Thoroughbred Racing definitely divides society these days as to whether it’s purpose is viable, however it is a sport that came with the British Colonies of Early Australia; and one that has been much loved by many people and horses.
The first official Race Meeting was organised by Governor Macquarie to maintain order in the colony and provide the early folk some entertainment. It was held at Hyde Park 15, 17 & 19 October 1810. Sydney Turf Club formed in 1825, before merging to become the Australian Jockey Club in 1842. It was only in 2011 that the Australian Jockey Club, transitioned to become the Australian Turf Club.
To pinpoint certain Trainers, Strappers or Racehorses that have been outstanding over the years nearly seems wrong because understandably there have been so many! However to begin to establish an accurate idea of how strongly contested and supported Thoroughbred Racing has been for so many years, it takes a few examples.
T J Smith: 33 successive Sydney Training Premierships, 2 Melbourne Cups, 4 Caufield Cups, 7 Cox Plates, 6 Golden Slippers and 30 + Derbies around Australia. An absolute stand out Trainer, who now has his daughter Gai Waterhouse putting her own mark in the Thoroughbred Racing History Books too!
Phar Lap: Rosehill Guineas, VRC St Leger, AJC Derby, Cox Plate (twice), Victoria Derby, 1932 Agua Caliente Handicap, Mexico and of course the Melbourne Cup. Even after all these years, Phar Lap is still spoken about as one the greatest Racehorses this Country ever saw.
Alongside Phar Lap was Tommy Woodcock, as his Strapper. He also trained Reckless who won the Sydney Cup, the Adelaide Cup and the Brisbane Cup. The photo of Tommy and Phar Lap laying down together in Phar Lap’s Stall is a reknowned example of the bond that can form between even Strappers and their horses.
In the past 15 years there has still been no shortage of Superstars of the Sport: Makybe Diva, Black Caviar and of course Winx in just beginning to name horses that have astounded crowds with their sheer talent and drive to win. There of course are still hotly contested Trainer Cups, and Jockey Cups for the top performers for the year both State and Nationally. Regardless of the constant pressures that the Industry faces in modern day Thoroughbred Racing, it continues to entertain the crowds, inspire young generations to pursue careers and give many horses their chance to fulfill their destiny.
Feature Image courtesy of australianturfclub.com.au
– Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management