Turf Monthly February 2021

monthly

TURF

February2021

THIS MONTH

NEW STALLIONS ON SHOW AJAX - A TRUE GREAT DRONGO - TRANSCENDING RACING ANOTHER GREAT RACE IN HISTORY

Editor’s Letter

CONTENTS 4

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ooking at the yearling sales is always an interesting time, and we have just seen Magic Millions completed on the Gold Coast. We are putting some of the first season stallions under the spotlight over the next couple of months but there are a few comments I would like to make. Firstly, the number of coverings for some of these first season stallions is amazing. Merchant Navy covered 247 mares while Russian Revolution covered 226, Hellbent 182 and, well, you get the picture. It was not all that long ago that a full book sign went out when the number of mares reached 60. These huge numbers mean a narrowing of the gene pool and irrespective of what you think about inbreeding, it cannot be good for the long-term health of the industry. Thankfully there are moves afoot to limit the number of mares that a stallion can cover which has to be a good move. Not only do we need to look at the narrowing of the gene pool, but we have to look at the health of the industry. Simply, a stallion like Merchant Navy will have progeny at all of the sales throughout Australia no doubt.

These lesser sales were always the home of the second tier of the industry if we can say that. Good stallions who produce good runners from good families found their home here.

There were plenty of champions going through these rings at a moderate price, giving everyone a chance to be involved.

There was money to be made for a studmaster with one of these stallions whose progeny were not going to make the major sales. There was also a chance for the racing lover to venture into ownership with a few friends. Sheer weight of numbers mean that these good horses are being squeezed out of the industry. It makes us wonder if these stallions who produce good runners but lack a little in class are really worth breeding from anymore as they struggle to compete against the top end of the market whose second-tier horses fill the sales. Look at the fields in country racing and you will see that even the most remote tracks have their share of runners by the most expensive stallions. Even there, some of them struggle to be competitive. The argument has always been that the market will decide what it wants. If we have learnt one thing from COVID, it is that people don’t always want what is best for them. Mandating a reduction in book sizes for stallions is a great step, but it is only one step.

AJAX - AN UNDER-RATED CHAMPION

12 AJAX AT STUD

18 HAROLD BADGER - THE JOCKEY

19 FRANK MUSGRAVE - THE TRAINER

20 BADGER - IN HIS OWN WORDS

28 DARBY MUNRO ON AJAX

30 LUSKIN STAR

34 DRONGO - TRANSCENDING RACING

38 NEW STALLIONS

50 GREAT RACES

Turf Monthly ABN 64 892 144 940 Phone 0412 712 181

Email editor@turfmonthly.com.au Unit 4/125 West St Menzies Qld 4825

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AJAX A

jax was no doubt one of the great champions of the Australian turf. He was only ever unplaced once in a career that lasted from the ages of two to six. He retired as fourth highest stakes winner in Australasian racing but critically the highest earning entire in the history of racing at the time. Perhaps he was always destined for greatness being foaled on teh day that the great Peter Pan won his second Melbourne Cup. His is a name that is now rarely mentioned when talk heads to our greatest ever galloper. There are two major reasons for this.

Firstly, he was not endowed with the stamina of many of our greats meaning that he did not race in the big handicaps like the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups which were the races that captured a nation’s imagination. The longest journey Ajax raced over was 12 furlongs or 2400m.

He did that four times for two seconds and two wins, but we will get to those a little later. The second of the reasons is that Ajax, while incredibly popular with the public, was also criticised for rarely competing outside of weight for age events. As Frank O’Loghlen, who wrote as “Eurythmic” in the newspapers at the time, suggested this was a criticism of his owners rather than the horse. Ajax was entered for many of the big staying races, but it is fair to say that the handicapper rated the horse highly. He won the Newmarket as a 3yo carrying 9 stone (57kg).

