Chapter XVI: The Gist of it all (4)

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.