Classic Australian Racehorses

Black Caviar wins the TJ Smith Stakes and now No 16 straight

2011-09-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

Australians are calling him the best in the world, 2012 will be the decider for this unbeaten

Thoroughbred,
Popularity of a horse has not been seen for decades like this horse. Record crowds, and a television special usually left to societies heroes is making this horse something yet to be unleashed upon the world.

The best in Australia has been beaten and only the world awaits further for this winner of 13 races and yet to be beaten.

Win Number 14

Note......... Win no 14 equaling the record held by Phar lap occurred 8th October 2011 in the Schillaci stake over 1000m at Caufield.

Win 13 of 13 BTC Cup 2011

Win No 15 Moonee Valley

THE Black Caviar show kept rolling at Moonee Valley today when the champion mare cruised to her 15th consecutive win.

Although she had just three rivals in the Group Two Schweppes Stakes (1200m) and started at $1.03, trainer Peter Moody admitted to a few pre-race nerves.

Win No 16 Flemington

Flemington 04 November 2011

he world's greatest sprinting thoroughbred did it again at Flemington on Saturday, winning her 16th race from as many starts in much the same way as the previous 15.

She jogged up.

The 2-3/4-length margin she held over runner-up Buffering was modest. She could have won by 10.

Similarly, the time for the 1200m of the Group One Patinack Farm Classic wasn't so special.

But it easily could have been.

Her jockey Luke Nolen earned $60,000 for the 68.32 seconds it took he and Black Caviar to come down the Flemington straight.

http://media.smh.com.au/sport/sports-hq/black-caviar-wins-16-in-a-row-2753872.html

Classic US Race Horse Sea Biscuit

2011-07-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

As an Australian and following classic Australian racehorses the name Sea biscuit come to mind in the USA. Just like our own Phar Lap was this horse embraced by the public. This horse just like ours inspired a nation of people and even today will bring inspiration to many born long after the event. So from Our Phar lap to your Sea biscuit, here is a classic encounter.

Vo Rouge and Vic Rail

2011-01-04T03:25:00.000-08:00

Retired in 1990 Vo Rogue was the closest thing to the Phar Lap legend in that generation.
83 start and 29 wins, Blamey stakes, Australian Cup and CF Orr stakes just as a sample.
Here is a horse who had the smallest race shoes that were within the rules. Here is a horse that was absolutely hopeless in the wet in fact Vic scratched him from a cox plate because of the rain, here is a horse that beat the great Super Impose.
We look back at Vic and see a passionate horse trainer with a love for the sport, the crowds and his animals.

The story of Vo is unique and will always be in the racing history book in Australia.
The interview below was recorded when Vic rode Vo rogue just before the great eastern Steeplechase in 1991 in a exhibition gallop. Vo was retired the year before.
Who would have believed that Vic would succumb to the Hendra Virus on September 27 1994.

This is what Brandan O'Malley from the Courier mail reported:
On the day The Courier-Mail broke the story - September 23, 1994 - spacesuit-clad government workers moved into the quiet Hendra street where Rail's stables were.

"Soon the Brisbane suburb became an abattoir as Department of Primary Industries vets conducted autopsies on Rail's horses while, one by one, they continued to die.

Then, on September 27, the man who trained $3 million stakeswinner Vo Rogue lost his battle to live and his life-support system was turned off."

Goodbye Vic You are a champion..

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Crisp Just beaten By the great Red Rum "1973" Grand National

2010-12-06T03:57:00.000-08:00

Crisp the Australian bridsmaid in 1973.
A notable Australian carrying 12 stone against a horse 1 and half stome less. What a finish.

1970 Melbourne Cup - Baghdad Note

2010-12-06T03:54:00.000-08:00

The great grey, went on to a semi successful hurdle career

Best Jumpers in 1991

2010-11-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Harry D Young Hurdle at Australia's biggest picnic race meeting Oakbank had the best line up of jumpers in its time. It was a class field back when jumping was still class. In the line up Magi star, Historically, Budding Hacket, Bula Natasi and Cresent ray. The scene was set .
This was one Harry D young hurdles that could be run 5 time with the same field giving five different winners. The Favourite was Historically.

