stud on the outskirts of Ipswich and set about establishing a major breeding enterprise. It was said that there were fewer than a dozen thoroughbred mares in Queensland when Bell commenced, but he soon purchased high quality stallions and mares for the property. One of his purchases was the mare Wheatsheaf, a daughter of the 1860 English Derby winner Thormanby, who he bought from Norman D’Arcy. D’Arcy had imported the mare from England as a filly and raced her locally without success. She was mated with one of Bell’s best stallions in Epigram who had originally stood at Andrew Town’s Hobartville Stud in NSW. Epigram was well bred but had leg issues resulting in him being ejected from the ring at the RNA in Brisbane. Nonetheless, Epigram despite his failings was to prove a quality stallion, and when mated with Wheatsheaf produced Wheatear who was foaled in 1878. Wheatsheaf was no doubt an outstanding broodmare producing four other stakes winners including a full brother to Wheatear in Waterloo who won the 1880 Queensland Derby.

Her other stakes winners were Warhawk by Lord of the Hills who won the 1880 Brisbane Handicap, Wheatmeat by Melbourne who won the 1883 Queensland Derby and Queensland Cup, and Whisker by Laureate who won the 1878 Queensland Derby.

TURF MONTHLY 25

W

heatear was one of four horses that Bell had sent to Sydney that were trained

by Harry Walsh out of the Coach and Horses Hotel at Randwick for the 1881 AJC Autumn meeting. The others were Canary, Legerdemain and Emulation. First up Wheatear finished fourth in the Champagne Stakes behind Spinningdale, beaten less than a length. On the second day of the carnival, he won the Autumn Maiden Stakes over 10 furlongs and two days later was beaten a neck by Somerset in the Substitute Stakes. Wheatear won the Nursery Handicap over six furlongs on the final day of the meeting, with Bell also winning the Rous Handicap with Canary.

Bell announced that he was selling his team at the end of the meeting, Billy Yeomans who had ridden the colt in his last win was impressed with Wheatear and he urged Tom Lamond to purchase him. Lamond had to spend 1050 guineas on behalf of Captain Osborne to secure the horse. Wheatear had suffered from shin-soreness during the Autumn and Lamond gave the colt a light blistering before sending him to the paddock. The trainer was noted for giving his charges plenty of work, and Wheatear was presented for the AJC Derby first up from his break, and did not have any concerns from a fitness aspect. Only five NSW horses lined up for the Derby with the James White owned Monmouth, a full brother to Chester, the favourite ahead of Wheatear. The race was run at a leisurely tempo, with Monmouth pulling harshly until he was allowed to go to the lead at the mile. He quickened the pace, and looked to be travelling well but was no match for Sardonyx and Wheatear who made their challenges in the straight, with Wheatear going on to win comfortably in a slow time. Word of the colt’s victory soon reached Queensland where the fledgling breeding industry rejoiced.

Joshua Thomas Bell TURF MONTHLY 26

D

espite not being nominated for the Victorian Derby, Wheatear accompanied Lamond’s team for the Spring. He won the Caulfield Guineas beating Royal Maid from the legendary St Albans stud who was to win the VRC Oaks a couple of weeks later. At his next start at the Flemington Carnival, Wheatear caused an upset by beating the odds-on Wellington in the Melbourne Stakes. Later that day the Victora Derby was won by Darebin who beat Lurline. Darebin interestingly was later to stand at the Grange Stud in Queensland for a time. The Derby was run at a solid pace and neither Sardonyx nor Monmouth could run a place raising further questions about the genuine staying ability of Wheatear. This led to him going to the post for the Melbourne Cup at 25/1 in the field of 33 runners. The Cup was spoiled when a dog got on the track causing Wheatear and Suwarrow to fall.

