PRINCE FOOTE (5). Bay Horse, 1906, by Sir Foote (imp.)—Petruscka (imp.) Winner of V.R.C. Melbourne Cup, A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derbies, etc. Sire of Richmond Main, Prince Viridis, Prince Charles, etc. Died 1922. Owned by his breeder, Mr. John Brown, Will’s Gully Stud, N.S.W.
RACING IN NEW SOUTH WALES
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 such outré pastimes—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.