RACING IN NEW SOUTH WALES
By FRANK WILKINSON (MARTINDALE)
By FRANK WILKINSON (MARTINDALE)
By FRANK WILKINSON (MARTINDALE)
The early history of racing in New South Wales is somewhat obscure owing to the extreme reticence of the State’s first journals.
The first newspaper published in New South Wales was the “Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser,” which made its appearance on March 5th, 1803. There was no competition, and thus the recognition of good news depended on the inclination of a single office staff.
The first sporting note published in the “Gazette” was relative to a cockfight which took place in the village of Parramatta in September, 1804. It was not until April 30, 1810, that any mention of racing was made. Six years later the “Gazette” of May 5th records a match at Parramatta on April 5th. Even in this first notice there are indications given of previous matches, and a considerable amount of fame attributed to some of the performers.
The report is interesting:—
The following express from a correspondent at Parramatta. We acknowledge its receipt by its insertion. The annals of this country have never been able to record suchoutrépastimes—such feats of humour and fun so congenial to the spirit and temper of Englishmen as this day has produced in the village of Parramatta. The sport commenced with a race between the celebrated horse Parramatta and the b.h. Belfast, which was won by the former. A trotting race succeeded, when the famous mare Miss Betty was victorious, going over the ground in a style scarcely to be surpassed by some of the first trotters in England. On these matches, bets to a considerable amount were pending.
When these animals had retired from the field, the old but not very humane or merciful custom of cockfighting was introduced, and a main of cocks was fought, the chances of which were for a long time precarious until at length death decided the victory, and the survivor was borne off triumphant. Then succeeded the motley mirth of footracing, wheelbarrow races, or rather stumbling, for the heroes who had charge of these wooden conveyances were blindfolded to give them a fairer chance of effecting by accident that which they had no visible means of doing. Jumping in sacks came next in order, and a venerable host gave the calculated complement of calico for a “chemise” to be run for by three vestals of the current order. This was a very warm contest, and was obstinately kept up as long as the fair competitors could keep themselves up. But this not being practicable nor altogether answerable to the wishes of the spectators, the sacks were soon disburthened of their fair contents and the prize awarded. The day’s proceedings finished up with the carrying of the good host on the shoulders of some spectators to his own door, when he “shouted” for his carriers with a copious libation of the best West Indian product.
THE FIRST RACE MEETING AT SYDNEY.
The officers of the 73rd Regiment, together with many of the better class of people in Governor Macquarie’s reign, were evidently keen on racing, for they announced in the “Gazette” that the Sydney races were to take place in October (1810) for three fifty-guinea plates. A track was prepared on what is now known as Hyde Park. Chatting with some of the old hands years ago I was told that the stand was placed close by what is now the junction of Market and Elizabeth Streets, the straight being along the latter thoroughfare from Park Street. The attendance was the largest ever collected in the colony. The winners were:—
The second Sydney race meeting occupied August 12th, 14th and 16th, 1811, on the Hyde Park track. On the first day the Subscription Plate of fifty guineas was won by Mr. Bent’s ch. g. Matchem, while Captain Ritchie’s Cheviot won the Two-year-old Sweepstakes. Here we have the interesting fact of thoroughbreds being produced, yet not a word as to their sires or dams. On the second day the Ladies’ Cup of fifty guineas was won by Colonel O’Connel’s Carlo and the presentation to the winner was made by Mrs. Macquarie. A pony race was won by Mrs. James Cox’s Fidget. On the third day the Magistrate’s Plate was won by Mr. William’s Strawberry.
Just a year elapsed before the third meeting took place. It extended over four days, August 17, 19, 21 and 22. On the opening day Colonel O’Connel’s black horse Carlo won the Subscription Purse of fifty guineas, and Mr. Williams’s rn. h. Strawberry took the Ladies’ Cup on the second day. Mr. Birch’s Cheviot won the Subscription Purse of fifty guineas on the third day. The sporting people also subscribed fifty guineas for a three-mile race, in which Mr. Kearns’ b. m. Creeping Jenny outdistanced her two opponents. On the fourth day a sweepstake of fifteen guineas for gentlemen riders was won by Mr. R. Campbell’s Tallboy, and a match for twenty guineas between Captain Cameron’s Miss Portly and Captain Crane’s Erin was won by the former.