The race was won the 100/1 outsider Zulu who was also trained by Tom Lamond who had previously been responsible for preparing the great Archer on behalf of Etienne de Mestre for his two Cup wins. The question of Wheatear’s stamina was not resolved in the Champion Stakes in the Summer at Flemington when the colt missed a place. There were excuses for his performance as he had been injured on the train from Albury leading up to the race. Returning to Sydney, Wheatear was to have his last campaign in the Autumn. He beat Somerset and Monmouth in the AJC St Leger to become only the second horse to win the Derby/St Leger double after Kingsborough. He then finished towards the rear in the two mile Sydney Cup but bounced back on the third day of the carnival by winning the All Aged Stakes before tiring in the two mile Cumberland Stakes on the same day. The exertions had proved too much for him as he was also unplaced in the Rous Handicap on the final day of the carnival. Tragically while in training for the following Spring, he was having a track gallop with stablemate Sir Oliver, another son of Epigram, who veered off passing the entrance to the saddling enclosure, pushing Wheatear through the running rail. The horse broke his shoulder, and while all attempts were made to save the galloper, including having him in a sling for over a month, Wheatear succumbed to his injuries

Tom Lomond the trainer of Wheatear

TURF MONTHLY 27

THE FIRST CAULFIELD GUINEAS IN 1881

Leader (Melbourne, Vic.: 1862 - 1918, 1935), Saturday 22 October 1881, page 10 THE CAULFIELD RACES

by Beacon.

On Thursday and Saturday last the Victoria Amateur Turf Club held their first twoday meeting on their grounds at Caulfield, and, notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the weather, a great success was scored, The rain which descended on the day previous to the first day's races, and during the night, had a most deterring effect; and as the morning broke dull and heavily, with a suspicions and unsettled look, a vast number of persons who had intended being present decided to relinquish their intention until the second day. Had the stewards thought proper they might have postponed the meeting from day to day, but they were desirous of keeping faith with the public and the owners of the horses entered, therefore, notwithstanding the financial loss, which was staring them in the face, they decided to commence the meeting. There is no doubt that this was a plucky and courageous proceeding on the part of the club, and to their infinite credit, for had they chosen to do so there was ample reason to have seconded their action. Fortunately the Caulfield racecourse is all made ground, of a porous nature, through which the water percolates readily and easily, so that the surface soon dries and assumes its ordinary firmness. Knowing this, the stewards were well aware of their power to hold the races, and that the only real disadvantage to the meeting would be the absence of many intending visitors.

Had the club been depending upon a one day meeting it would have sustained a loss of some two or three hundred pounds. The second day, however, saved the club from a loss, and placed a handsome balance to its credit. This is the first substantial balance the club has been able to boast of, and it goes to show how far the public are willing to support really good programmes, which are always certain to attract good horses and result in satisfactory racing. Henceforward the V. A.T.C. October meeting may be looked upon as an accomplished fact. It will be annually found in the list of races to come, and the three great prizes of the meeting will continue to be the Foal Stakes, the Caulfield Guineas Stakes, and the Caulfield Cup. That the

TURF MONTHLY 29

club is not perfect in all its arrangements is a fact willingly conceded. The patience of the visiting public in this respect is asked. The wants that exist are well known to the committee, and will be as anxiously pushed forward by the secretary as funds permit. Rome was not built in a day, is a common remark, and Caulfield must be perfected by degrees. Amongst the improvements in contemplation may be mentioned a ladies' room, luncheon room, stewards' room, jockeys' room and hospital, and a permanent booth on the flat, with stand over it to accommodate some five hundred persons at a reduced charge. The scratching board will also receive attention, the present one being too small, and other things will follow in quick succession as time and circumstances will permit. His Excellency the Governor did not honor the course with his presence on the first day, being otherwise engaged, but came on the second together with his suite, remaining up to the last race. His Excellency was kind enough to say he had enjoyed himself immensely, and always felt a pleasure in visiting the Caulfield races. There were a great many visitors from Sydney, all of whom declared themselves perfectly charmed with the place and all its surroundings. They stated the determination of entering freely in the future for the classic prizes of the spring meetings and the few present from South Australia promised an increased support in time to come. Tho magnificent programme just decided has, therefore, won its way to the hearts of the people, pleased the owners of racehorses, and raised the club to a position second only to the V.R.C., which is all that can be desired; and, as time wears on, so will the Foal Stakes, Guineas and Caulfield Cup be found to lend additional interest to the Maribyrnong Plate, Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup; and although the numbers at the V.R.C. Spring Meeting may know no increase, there is no doubt that the running at Caulfield will give the public a zest for these races, for they now have had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with a portion of the horses to run there, and have gained an insight into the various stables which they never possessed before. Henceforward Caulfield will bear the same relation to Flemington that Hawkesbury does to Randwick, Newmarket to Epsom; and I am quite certain that none can he found to argue that the 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket ever lessened the interest in the Epsom Derby; on the contrary, it serves to whet the appetite for the race for the blue ribbon. Who can say to what Caulfield and Flemington may yet rise? In years to come the former may come to have an actual 2000 Guineas Stake and the Flemington Derby may rise to a value approaching £5000. One of the most recent improvements to the course may be mentioned, the extension of the telegraph wires to the saddling paddock, which proved a great convenience, and nothing tended to show the necessity of the extension than the free use made of them. Indeed they