1992 Subzero wins Melbourne Cup

2010-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

This was the year of the New Zealand invaders. Hot in the money was Veandercross and Castletown two well performed horses that the media had a frenzy with leading up to the cup.
But nothing is better than seeing a grey win a major race. Ol Subby went on for 15 years as the clerk of the course horse and retired dignified not only for his great Melbourne cup win in 1992 but the charity work and appearances that this hose (and owners) are remembered for.

Lord of Oakbank and his jockey S Banks

2010-10-10T03:51:00.001-07:00

Jumps racing is close to my heart, and a horse close to my heart was the Ballarat , Robert Smerdon trained Lord of Oakbank.
This horse like other great jumpers fascinated me. Horses like Pariah, Faux pas, the great river Amos, Hipflask, Early morning, Vinchiamo to name some. (some there you would not of even known.
I followed this horse religiously for two years and it seemed that it at all times would give its all. Maybe it was just mad, he appeared a touch and go style jumper, it was like being on a wing and prayer each time he jumped. He won many and fell a couple of times. Sadly the Grand National was one time and this race he should have won.
Lord of Oakbank, any history would be appreciated.
Some years ago this story appeared about his jockey its a good story and a good read:
The name rang a bell when Steve Banks rode at the Forbes camel races last Friday.
Yes, it was the same Steven Banks who had been a prominent steeplechase and hurdles jockey in Adelaide and Melbourne.
Now aged 40, Banks retired as a jumps jockey in 1996 and more recently has been following the camel racing circuit with leading trainer Kym Healy from McClaren Flat, South Australia.
Healy and Banks have also formed a highly successful combination in horseracing, dominating at picnic meetings in the South Australian country areas.
"I actually started my career in flat racing when apprenticed to `Bluey' McIntosh at Murray Bridge and won six races on Court Sabre, a really outstanding galloper,'' Steven Banks explained.
The last 12 months of his apprenticeship was spent with Ron Maund at Ballarat, Victoria.
After riding 20 winners on the flat Banks became too heavy and switched to the jumps.
A highlight was winning the prestigious Crisp steeplechase at Flemington on Lord Of Oakbank.
Overall, Banks won about 40 races over the steeples and hurdles including two at Sandown and two at Flemington.
"Lord of Oakbank was a great jumper and my biggest disappointment was not winning the Grand National,'' Banks said.
"Inside the final 1000 metres Lord of Oakbank was travelling easily and a clear two jumps ahead of the nearest rival but fell at the last of the treble,'' Banks recalled.
Banks also had a ride in Sydney when a hurdle event was briefly reinstated at Rosehill after decades of flat racing.
"My mount ran third but I was suspended for causing interference.
"The first jumps jockey to be suspended for 40 years in Sydney,'' he laughed.
On a more serious note Banks revealed the suspension cost him a trip to Ireland.
"I had been selected in the Australian team for the Irish challenge series,'' he explained.
The chance meeting with camel trainer Kym Healy occurred when both joined the latter stages of the `Year of the Outback' cattle drive from Birdsville (Qld) to Marree (SA).

Melbourne Cup "Last 20 Years"