In 1939, Ajax was allotted 9.9 (61kg) in the Melbourne Cup and 9.12 (62.5kg) in the Caulfield Cup, making it easy to understand why he never ran in these events. He did win handicap races, and proved that he could carry big weights. He carried 10.6 (66kg) to win the 1939 Futurity and he set a weight carrying record for a 3yo winning the same race the year before carrying 9.6 (60kg). One of the great tragedies of the career of Ajax is that he is remembered mainly for one of his defeat. To this day, his loss at the odds of 40/1 on in the Rawson Stakes

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is a record. To the credit of all concerned, connections never said anything apart from saying he was beaten by a better horse on the day. One of the horse’s harshest critics was rival jockey Darby Munro whose ride on Allunga played a role in the champion getting beaten in that race.

But we are getting well ahead of ourselves. It is time to go back to the beginning.

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jax was a son of champion Australian stallion, Heroic who was Champion Sire from 1932/33 to 1938/39 and some of these victories were contributable to the performances of Ajax. The other absolute Champion produced by Heroic was Hall Mark who was born in 1930, four years before Ajax. Ajax was bred by Messrs EL Bailleu, AW Thompson at Widden Stud in the Hunter Valley, NSW. He was out of the imported mare, Medmenham by Prince Galahad. She had been imported to race in Australia and had dead heated for first at her first start as a 2yo in Bath, England. In Australia she won at the St Claire Trial at Caulfield over 9f and the Brunswick Stakes at Flemington for owners EL Baillieu and “Constable.” This was a time when it was not uncommon for owners to race their horses under a pseudonym, and “Constable” was also the owner of Ajax in Mr Hunter. Medmenham had also been one of the early favourites for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups but leg and hoof issues led to her being retired in October 1928. Her third dam was the mare Charm by St Simon who won the Yorkshire Oaks, and left two stakes winners in Coronation Stakes winner, Fascination and Goodwood Cup winner, Red Robe. Charm was a full sister to Amiable who won the One Thousand Guineas and Oaks and was English champion three-year-old filly. It is the Bruce Lowe number 2 family, or more specifically the 2e branch of that family. Ajax traces to the common ancestor in the mare, Atalanta by Matchem who also appears in the female line of the great stallion, Carbine by Musket.

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edmenham has established herself as an important influence in Australian bloodstock apart from Ajax’s success. She also produced the stakes winning Hesione by the Italian

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bred Brueghel, who was a top 2yo winning the AJC Gimcrack Stakes, VRC Maribyrnong Plate, Mimosa and Ascot Vale Stakes at that age. She was to produce the 1948 AJC Warwick Stakes winner, Septet by the French bred Genetout. A full sister to Hesione in Hecuba produced Lady Pirouette by Whirlaway who won the AJC Champagne Stakes and VATC Merson Cooper. In turn she produced Kilshery by Edmundo who won the VATC Oakleigh Plate, QTC Stradbroke Handicap, Canterbury Guineas, AJC All-Aged Stakes twice and the Daily & Sunday Telegraph Stakes. This is the line that is most likely to continue the influence of Medmenham apart from Ajax. The family more recently has included some quality runners although perhaps the best of late has been Dracula by Quest For Fame who won the 1998 AJC Champagne Stakes, George Main Stakes and QTC Sires’ Produce Stakes all at Group 1 level. Other good runners have included Inspiration (Hong Kong Sprint G1), Lucky Unicorn (Chester Manifold Stakes L), Masked Party (AJC The Galaxy G1, SAJC Angus Brut Classic G2, STC Premiere Stakes G2), Wandjina (VRC Australian Guineas G1, VRC CS Hayes Stakes G3) Snowing (Flight Stakes G2, VATC Sandown Guineas G2) and Crystal Lily (Golden Slipper Stakes G1, AJC Sweet Embrace Stakes G3).