TURF MONTHLY 30

were in full demand on the first day that it was considered necessary to put on an extra wire and send out another instrument for the second day, the staff also being materially increased. Previously the wires extended simply to the Caulfield railway station, which was too far away to be available. Hence arose the impression that because it was not made use of that it was not wanted. It never occurred to those who were supposed to understand those things that the distance was the fault. Our visitors used it incessantly, thus friends at a distance in the other colonies were kept primed with all the circumstances of the day, as they occurred. The total number present on the first day is set down at 3000.

Of the racing it is not too much to say that it was of the highest quality. The fields were large and the racing very closely contested, with bunches of horses running close together to the winning post itself. The day commenced with the Selling Race, for which only five came to the post. The name of Sea King was wanting, so, as I had prophesied, Bruno was the victor. He afterwards realised 75 guineas, and as he was entered to be sold for the modest sum of 10 sovs, the club benefited to the extent of £68 15s., a most acceptable souvenir to the club on a losing day, and making some amends for the loss sustained by the weather. For the Hurdle Race seven horses camo to the post, my selections being Dhurringhile, Glenrowan, Black Prince and Van Tromp; the latter was reserved for the second day, and Glenrowan was nor himself. Dhurringhile and Black Prince finishing first and second. The weight held Handy Andy, although he ran very fairly. No horse perhaps has improved more that Dhurriughile, who has thickened into a grand horse, and he has become a master of considerably more weight than he could ever carry before. Black Prince was in company a little beyond his class, and Albyn was never prominent. Next came the Foal Stakes with eighteen runners, and a magnificent sight they presented as they ran in one compact body to the turn home. Here victory asserted itself for Mr. Pearson's fine colt Frying Pan, by Bethnal Green from Saucepan, who won by a length, the Adelaide filly Satanella obtaining second place, while Creme de Bouzy and Sylvanus were next together, followed by Saionara, Scipio, Allandur and Gorton. Satanella is also by Bethnal Green from Beeswing and is therefore own sister to Bolton Green, who has been selected by that excellent judge Mr. A. K. Finlay to serve at Glenormiston this season. In the double third we have a son of Irish King and one of Robinson Crusoe's, and had the latter obtained a better start he would probably have been nearer at the finish. Saionara, who is an own brother to Spinningdale, appeared to me to have a washy look, and to be growing, therefore we must leave him to mature, which time will affect, but not before the Maribyrnong Plate is decided.

The first Caulfield Guineas brought nine horses to the post. There was the A.J.C.

TURF MONTHLY 31

Derby winner; Wheatear, trained by T. Lamond, of Sydney; Royal Maid, from the St. Albans stable; Topaz from Adelaide; Kohinoor; whose education was undertaken by Howie, of Ballarat; Santa Claus, from Heywood's stable at Caulfield; and four others, and the finish resulted as I had predicted, Wheatear winning, with Royal Maid second and Topaz third. Many think that had the distance been extended another quarter of a mile the son of Epigram and Wheatsheaf would have compounded and given place to the little daughter of Maid of All Work, which is possible, but I do not think their places would be reversed over a mile. To Queensland, then, has the honor of winning the first Caulfield Guineas been assigned. Two only started for the Corinthian Flat Race, which was won by Robbie Burns, ridden by the master of the Ballarat hounds, Mr. A. S. Chirnside, his opponent being that well known gentleman rider Mr. T. O. Inglis, whose mount was not too encouraging, even for so good a horseman, although he was made the favorite. No less than 23 horses came forth to do battle for the Toorak Handicap, Tourmaline being made the favorite, with Belladrum next in demand. The race was, however, won by Josephine, a grey filly by Kelpie from Alpha, who won cleverly, with Belladrum second, Hilarious third, and Master Avenel fourth. This was a splendid race, although won rather easily at the last. Belladrum ran nearer up to his old form than he has done for a long time past, but could not win. Hilarious, the New Zealand horse, was beaten in the straight, and Dougalston was a great disappointment to his stable; and to me Tourmaline, Billilla and Brian Boru were a disappointment. This finished a brilliant day's racing.