2010-10-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

Last 20 years Melbourne Cup Results

Year Horse Jockey Trainer Sex Age Starters Number Barrier Weight
2009 Shocking C. Brown M. Kavanagh Horse 4yo 23 21 22 51
2008 Viewed B. Shinn J.B. Cummings Horse 5yo 22 10 8 53
2007 Efficent M. Rodd G. Rogerson Gelding 4yo 21 6 10 54.5
2006 Delta Blues Y. Iwata K. Sumii Horse 6yo 23 2 10 56
2005 Makybe Diva G. Boss L. Freedman Mare 7yo 24 1 14 58
2004 Makybe Diva G. Boss L. Freedman Mare 6yo 24 5 7 55.5
2003 Makybe Diva G. Boss D. Hall Mare 5yo 23 12 14 51
2002 Media Puzzle D. Oliver D. Weld Gelding 6yo 19 14 3 52.5
2001 Ethereal S. Seamer S. Laxon Mare 4yo 22 13 13 52
2000 Brew K. McEvoy M. Maroney Gelding 6yo 23 24 22 49
1999 Rogan Josh J. Marshall J.B. Cummings Gelding 7yo 24 17 21 50
1998 Jezabeel C. Munce B. Jenkins Mare 6yo 25 22 16 51
1997 Might And Power J. Cassidy J. Denham Gelding 4yo 22 3 2 56
1996 Saintly D. Beadman J.B. Cummings Gelding 4yo 22 5 3 55.5
1995 Doriemus D. Oliver L. Freedman Gelding 5yo 21 6 21 54.5
1994 Jeune Wayne Harris D. Hayes Horse 6yo 24 6 5 56.5
1993 Vintage Crop Michael Kinane D. Weld Gelding 7yo 24 6 5 55.5
1992 Subzero Greg Hall L. Freedman Horse 4yo 21 8 14 54.5
1991 Lets Elope S.R. King J.B. Cummings Mare 4yo 24 15 10 51
1990 Kingston Rule D. Beadman J.B. Cummings Horse 5yo 24 8 1 53

The $3250 Champion Dulcify

2010-09-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tragedy some times brings out the true thoughts, Dulcify did here is his story.
Remember this horse beat the great Manikato. Thanks for the video.This is a great 8 minutes

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Kingston Town Can't Win

2010-09-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

It was the 1982 WS cox plate and the commentators words ring out just like a weather forecaster saying it wont rain tomorrow.
Kingston town in a mighty effort showed what a champion he was.

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River Amos. Legend Steeplechaser

2010-08-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

When River died so did jumps racing, I was there that day 1990 when in one of the greatest spectacles of racing the Great eastern Steeplechase saw the loss of a great horse.

Maybe this horse was not going to be a Tulloch, Gunsynd but this horse had character, this horse had the admiration of all that watched him race.

He was small and not much on the flat but in the true sense and spirit of Phar lap could show a courage that was unusual in a animal.

The fall that day still bring tears to my eyes . On the final lap Curl of sucess on his outside and him fell together on the flat whilst turning out of the home straight for the final time. The stands were full and the sight of this horse starting to wind up left the crowd in awe . The screens went up and the rest is history sadly.River never rose to his feet, People wept that day and the memory of the two jockeys that had fallen in their distraught state is in my mind vividly.

Here is this horse great story lifted from The virtual Form guide, Thanks Jenny Barnes for the great story.