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jax made his first racetrack appearance as a 2yo on 16 January 1937 in the Holiday Stakes at Caulfield over 5.5f (900m). He beat Aldershot and started at the longest price of his career at 12/1 with Harold Badger aboard. Maurice McCarten replaced Badger on the colt at his next start, winning a month later in the Federal Stakes also at Caulfield. He was then sent out in the VRC Sires’ Produce at Flemington stepping up to 7f (1400m) and despite starting at 7/4 favourite, the colt was to have his only unplaced run behind Caesar. Ajax hung badly in the race and finished near the outside fence, beating only three home in the field of 11. A week later back to the 6f (1200m) Ajax was to run a much-improved race finishing second again to Caesar in the Ascot Vale Stakes. The colt went to Sydney for the AJC Sires’ Produce getting his revenge on Caesar over the 7 furlongs at Randwick. In doing so Ajax equalled the track record and became the first 2yo to ever share an open record in Australia. He then beat Hua and Caesar in the Champagne Stakes starting at odds-on to round off his 2yo season.

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arold Badger rejoined the colt to kick off his 3yo campaign in Melbourne winning the Chatsworth Plate. McCarten was back on board for his next win in the Rosehill Guineas back in Sydney again beating Caesar. Ajax started the 7/4 favourite in the AJC Derby but ran second in a thrilling battle with the three placegetters, all Melbourne horses, going head-tohead for the last furlong. In the end, Avenger was strongest winning by a length from Ajax with Hua a half-head away third. Back in Melbourne a couple of weeks later, Ajax had McCarten riding for the last time when he went back in distance to the Caulfield Guineas. This time starting at 5/4, Ajax turned the tables on Avenger with Hua again in third. Ajax again led, and

Avenger loomed up inside the furlong but this time the brilliant Ajax fought off his challenger.

McCarten was suspended from riding, and Harold Badger finally permanently teamed up with Ajax for his VRC Derby tilt. Avenger was heavily backed and started favourite at 9/4 on with Ajax at 7/1 and Hua at 10/1. In a stirring finish, Hua pipped Ajax on the post to win by a half-head with Avenger only a half-length away in third.

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well-deserved break saw Ajax return for the Autumn with Harold Badger firmly entrenched as his rider, and he would remain there for the rest of the colt’s career apart from one race, his first Cropper Plate win in 1938. Badger was suspended and the ride was taken by Sydney hoop, E Bartle who had an easy time aboard the champion as he won by a big margin. The Autumn also saw the start of Ajax’s remarkable winning run of 18, falling just short of Gloaming’s record of 19. It started with a win in the Linlithgow and was followed by victories in the Futurity, Newmarket, CM Lloyd and the All-Aged Stakes and Cropper Plate in Sydney. Ajax continued his form into his 4yo season which was his best. At that age, he started 15 times for 14 wins with his only loss coming in the Autumn in that famous Rawson Plate at 40/1 on, beaten by Spear Chief. Returning for the Spring, Ajax was troubled with a problem in his shoulder that saw him appear lame following trackwork. After a troubling time, his Spring was back on track. The season saw him win eight races starting with the Underwood, Memsie, Melbourne and Caulfield Stakes. Ajax had raced erratically in the Caulfield Stakes finishing against the outside fence, making plenty of punters query as to how he would handle the tight Moonee Valley circuit. Bookmakers offered the rather generous odds of 2/1 on. He won comfortably by two lengths beating not only the race record, but also the Australasian record for the distance. We must remember that past winners included Phar Lap, Heroic, Chatham, and Manfred in a time when the race was run over 9.5f (1900m). Badger was reported as saying that it was his finest win to date. “There is not a horse in Australia that could extend him over a short or middle distance,” he said. Badger had to work hard to take Ajax to his preferred role in the lead, but once he got there in the Cox Plate, he was never in danger of defeat. Melbourne Cup favourite Royal Chief was second with Young Idea third. The eventual Melbourne Cup winner, Catalogue finished fifth. Ajax then won the Mackinnon Stakes a week later over 10f again beating Royal Chief. On Oaks Day, he won his second Linlithgow over a mile and the following Saturday again beat Royal Chief over the 12f (2400m) of the CB Fisher Plate, now the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

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he Spring saw him win the St George, Futurity, King’s Plate and CM Lloyd before he went to Sydney to line up in the Rawson Plate. His winning streak had stretched to 18 and a win in the Rawson would have seen him join Gloaming as the only Australasian horse to win 19 straight races. We will hear a little later some views on the Rawson Stakes.