If the club experienced a reverse of the first day through the inclemency of the weather, it was highly favored on the second, for more thoroughly agreeable weather could not have been desired. It was one of those clear days peculiar to our spring, the atmosphere having been cooled and clarified by the rains which had immediately preceded it. It was healthy and invigorating, especially adapted to outdoor sports, and the people, as if eager to make up for the disappointment they experienced on the Thursday, came forth in good round numbers. It was fairly estimated that there were 7000 persons on or about the course. The stand was crowded, and the high ground surrounding this eminence thronged. When divided, there seemed to be no vacant spot in the saddling paddock. Indeed, such a muster never before was seen before on the Caulfield racecourse. The mention of thousands seems to imply riches for the club. Such, however, is not the case. The honorary stall on such occasions is naturally large, and many ladies had, of course, received invitations. Then, again, the number embraces those outside the paddock, which, to the shame of many it may be said, that they never paid at all for admission, but took advantage of those moments when excitement was at its height to scale the fence and thus avoid the payment of the mite they were asked to contribute to the sports. Had the charge been excessive, and out of their power to comply with, such a course might have been expected. But it was otherwise, the charge being limited to 1s. only, which was thought to be too low to offer any inducement to escape from. To avoid this in the future other steps should he resorted to. As far as they have proceeded the arrangements are excellent, but there are other things yet to be done to make the

TURF MONTHLY 32

place perfect, and if they were discovered to be wanting it is no fault of the club that their meetings have never before been sufficiently profitable to warrant their being undertaken. In due time, no doubt, these additions will have been made, and there will he little to complain of, while to attempt them all at once would be to entail a heavy outlay. So we must be lenient in our criticism on this head. There is one thing applies to all places of amusement alike, and to which I wish to call the attention of the management, and that is the nuisance of children in the stand. On Saturday last, in one portion of the stand, there were an ill-conditioned lot of children running about over the seats, munching bread and butter, or eating oranges the best part of the time they were there, to the annoyance of the ladies, who tried in vain to escape from them. The remedy is in the hands of the club, and I hope they will use it, and charge for their admission as if they were adults, while children in arms should not be allowed there at any price. The peace and pleasure of the grown up portion of the visitors should not be subjected to the annoyance of a parcel of unruly cubs who think that the stand is a sheltered playground set apart for their sole delectation.

From the remarks made in the paddock there seemed to be one general feeling of satisfaction. Everybody spoke in the highest terms of the pleasure they had realised, and the excellence of the arrangements for their comfort. There were three booths to supply the wants of the inner man, and one large luncheon tent, supplied by Mr. Straker, of West Melbourne, who may be complimented for the excellent and elegant lunch he placed on the table. Indeed, so unusual is it to find a satisfactory racecourse lunch that the high character of the repast was very generally remarked upon. And this is a matter of some moment, when the keen and exhilarating air of Caulfield, and its effects on the appetite, are taken into consideration.

That the races were not concluded as early as some could have wished was owing, I am informed, to the inability on the part of the Government to run the trains at other than the times they selected. In place of the trains being made subservient to the time of the races, it was the reverse, and the races had to be adapted to the trains.

Such are the inconveniences attending a single line of rails, which however, will never again occur, as by the next meeting, on Boxing Day, the double line will be in full work. His Excellency the Governor was present, together with Lord Hervey Phipps, &c., and the sports were much appreciated by his Excellency. The course was in excellent order, but rather sodden, and made decidedly slow by the recent rains. It is, however, always sound, and what may be termed fair going, although, like all soil, it is in some measure influenced by the elements.

On the second day there were six races on the list, the proceedings opening with a second Hurdle Race in place of a Selling Race, as on the first day. Nine horses saddled up for this event, Van Tromp, who has long been looked upon as a coming horse, being made the favorite, and he won easily, although had Marie run a straight and honest race there is no doubt he would have suffered an easy defeat. Zanga gained the second place, and Sportsman third. Of the others Hieroglyph and Eros will see a better day. Pathfinder unfortunately fell and injured his spine so severely that he had to be destroyed. There was a very good field for the Nursery Handicap,

TURF MONTHLY 33

Tangle and Sir Oliver being made the favorites, but the daughter of Hawthornden and Sunshine, and the son of Epigram and Olive had to give way to an outsider in Nadgee, by Bethnal Green from Mambourine who defeated the pair cleverly, and, to, add to the chagrin of the defeat, it was brought about by an outsider, ridden by an aboriginal. Nadgee is nevertheless well bred enough to achieve anything, as her dam is by Ladykirk from Lady Elizabeth, by De Ruyter, her dam by Birdcatcher, granddam Retrospect, by Cetus or Rowton out of Pastime, by Partisan. Mambourine may also be known as the dam of Belladrum. Saionara was again without a place.

