FAMOUS RACEHORSES
In 1840 that influential body then known as the Australian Race Committee, in a long statement, said: “They had in view the encouragement to breed that description of horse which was most desirable for colonial purposes—viz., one combining, with great strength and endurance, as much speed as we can procure.” The old-time breeders acted well up to those conditions, as we have proof in the wonderful stamina shown by such horses as Jorrocks, Veno, The Barb, Tarragon, Dagworth and Reprieve.
During the early part of the present century it became apparent that the horse was gaining in speed but losing in stamina. Trainers, who have spent a lifetime at the work, are all agreed that the horse of the present day has not the stamina or constitution of those horses bred in the middle and towards the close of the last century.
The question is often asked: “Which was the best horse that ever raced in Australia?” Racing men all have their fancies. I favour the idea of classing them according to the period in which they raced. Thus, the best horse of the early period of racing in this colony appears to have been Junius. Then comes Jorrocks, Veno, Zoe, Tarragon, The Barb, First King, Grand Flaneur, Malua, Sir Modred, Commotion, Carbine, Wakeful, Poseidon and Poitrel. Asked which were the better quartette of the lot mentioned as far as personal opinion goes, the reply would be: The Barb, Carbine, Sir Modred and Poitrel.
FRANK WILKINSON.
JORROCKS (†) by Whisker. Sold in 1841 by his breeder, Mr. H. Bailey, who took in exchange for the gelding 8 springing heifers (equivalent to £40 sterling). The gelding took part in 81 races, 57 of which he won, the majority being run in heats.
VENO (†). Ches. Horse, foaled about 1853, by Waverley—Peri. Winner A.J.C. Plate at Homebush, 1857, beat Alice Hawthorn in a match over 3 miles at Flemington for £2000 and the Championship of the N.S.W. and Victorian Turf. Owned by Mr. G. F. Rowe.