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he Rawson Stakes defeat was no more than a blip in the champion’s career, and he went on to win the All-Aged Stakes and Cropper Plate at Randwick to end his 4yo season.

He started off his 5yo season in the Spring in similar fashion, winning the Underwood and Memsie Stakes’ before pulling up lame during trackwork. It was thought that the problem was that which put his previous Spring in doubt. After weeks of uncertainly, trainer Frank Musgrave discovered bruising of a foot, and drained the site claiming to have cured the issue. Ajax went back to the paddock to recover and did not reappear again until the Autumn. First up in the CF Orr, he met a strong field that included Landlaw, Manrico, Reading and rising star 3yo High Caste. Ajax conceded 1.3 (7.5kg) to his younger rival and was beaten into third place with the margins a half-length by a half-neck. Manrico finished

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second and the race was run in record time. Ajax was beaten again by High Caste in the St George Stakes at his next start a week later but Badger was concerned that the champion did not stretch out as normal. Ajax returned to the winning list in the Futurity, winning that race for the third year in a row downing Manrico and then winning over the 12f of the King’s Plate. Another surprise defeat in the CM Lloyd over a mile followed, but not without some excuses. In a field of only four, Manrico and Ajax had a battle for the early lead. Ajax tired due to the early challenge and High Caste moved through on the inside. He led until the shadows of the post when he was grabbed by the mare, Amiable who won by a half-head in Australian record time. Ajax finished three and a half lengths away while Manrico was another four lengths in arrears. Our champion then went back to

Sydney where he bypassed the Rawson to go straight to the Randwick carnival again winning the All-Aged Stakes and Cropper Plate double for the third year in succession.

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break saw the 6yo stallion return for one last preparation, in the Spring of 1940. He won his first three races in the Underwood, Memsie and October Stakes, before again finishing second to High Caste in the Caulfield Stakes. Ajax lined up for his final start on 26 October 1940, in the Cox Plate. It was a remarkable race, but it was not meant to be his swansong. Ajax led early but the younger Beau Vite raced to

the front at the 6f (1200m) mark. The old champion looked ordinary, but Badger knew better and let Ajax maintain his own rhythm. Ajax loomed alongside Beau Vite at the 2f (400m) and the two magnificent horses fought out a neck and neck finish to the wire. Twice in the straight it looked like Ajax was going to drop back but he kept fighting and in the end Beau Vite prevailed by a half-neck. Third place went to Beaulivre who tried for a run inside the pair in the straight but was cut out. He had to be taken back and finished strongly on the outside to narrowly miss catching

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the others. Beau Vite was a top-class galloper who proved this by winning the following year’s Cox Plate beating champion mare, Tranquil Star.

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he run took its toll on Ajax who did not work freely in the following week. He was scratched from the MacKinnon Stakes due to lingering soreness, and the decision was made to spell the grand galloper. He was put back into work for the following Autumn but again went sore. The decision was made in January to retire the stallion to stud.

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jax was auctioned in March 1941 and was sold to Mr WJ Smith for his St Aubins Stud at Scone. He was looking for another stallion having earlier that year sold Beau Pere to Louis B Mayer’s stud in California.

Ajax, along with his son, Magnificent were later offered for sale again in 1947. This time Ajax made 13000 guineas, the fourth highest priced thoroughbred in Australian history at the time. Smith, who was also the director of Australian Consolidated Industries, was to establish a longterm relationship with Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and later his leading star, Bing Crosby. They agreed to send horses to Australia

by Beau Pere to race in Crosby’s colours. Ajax was later to stand at stud in America, finally ending his time at Bing Crosby’s stud at Rancho Santa Fe. Crosby was also the owner of Del Mar racetrack in California. Ajax was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2004.