The fourth race meeting was held on August 16, 18 and 19 (1813), when Little Pickles won a 50-guinea Plate; Carlo won the Ladies’ Cup and Plate; Purse, Mulberry.
It was not until May 31, 1819, that a race meeting was held, when a programme of three events was run off. A Silver Cup (two-mile heats) was won by Mr. Emmett’s Rob Roy, beating Commissary and five others. A Silver Bowl for three-year-olds went to Mr. Cribb’s Sly Boots, who beat Haphazard and three others. The third race was for a saddle and bridle, which were easily appropriated by Mr. R. Campbell’s Speedy.
In 1820 there was a race meeting which extended over two days. It was a poor affair. A Subscription Cup (three-mile heats) was run, in which Mr. Frank’s Rob Roy beat Mr. Fisher’s Pickles. On the second day Mr. Walker’s Haphazard won a Subscription Purse, and Mr. Campbell’s Speedy won a prize of £20, while Mulberry collected a Silver Bowl, Cover and Saddle.
There was a three-days’ meeting on August 14, 15 and 16, 1821, when the winning horses were Rob Roy, Captain Dandy, Deceit, Bray and Leadbeater.The event which created most interest was the Subscription Purse of 50 guineas, presented by the ladies of the colony for three-year-olds carrying 7 stone, two-mile heats. It was won by Mr. Walker’s blk. f. Miss Nettleton, after three heats, of which Mr. Cooker’s Random won the first.
The year 1822, and the two following years, are entirely bare of sporting news, and not until 1825 did turf affairs improve. During the month of March a new turf club was formed, with the Governor, Sir Thomas Brisbane, as patron. A race club was also instituted at Parramatta, and an impromptu meeting held on a new course four miles outside Sydney, on March 17. At first it was resolved to limit the members of the new turf club to sixty, but this was considered too exclusive. Sir John Jamieson was elected president, and the first race meeting was held at Hyde Park on April 25 and 26, 1825. At this meeting the afterwards celebrated Junius made a victorious appearance by securing first place in the Town Plates of 50 sovereigns (heats). He was owned by Mr. Nash, and for some time after was termed the champion horse of the colony. At this meeting he also secured the Magistrate’s Plate, and at the second meeting of the Sydney Turf Club, held on September 23, 24 and 25, Junius won two events. At this meeting we read of a Handicap Stakes of five guineas each, with ten guineas added, won by Mr. Nichol’s Captain, 7st. 2lb. This is the first mention of a handicap run on the Australian turf. There was also a six-furlong race for two-year-olds, won by Australian.
The new club at Parramatta held its opening meeting on October 7 and 8. There was a most fashionable attendance. Slender Billy, nominated by Mr. Nash, won the J.C. Plate in three heats; Mr. Bayley’s Traveller took the Ladies’ Purse, and also beat Slender Billy in a match for 20 sovereigns, following up by gaining the Town Plate in two heats. His Excellency the Governor presented a purse won by Mr. Yorrick’s Prince.
The Committee of the Sydney Turf Club were evidently determined to push the sport ahead. They had a fresh course laid out during 1826. The new track, about four miles from Sydney, lay on the Parramatta Road, between Gorse Farm and the farm belonging to Mr. Johnson, where the annual races took place on June 14 and 16 of that year. It is said that there were 2,000 people present when Junius won the Brisbane Cup (heats, twice round). Junius also won the Turf Club Plate. Other winners were Mr. Wentworth’s Don Giovanni, Colonel Dumaresque’s Alraschid, Mr. Bayley’s Nesta and Mr. Roberts’ Captain.