River Amos was one of the modern day heroes of jumps racing in Australia. Foaled in 1979 he was by Warpaint from Claim. His racing career started as a 3yo at Deniliquin with his best run in five starts being a third of four over 1000m on a heavy track. Over the next four years his fortune went downhill and he found himself at the Dandenong sales and on his way to becoming pet food. Trainer John Leek Jnr was at the sale looking for a horse to compete in mountain races and the way River Amos spun as he spooked at something drew attention. Bought for $490 River Amos went on to compete in those mountain races though not winning the pinnacle race - the annual 'Suicide Race' held in country Victoria - he never put a foot wrong in the rough terrain and soon had the nickname Famous Amos. John Leek Jnr then decided to train River Amos for a racetrack career and he returned to win a 1600m maiden at the Woolamai picnics in February 1987. After another placing at the picnics River Amos headed to town and a jumping career winning the Dakwood Hcp Hurdle at Pakenham in April. Given a spell River Amos then turned to steeplechasing where he was fifth at Moonee Valley before taking out the Camira Steeple at Yarra Glen in late September. After a summer spell River Amos returned to racing at the picnic meetings again winning at Woolamai. Back to steeplechasing River Amos won the Labour Day Steeple before returning to Flemington 12 days later for the Noble Law Steeplechase bolting in by 12 lengths in 3.39 seconds over course record time. The pony sized gelding then headed to Oakbank 9 days later. Jumping cleanly throughout River Amos sailed over the 27 fences to win by 16 lengths from Curdu with Cooa Prince third and ageing champ Zamenhof fourth.After a short break and two runs on the flat River Amos then won an Improvers Cup at Sale before heading for the big jumping races at Flemington. In the Crisp Steeple he ran second to Blondeau before heading to the Grand National Steeple. One of many to fall in the race, River Amos took a harmless tumble (his only fall over the jumps) and was remounted to finish seventh of the 14 runners as the race went to Derrydonnell from the evergreen Prince Lindal.
River Amos resumed in 1989 with two unplaced runs on the flat before winning at Moonee Valley then running fourth in the Listed Duke of Norfolk Stakes at Flemington. His first jumps start was in the Great Eastern Steeplechase at Oakbank where Brown Cast to whom he conceded 4 ½ kg was too good winning by seven lengths from River Amos with a further 20 lengths to Golden Sino third in a 16 horse field. After a second in a Pakenham hurdle River Amos headed to Warrnambool for the Grand Annual Steeple where he ran 6th to Dunroe and soon after went to the spelling paddock. River Amos resumed his jumping career in the Pine Hurdle where he was unplaced behind Wandering Duke, brilliant performer Sharp As and Andallah (who led the Grand National by a huge margin before sadly crashing at the second last fence). Next he conceded weight when running sixth to Curl Of Success with Believe in second place in the Noble Law Steeple. River Amos then headed back to Oakbank.
In the Great Eastern Steeplechase of 1990 River Amos was the crowd favourite and he didn't let them down freely striding in front on the second lap past the grandstands. Then tragedy struck Curl of Success joined him along the inside past the post heading into the final lap and on the flat Curl of Success slipped on the turn crashing into River Amos with both horses falling to the turf. Horror hit onlookers as both horses suffered shocking injuries with Curl of Success hobbling to the outside rail before being caught and River Amos unable to stand. As Commission Red raced to a hard fought victory over Wolveraction and Contract most attention of race fans was on the tragic fate of their hero in what is probably the saddest happening of the recent history of Oakbank. After the race the two distraught jockeys reportedly came to blows over the tragic accident. River Amos won 8 of his 40 starts (8 of 19 over jumps) often carrying huge weights for his small statue and preferred the dry tracks to rain affected.

Todman, Winner of the first Golden Slipper stakes

2010-08-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

Classic racehorse from Star Kingdom just a great line of breeding. Without this horse 2YO racing in Australia would have not reached the great heights it has. Here is what Ross Prowd Freelance racing writer had to say about this classic Australian Racehorse:

The Australian Hall Of Fame racehorse, Todman, started his career by setting an Australian record for five furlongs. He won the Golden Slipper by a commanding 8 lengths at the prohibitive odds of 6 to 1 on. His only defeat as a 2yo came at the hands of another Australian Champion, Tulloch, in the Sires' Produce Stakes a week after the Golden Slipper. Todman bounced back to win the final leg of the 2yo Triple Crown, the Champagne Stakes, beating Tulloch by six lengths.
Todman however went on to great success here twice winning the Champion 2yo Sires title and producing 30 stakes winners including two Golden Slipper winners in Sweet Embrace and Eskimo Prince. Two other sons, Blazing Saddles and Imposing went on not only to win stakes races, but also to long and successful stud careers. Among Todman's other stakes horses were multiple black type winners Crewman, New Gleam, Ricochet and Todwana.
Todman's lasting influence
In modern pedigrees, Todman is most likely to be found in horses like Rubiton, Fields of Omagh, Teranaba, Impaler, Lazer Sharp, Clang, Kinjite and Strategic among a host who owe at least in part their success to this enduring influence. To this day, Todman remains one of the most influential thoroughbreds, and most remarkable gallopers, ever produced in Australia.

A Great Clerk of course horse since 2008

2010-06-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Subzero a grey that won the hearts of a nation in 1992 retired as the clerk of course horse back in 2008. Proving there is life after racing for a great race horse:

One of Australia's most popular horses, Subzero, has been retired from raceday duties by clerk of the course Graham Salisbury but will continue in his capacity as a Racing Victoria ambassador.