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Ajax had a very heavily inbred pedigree (16.41%). Cyllene appears in the tail male line of both Heroic’s sire and dam, as well as through the sire line of Ajax’s second dam in Meadow Grass. We also note that Ajax’s grand sire Valais sees his damsire as a stallion called Martagon.

Martagon also appears as the damsire of Ajax’s own damsire in Prince Galahad. What is even more significant in these ancestors is that Cyllene is a grandson of Bend Or, while Martagon is a son of that stallion. Cyllene’s damsire is Isonomy who see appear a number of times in Ajax’s pedigree, not only through Cyllene but also twice more in the pedigree of Medmenham through the stallions, Prince Palatine and Lemberg. We also see multiple lines of Hampton and his son, Ayrshire present in Ajax’s pedigree.

AJAX AT STUD

Ajax at auction

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jax stood at stud in Australia for only six seasons before going to the USA. Considering the number of mares he would have covered at the time, he did a good job siring 12 local stakeswinners. His best progeny though came from his first season when he produced Magnificent out of a Bonnemont mare who was to win six stakes races, including the AJC and VRC Derby double that eluded Ajax. Magnificent was sadly to prove infertile, failing to produce a live foal at his first two seasons at St Aubins. With such a limited number of local offspring Ajax has had a truly remarkable impact. To be fair, many are far from champions, but there is a history of solid talented and sound gallopers who owe much of their ability to the wonderful horse.

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jax had two other sons to go to stud in Australia. Achilles was out of a Brueghel mare and had won the AJC Epsom and All-Aged Stakes.

Raced by TL (Tom) Baillieu whose uncle owned Ajax, Achilles stood a Widden Stud and produced four stakes winners in Grecian Vale (STC Railway Quality Handicap, AJC June Stakes twice), Icarus (AJC Anniversary Handicap), Iruklam (BATC Summer Cup) and Troy (AJC Reginald Allen Quality Handicap). He was a good sire producing plenty of winners, but he is becoming difficult to find in modern pedigrees. Perhaps the last stakes winner with Achilles in their pedigree was Miss Watagan by Moon Rocket who won the 2006 QTC McDougall Stakes and BTC Tommy Smith Slipper.

An interesting quirk in history relates to another of his daughters who produced a line that gave us Fire Oak by Oak Ridge who won the 1990 VRC Derby which was his only race win.

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he other son of Ajax to make any impact at stud was the Carrington Stakes winner, Mine Host. He sired Gemine who was a good galloper in

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Hesione - Ajax’s half sister winning the Maribyrnong Plate

WA winning the WATC Tattersalls Cup and Winter Stakes. Mine Host is another influence who is becoming increasingly rare, although it can predominantly be found in the West. Tarare

by Salieri won four stakes races in the 90’s in the VRC Kewney Stakes, VATC Fashion Stakes, VRC Frances Tressady Stakes and SAJC Swettenham Stud Stakes. She produced Lontano by Danehill to win the 2002 VRC Kensington Stakes.

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aughters of Ajax had the biggest influence on breeding in Australia with his stakes winning daughters leading the way. Ajanni out of Frangipanni by Spearhead won the 1949 VRC Mimosa Stakes. Her line has produced Uber by Shovhog who won the Black Opal.

More notably, this line gave us Shinakima who was a very good filly in the mid 80’s winning the STC Tea Rose Stakes, Queen Of The Turf, and AJC Light Fingers Stakes.