So it does not look as though the winner of the Maribyrnong Plate was destined to spring from this lot. Seldom do wo find all the horses on the card starting for an important prize. There are nearly always some deserters at the last moment. This race was an exception to the rule, there being seventeen on the card and all coming to the post. This was a fine betting race for the ring, as so many horses were backed and so many favorites made. Woodlands, Respite, Sardonyx, Canary and Trump Yoss had all, within a short space of time, been made first favorites, while Pirate, Gipsy Cooper, Santa Claus, Gonzago, Josephine and Primrose were all more or less supported. At the post, Woodlands, Respite and Sardonyx were perhaps the immediate favorites, Master Avenel only meeting with moderate support, although his stable became very confident just prior to the start, several knowing ones backing him to win, but not largely. It was perhaps one of the grandest races ever seen, the lot keeping together in remarkably close order. Up to the last stride the race was in doubt, although at that period the race lay between three horses only, Pirate, Master Avenel and Woodlands, with Gipsy Cooper, Respite and Sardonyx in very close proximity. Between the three mentioned, it was a tremendous race, and most difficult to decide; so much so that on all sides might be heard the names of each of the three horses shouted out as the possible winner. Some thought Pirate had won, others Woodlands, while many were equally assured that Master Avenel had won, which, was the judge's fiat, with Pirate second. That no third was placed, though to be regretted, is by no means an uncommon proceeding, and where the finish is so close as to rivet the entire attention of the judge, it is neither to be wondered at or expected. The fact may be deplored, but there is nothing to warrant the unkind and unthinking things that are said on such occasions. Indeed, in order that the judge's attention should not be abstracted from the first horse, it is a common practice to have a second person to decide the third place. The first position is the all-important fact to be solved. Every judge is no doubt eager and anxious to place three horses, and would do so if he could, but there are times when even wishes cannot be complied with. In five and thirty years I have not seen a race more difficult to judge. The quick and practised eye of Judge Clarke at Newmarket would have been puzzled.

And as to receiving everybody's opinion on the point of what won, why the thing is absurd. There is only one place on a racecourse that possesses all the advantages for determining a race, and that is in the judge's box. And there is nothing to lead one to suppose that any but the horse returned won the race. Such differences of opinion will always exist, and they are constantly reaching my ears, although seldom with any reason or foundation. By the way, the great double, Caulfield Guineas and

TURF MONTHLY 34

Caulfield Cup, went to the foreigners, the former to Queensland and the latter to Sydney. The Foal Stakes, however, remain in Victoria. Never was there a race that created more enjoyment than that for the Findon Harriers' Gold Cup, twenty-one started, all riding with pluck and determination. The enormous field, as may be expected, became more or less distributed. One balker could cause many refusals, as was the ease at the stand, and many were put out of the race by some accidental, circumstance common in large fields. Rarely have I enjoyed a race more, and, in this respect, I am not singular. That it should terminate in a dead heat was of itself a strange circumstance, and the manner of the termination in the runoff was equally unexpected. Fickle would probably have been returned the winner but for the fact of his bungling over the wall and shifting his rider on to his neck, thereby causing his spurs to tickle his flanks, which made him buck, a circumstance no rider would be prepared for in a race, and this left an easy victory for Syphon. The win, however, was a popular one, Mr. W. Martin being a thorough sportsman and always priding himself on having a good jumper. The termination of the open Steeplechase was rather unexpected, few believing in First Love. She is in the same stable as Gazello.

Twilight seems to be quite done, the heavy weights she is called upon to carry killing the little mare. A splendid race for the Windsor Handicap was won by Napper Tandy, who was not backed, with Pirate again second. All through the meeting the fields wero large and the races well contested. This concluded one of the best and most interesting meetings ever held in the colony.

How far we have come - some of the best Caulfield Guineas

TURF MONTHLY 35