Salisbury said the 1992 Melbourne Cup winner, a rising 20-year-old, worked his last race meeting at Moonee Valley earlier this month.

"They don't go forever. He's been doing this for 15 years and a hell of a lot of horses don't even live that long," Salisbury said.

"He's taught a lot of babies (two-year-olds) to be racehorses and helped a lot of horses to the barrier over the years."

Salisbury said Subzero also played a part in Choisir's win in the 2003 Group One Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

"Choisir got his head underneath the gates and busted out, but Subbie had the pace to pick him up," he said.

Trained by Lee Freedman and ridden by Greg Hall to win the 1992 Cup, Subzero appealed to Salisbury as a potential clerk of the course's horse right from his days as a yearling.

He was bred and bought to win a Golden Slipper but ended up as a gun stayer winning three Group One races including the 1992 South Australian Derby and Adelaide Cup as a three-year-old.

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Secretariat clip 1973

Japan Cup 1990 . Better Loosen Up

2010-04-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

David Hayes planned this to a tee. from a Cox Plate to one of the biggest races in the World. The Japan Cup.
Note Stylish Century great run.

BoneCrusher V Our Waverly Star. Cox Plate 1986

2010-04-06T04:36:00.000-07:00

Bone Crusher Versus Our Waverly star, Cox Plate 1986 a truly great race. BoneCrusher 4 wins in Australia.
The call from the great Bill Collins

Des Hoystead dies aged 86

2010-03-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Des Hoystead an icon of Australian racing passed away overnight.

Aged 86 Des has some famous calls in the 70.s , Gunsynds comeback, Imagele wins the AJC derby and of course Rose of Kingstons win and the famous "Go Rosie Go" comments.

If you are old enough to remember these times you will know Des Hoystead

What a career.

Gunsynd 1970's Super star

2010-03-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

The Goondiwindi grey, (Sunset Hue-Woody Wonder) with the great Kevin Langby in the saddle. The last race and a great effort by the great grey.
Trained by Tommy Smith

Alternative Horse transport

2010-03-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

Moving your horse does'nt mean big trucks. In Dubai the popular and readily available Mercedes Benz Sprinter has been converted for horse carrying.
Heres what they say:
"Horse Trucks International is specialized in building 2 horse trucks which may be controlled with a limited license

As our people equestrian sports and horses for many years carried on, and still carry, we think we build the ideal vehicle for horses and drivers or passengers.

Hence we are also proud of our new Mercedes Sprinter to propose to you with Al-Ko chassis (more on the site) called the Grand Prix Special.

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Phar lap win Agua Caliente Stakes 1932

2010-02-13T15:13:00.001-08:00

Exhibition of Phar Lap Canberra Australia

2010-02-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

Phar lap has been immortalize in Canberra Australia.

Today the interest is as wide spread as it was over 70 years ago.

Today the Melbourne Cup win of this great horse is one of Australia's most talked about sporting moments

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Phar lap Race record

2010-02-13T14:50:00.000-08:00

TOTAL: 51 starts - 37 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds, 9 unplaced

He ran last in his first race

- denoted unplaced

- RRC Nursery Hcp 5 1/2f 6.11 Exact 1st
- Hawkesbury Two Year Old Hcp 5f 7.3 Sheila 1st
- RRC Nursery Hcp 6f 6.7 My Talisman 1st
- AJC Easter Stakes 7f 7.6 Carradale 1st
Won RRC Maiden Juvenile Hcp 6f 7.9 Voleuse 2nd