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antomime won the AJC Widden Stakes, December Stakes and Kirkham Stakes. She was out of the Brueghel mare, Ajixa and was to produce French Fable, winner of the AJC Flight Stakes. This line has produced some good racehorses and sires. One was Weasel Clause, who although not a stakes winner, was a useful son of Marscay and a successful stallion in Tasmania. His progeny however were frequent travellers across the Strait, and horses like My Sienna who won the VRC Wakeful Stakes and Edward Manifold Stakes, and Weasel Will who won back to back MVRC Waterford Crystal Miles proved they were all class. One of the best of this line was Manuan, a gelded son of Koryo, who won the AJC The Galaxy at Group 1 level, the G2 QTC Ansett Cup, and six listed races. A half-sister to Manuan by Farnworth produced a son by Red Tony called Chimes Square. He won the Canterbury Stakes and Royal Sovereign Stakes in Sydney before going to stud where he produced two G1 winners in Chime Zam (QTC Castlemaine Stakes) and Final Fantasy (Epsom Handicap). Pantomime is responsible for perhaps the most influential descendant of all at present in the remarkable son of Star Kingdom in Kaoru Star. His racetrack success was not an indicator of his stud success and his best result was a win in the QTC 2nd Hopeful Stakes. At stud though Kaoru Star was

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outstanding producing 36 stakes winners. He sired Full On Aces to win the 1981 Golden Slipper and both the VRC and AJC Sires’ Produce. Another son in Marceau won seven stakes races including ironically two Rawson Stakes and a Doomben Cup. Mighty Avalanche won an Oakleigh Plate and was a top stallion producing 15 stakes winners including Qld Derby winner, Valance.

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ne remarkable son of Kaoru Star was Planet Ruler who won seven stakes races in the 1988 VATC The Elders Mile and CF Orr Stakes, the VRC Gadsden Stakes twice, AJC George Main Stakes, and VRC Honda Stakes. What is remarkable though is that his female line traces to another of Ajax’s stakes-winners in Civic Pride. This female line has more recently given us the new addition to Australia’s sire’s ranks in Castelvecchio, the son of Dundeel. Despite the quality of Planet Ruler, few would argue that the best son of Kaoru Star was Luskin Star who deserves a little more in-depth study shortly. Interestingly we also see that Kaoru Star appears prominently in the pedigree of Castelvecchio through his sire Dundeel. Other descendants of Kaoru Star include Danzero, Hula Chief, Pins and Written By.

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s we mentioned another successful daughter of Ajax was the Gimcrack Stakes winner, Civic Pride. She produced Amneris by Nilo who won the AJC Flight Stakes, STC Festival Handicap and VRC Wakeful Stakes and her full brother Pride Of Egypt who won the STC Canterbury and Rosehill Guineas, AJC Champion Stakes, St Leger, Champion Stakes and Hobartville Stakes and VRC Victoria Derby and St Leger. Amneris was to produce Anemone who won the AJC Keith Mackay Handicap and Egyptian who won the STC Canterbury Guineas and Frank Underwood Cup. Her line also was the female line that produced Planet Ruler, and his half-sister St Therese who in turn is the dam of Castelvecchio. Civic Pride’s line has been a prolific producer of winners. Some of the Group 1 winners who trace to this mare are Paint by Raami (1996 VATC Blue Diamond Stakes), Akhenaton by Snippets (2000 BTC Doomben Cup), Mr Bureacrat by Bureacracy (2002 BTC Doomben Cup), Roman Artist (1985 AJC George Main Stakes) and Lawman by Boucher (1981 AJC Doncaster Handicap).

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ne of the non-stakes winning daughters of Ajax who had considerable success was Ajadyne out of Marconigram mare, Dyne. We had to wait a few generations, but she produced a very good sprinter by Lunchtime called Integra. He won the 1990 STC Premiere Stakes but is known best for siring the colt, Intergaze who was among our best horses in the

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late 90’s. Among his eleven stakes wins were seven Group 1 races in the STC Canterbury Guineas, AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Champagne Stakes, All-Aged Stakes, VRC Australian Cup, VATC Underwood Stakes and BTC Doomben Cup.