The second meeting on the new course took place on April 25 and 27, 1827, in unfavourable weather. Junius again won the Brisbane Cup, and Australia won a Sweepstakes (mile heats). On the second day Junius walked over for the Town Plate, when Mr. Nash, his owner, gave the prize for a second competition. It was won by a horse owned by a Mr. Brown, of Windsor. Australia also won the second Subscription Race.
The other notable event of this year—1827—was the first race meeting ever held at Campbelltown, on August 13, when three events of £50 each were run off. The keenest contest of the day is said to have been betweenYoung Junius and a horse owned by a Mr. Sikes. Young Junius took the prize.
On September 14 Mr. Deely secured Steeltrap for £250, with the proviso that the horse should be allowed to cover, free of cost, twenty-five mares the property of his late owner. Steeltrap was a chestnut horse, imported by Mr. Aspinall in 1823. He was by Scud from Prophetess, by Sorcerer.
During the month of October, 1829, at a show held at Parramatta, Sir John Jamieson’s Bennelong, a son of imported Steeltrap, was awarded first prize, and at Parramatta races Australian won the Promoter’s Purse and the Handicap Sweepstakes. Scratch, who came down from the Hawkesbury district, won the Australian Youths’ Stakes, beating a good field—Highflyer, Bowler, Abdallah, Creeper, Smallhopes and Honeycomb.
In November, 1827, an event happened which played a most important part in Australian turf history. At a dinner given in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane some remarks were made by Mr. Wentworth and Dr. Wardell, which were thought to bear a political significance. The result was that Governor Darling considered himself insulted, withdrew his patronage from the Sydney Turf Club, and subsequently issued arbitrary injunctions to all members of the Civil Service to do likewise on pain of dismissal. Many members had thus to leave the old club, but they were not long idle in setting about forming another.
However, the split in the camp did not prevent the old club from racing on April 9th and 11th, 1828. On the first day, the third Brisbane Cup was won by Mr. Brown’s bl. h. Scratch, beating the old champion Junius. There was a great race for the Produce Stakes of £75, for 2-year-olds, the progeny of Steeltrap, Cammerton and Baron. There were four starters, Mr. Lawson’s bl. c. Spring Gun, by Steeltrap, winning by a neck from Sir J. Jamieson’s b. c. Bennelong, by Cammerton. In a match for £1,000 aside, Abdallah beat Don Giovanni, and Mr. Lawson’s 2-year-old filly Nell Gwynne, by Steeltrap, won the Turf Club Plate of 50 guineas (heats once round). The winning of the race was a great surprise, as she beat such good performers as Australian, Young Hector, Brown George, and Junius. The lastnamed must have been out of form, as he was distanced. On the second day Abdallah won the Members’ Purse, also the Sweepstakes, while Australian won the Town Plate and Handicap Sweepstakes.
On April 23, 1828, the new club was established under the name of the Australian Racing and Jockey Club, to which Governor Darling accorded his patronage. At that time it was generally known as the Governor’s Club, and was expected to materially injure the old club. However, such was not the case, for during the next few years there were three and four meetings in place of one.
On July 7, 1828, the “Gazette” announced Governor Darling’s intention to present a cup annually to the new Jockey Club. The first meeting washeld on October 1st and 3rd on the Parramatta Racecourse, as the Turf Club refused them the use of the course near Sydney. The first day’s programme opened with the Governor’s Cup heats, twice round the course, gentlemen riders, and the eventual winner was Mr. Lawson’s 3-year-old, Spring Gun. Other starters were Bennelong, Junius, Lawyer and Currency Lad. One of the most hotly contested races ever witnessed in the colony was for a sweepstake of 10 guineas each, with 25 guineas added. Australian won. A 2-year-old filly named Cornelia, owned by Mr. Icely, made a victorious effort. A hack race, won by Mr. Riley’s Major, and a match in which a pony owned by Mr. Terry defeated Mr. Stephen’s Don Giovanni, concluded the day’s sport.