1929-30 season as a three year old

- AJC Denham Court Hcp 6f 7.2 Killarney 1st
- RRC Three Year Old Hcp 7f 7.13 Firbolg / King Crow 1st
- RRC Three & Four Year Old Hcp 7f 7.6 Ticino 1st
- AJC Warwick Stakes (wfa) 8f 7.6 Limerick 1st
2nd Tatts Chelmsford Stakes (wfa) 9f 7.6 Mollison 1st
Won RRC Rosehill Guineas 9f 8.5 Lorason 2nd
Won AJC Derby 12f 8.10 Carradale 2nd
Won AJC Craven Plate (wfa) 10f 7.8 Mollison 2nd
Won VRC Derby 12f 8.10 Carradale 2nd
3rd VRC Melbourne Cup 2 m 7.6 Nightmarch 1st
3rd VATC St George Stakes (wfa) 9f 8.10 Amounis 1st
Won VRC St Leger Stakes 14f 8.10 Sir Ribble 2nd
Won VRC Governor's Plate (wfa) 12f 7.13 Lineage 2nd
Won VRC King's Plate (wfa) 2 m 7.11 Second Wind 2nd
Won AJC Chipping Norton Stakes (wfa) 10f 8.10 Amounis 2nd
Won AJC St Leger 14f 8.10 Sir Ribble 2nd
Won AJC Cumberland Stakes (wfa) 14f 8.1 Donald 2nd
Won AJC Plate (wfa) 2 1/4 m 7.13 Nightmarch 2nd
Won SAJC Elder Stakes (wfa) 9f 8.4 Fruition 2nd
Won SAJC King's Cup 12f 9.5 Nadean 2nd

1930-31 season as a four year old
Result

2nd AJC Warwick Stakes (wfa) 8f 8.11 Amounis 1st
Won Tatts Chelmsford Stakes (wfa) 9f 9.4 Nightmarch 2nd
Won RRC Hill Stakes (wfa) 8f 9.4 Nightmarch 2nd
Won AJC Spring Stakes (wfa) 12f 8.11 Nightmarch 2nd
Won AJC Craven Plate (wfa) 10f 8.11 Nightmarch 2nd
Won AJC Randwick Plate (wfa) 2 m 8.11 Donald 2nd
Won MVRC W.S. Cox Plate (wfa) 9 1/2f 8.11 Tregilla 2nd
Won VRC Melbourne Stakes (wfa) 10f 8.11 Tregilla 2nd
Won VRC Melbourne Cup 2 m 9.12 Second Wind 2nd
Won VRC Linlithgow Stakes (wfa) 8f 8.12 Mollison 2nd
Won VRC C.B. Fisher Plate (wfa) 12f 8.12 Second Wind 2nd
Won VATC St George Stakes (wfa) 9f 9.7 Induna 2nd
Won VATC Futurity Stakes (wfa) 7f 10.3 Mystic Peak 2nd
Won VRC Essendon Stakes (wfa) 10f 8.7 Lampra 2nd
Won VRC King's Plate (wfa) 12f 9.7 Glare 2nd
2nd VRC C.M. Lloyd Stakes (wfa) 8f 9.7 Waterline 1st

1931-32 season as a five year old

Won WRC Underwood Stakes (wfa) 8f 9.0 Rondalina 2nd
Won VATC Memsie Stakes (wfa) 9f 9.8 Rondalina 2nd
Won RRC Hill Stakes (wfa) 8f 9.0 Chide 2nd
Won AJC Spring Stakes (wfa) 12f 9.2 Chide 2nd
Won AJC Craven Plate (wfa) 10f 9.1 Pentheus 2nd
Won AJC Randwick Plate (wfa) 2 m 9.3 Chide 2nd
Won MVRC W.S. Cox Plate (wfa) 9 1/2f 9.4 Chatham 2nd
Won VRC Melbourne Stakes (wfa) 10f 9.1 Concentrate 2nd
8th VRC Melbourne Cup 2 m 10.10 White Nose 1st
Won Agua Caliente Hcp 10f 9.3 Reveille Boy 2nd

Phar Lap, A Australian Icon

2010-02-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

Australian Racing Legend

Throughout the years in racing folklore only one horse remains in the fore front of the Australian racing fraternity and that horse is Phar Lap. Born in New Zealand, sold in Australia this horse during the heady years of the 1930's demonstrated the true Australian spirit of endurance and survival. Most of all he showed that a ugly no good foal could be a world beater. Even the death of this great horse etched a memory into the mind of all associated with him and horse racing in Australia.
He took on the world and won only to die in mysterious circumstances in a far away place.
A true champion and a freak of nature unlike many before and after has remained in the minds of Australian as a great racehorse and a folklore hero.