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iven that Ajax won the Futurity Stakes for three years running, it is more than coincidental that the next horse to do that was Manikato, a son of Matrice. Matrice sees his third dam as Creusa, a daughter of Ajax.

nterestingly, Ajax’s immediate influence in the US never reached great heights. His best runners in the US were Avracado who won oner US$70,0000, Trebor Yug who won the Mexican Derby, and A Jaxson. A US daughter of Ajax appropriately named Wagga Wagga did produce a Del Mar Derby winner in Charlie Boots. It was a daughter of Ajax called Betrothal who produced 1961 Golden Slipper winner, Magic Night who was sent to the US. She raced there only twice, failing to run a place, but she could be found as the fourth dam of Artax who

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won seven races and over US$1.5 million. Among his wins were the G1 Breeders' Cup Sprint, Carter Handicap and Vosburgh Handicap. He broke or equalled three track records and was name the 1999 Eclipse Champion Sprinter. The son of Marquetry went to stud in 2000 at Clermont Farm in New York with a fee of US$30,000 but was put back into training without success. He was moved to Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky the following year and was to finish Brazil where he died in 2012. He sired G1 winner Friendly Michelle and Diabolical, winner of the Alfred Vanderbilt Handicap. His progeny earned over US$11 million in prizemoney. A remarkable part of Artax’s history was the running of the 1999 Maryland Breeders' Cup on Preakness Day. An intoxicated racegoer climbed over the inside rail at Pimlico and attempted to punch Artax. The horse shied away from the intruder and contacted another runner, injuring his fetlock in the incident. Artax had been 5/4 on favourite for the race, but all bets were refunded.

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HAROLD BADGER H

arold Badger is one of those people whose life became intertwined with a champion racehorse. For him it was Ajax, and their association means that Badger’s name will never be forgotten. He was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2009 but remains perhaps the least well known of the jockeys that have been honoured in this way. Let’s get to know him a little better, and not just as the rider of Ajax. Badger wrote a series of articles with JM Rohan that were syndicated across Australia in 1949. We will repeat some of these as they give a great insight into the man, as well as the mighty Ajax and his trainer Frank Musgrave and others racing figures of the time.

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orn Harold Lindsay Badger on 10 October 1907 at Northcote in Melbourne, he was the third of eight children for his parents Ernest and Esther, nee Moss. Two of his brothers, Clarence and Eric were also to become jockeys. Badger was small as a child, and even in adulthood grew to be only 4 feet 11 inches in height. His family had settled in Montmorency north of Melbourne before young Harold was born and he went to school in this semirural setting. As we will hear, he was apprenticed to prominent Flemington trainer, Richard Bradfield who was a great mentor of young riders. Bradfield arranged for Badger to spend time in Adelaide, and he rode his first stakes winner in the 1925 Adelaide Cup on Stralia.

Harold married Frances Newton in May 1928 in Adelaide, but the couple soon relocated to Melbourne, eventually living in Caulfield. Frustrated by being number two jockey for trainer Lou Robertson, Badger went feeelance and later teamed up with Ajax which cemented his place in racing folklore. Badger was Victoria’s top jockey winning the Premiership for five consecutive seasons although these deeds are forever overshadowed by his association with the champion.

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FRANK MUSGRAVE F

rank Musgrave was born in the western Districts of Victoria in January 1860. At the age of only nine, he was riding in races and rode a treble for his father. He rode both over the jumps and on the flat, and in 1874 rode Goshawk in the Melbourne Cup who finished well back behind winner Haricot. He rode against such jockeys as Tommy Corrigan, Jim Scobie and Adam Lindsay Gordon

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usgrave died at the age of 84 and was training until his death. He had lived in the same house at Caulfield for 55 years, and it was said he had held his licence for that long, that the VRC had no records of when it was first granted. Musgrave is best known for his association with Ajax, and JJ Anderson wrote upon reflection of his memory, “I several times paid Musgrave a visit at ‘Ormond,’ near Caulfield where he lived, and had his training stables. He once showed me a chestnut colt just in and asked me what I thought of him. I said, ‘Well if he is not a racehorse in the making I never saw one.’ It was Ajax.”