On the second day, Australian won the Town Plate, and Lawyer (who afterwards had his name changed to Counsellor) won the Maiden Plate. The meeting concluded with the winning of the Handicap Sweepstakes by Australian, who defeated Abdallah.
On April 8th and 10th, the Turf Club held a popular meeting on its own course. The report states that there were 5,000 people present on the first day, when Mr. Lawson’s Spring Gun won the fourth Brisbane Cup, beating Crowcatcher, Scratch and Australian. Mr. Lawson’s stable was in great form, as his horses won the three events of the day. His filly, Princess, took the Two-year-old Stakes, whilst Spring Gun won the Wentworth Purse. On the second day, Spring Gun won the Town Plate, but Princess was beaten by Australian in the Sweepstakes. In the Second Handicap Sweepstakes, the favourite, Scratch, was beaten by Crowcatcher. This was a great disappointment to the favourite’s followers from Windsor, who offered to make a match to run the winner in a month’s time, but the owner of Crowcatcher would not agree.
The Australian Racing and Jockey Club ran off a two-days’ programme on April 22nd and 24th. The Challenge Cup took four heats to decide the winner, owing to a dispute. Sir John Jamieson’s Bennelong eventually got the verdict. A Maiden Plate of £30 for two-year-olds resulted in a win for Mr. Icely’s Counsellor. A sweepstake of £10, with £20 added, was won by Sir John Jamieson’s Abdallah, which also won the Subscription Stakes on the second day. The Ladies’ Purse went to Counsellor, who, saddled up a third time, appropriated the Handicap Sweepstakes. His only opponent, Abdallah, won the first heat, and the talent laid 5 to 1 on him for the second, but the horse threw his rider. A hack race, won by Alraschid, brought the meeting to a close.
The Hawkesbury Races took place on July 22nd and 24th, when funds were poor. To the joy of the local contingent, Scratch won the opening event, Steward’s Cup of £50, after a good race with Abdallah. Counsellor took the Ladies’ Purse. A chestnut filly by Steeltrap won the Two-year-old Stakes, beating Sir John Jamieson’s Chance, by Camerton or Abdallah. On the second day the filly Chance was entered as by Abdallah, and unnamed, for a Subscription Stakes of 25 guineas. She won, but a protest was entered on the ground that she had previously run as Chance. She was withdrawn, and the race run over again, when Scratch won. The Town Plate was wonby Counsellor, and the Handicap Sweepstakes by Scratch. The meeting closed with a hack race, won by a black filly owned by Mr. Badgery.
The Spring Meeting of the A.R.J.C. or Governor’s Club was held on the Parramatta Course, on September 30th and October 2nd. There were only two starters for the Governor’s Cup, Bennelong and Counsellor, the former taking the prize. The Maiden Plate of £40 was appropriated by Mr. Hays’ b. h. Sober Robin, 4 years, who won two heats, defeating Gipsy, Golumpus, Manciella and Delphina. Abdallah won the Ladies’ Purse, and secured a £30 Sweepstakes.
On the second day there was a keen contest for the Town Plate between Abdallah and Scratch. The latter won the second and third heats. That Counsellor was in great form was shown by his winning of the Ladies’ Purse. The meeting concluded with a race for hacks and another for ponies.
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.
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’ HandicapSweepstakes, 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.
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.
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.
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:—
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 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.
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.
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.
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, MaidenPlate, was won by Mr. Grant’s Lady Byron, and the All-Aged Stakes went to Mr. Piper’s Earl Grey.
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.
The Cumberland Turf Club, at Campbelltown, held its first race meeting on October 21st and 22nd, on the estate of Dr. Redfern. Results:—Firstday: 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.
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.
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.
The first meeting of importance was on April 20th at Parramatta. The winners were:—First race, Hunters’ Plate, value 100 guineas, Mr. Broughton’sMedora (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.
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’sPrince, 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.
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.
With racing firmly established at Homebush, under the management of the Australian Jockey Club, there were few other meetings from 1843onwards 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.
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:—
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 inthe “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.
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.