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usgrave trained numerous good winners in his career including Murmur (Caulfield Cup), Amata (Newmarket Handicap), Parkwood (Newmarket Handicap), and Epsom Handicap with Aleconner (Epsom Handicap), Lilyveil (Sydney Cup), Jolly Beggar (Doncaster Handicap), Almissa (Australian Cup) and Pandect (AJC Derby). Musgrave never trained a Melbourne Cup winner but bought Dark Felt as a yearling, only to sell him before his Melbourne Cup success.

HAROLD BADGER “IN HIS OWN WORDS” FRANK MUSGRAVE HAROLD BADGER DECLARES —

By Harold Badger With JM Rohan He Was Sacked A Three Times Because he wasn’t on the spot, on the tick, when veteran trainer Frank Musgrave arrived with Ajax for training exercise ....

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kindly old soul, in spite of his gruff manner, was the late Frank Musgrave, trainer of the celebrated Ajax. In the sunset of his career no one was more closely associated, with him than Harold Badger, who gave his horses first preference.

Badger declares that the old man's bark was worse than his bite. Badger was "sacked three times in the one week," but didn't take it. There was a strong bond of friendship between trainer and jockey, and the young man spent many happy hours listening to the old man's reminiscences.

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y story would not be complete without some reference to the grand old man who made and idolised Ajax.

Naturally, we saw a lot of each other, and I found him very fair and just. He had a gruff manner, but it was only a veneer.

Behind it was a kindly nature, and no one did him a favour without being rewarded. I used to enjoy my trips to Sydney with him, and his tales of the early days. He worshipped Ajax. No child received greater care or attention than the old man bestowed on the wonderful chestnut. I’m sure if he had been young enough he would have ridden the horse himself, as he always seemed apprehensive when Ajax was in someone else's charge. Never a morning passed but he didn't say, as I dismounted, "Thanks, Harold, I'm happy when you're on him." On one occasion I wasn't able to ride the horse — I flew to Sydney to ride Wilson in the AJC Derby. Arthur Dewhurst was pressed into service and next morning, when I arrived at the track, there was the old man chasing Dewhurst with a £5 note as a reward for riding Ajax in a half-pace gallop. Dewhurst refused to take it. He told Mr Musgrave that he would willingly have given £10 for the honour of putting his leg across the champion.

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r Musgrave used to ring me pretty well every evening to discuss arrangements for the morrow. "Do you know who's speaking?" he would always ask. I could pick his voice from a million. Never did he ring off without exhorting me to be early. Frequently I arrived ahead of the Musgrave string. Other trainers, seeing me idle, asked me to ride their horses, and in some cases I obliged. If while I was doing a round on another horse Mr Musgrave arrived with Ajax, he was quite peeved. That night when he rang I reminded him that I had been sacked, and suggested that it didn't matter what time I reached the track next morning.

"You'll be sacked again tomorrow if you give any cheek," he retorted, testily.

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hat occurred three times. Of course, he didn't seriously mean it. At least, I don't think he did. I just ignored it. More often than not when he appeared angry and gruff he was joking.

The old trainer had his first aeroplane trip when he returned from Sydney with Mr Wren and me after Wilson had unsuccessfully contested the AJC Derby. I asked him what speed he considered we were doing. "Oh, about 50 miles an hour," he answered, without giving the question much thought. "Nearer 150," I corrected. Just then the hostess passed, and on appeal by me we were informed that the speed was 170 miles an hour. "Huh," grunted the old man, "nearly as fast as Ajax." This brought a laugh from Mr Wren.

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tories of Mr Musgrave's early days in the Western District and in Gippsland were always interesting. He told me lots about that great lightweight of the 80's, Ted Gorry. Gorry worked and rode for Mr Musgrave, and he declared him one of the best riders of a period in which Tom Hales, Mick O'Brien, E Power and a host of other good riders were in their prime. He informed me that ‘Joe’ Thompson, known as "King of the Ring," brought Gorry to Melbourne, but was not strict enough with him. That, in the old man's opinion, was the reason for Gorry's not reigning supreme for years. Mr Musgrave's eyes sparkled as he told of Gorry's battles with Tom Hales, and of how the experienced Hales cursed the kid from the bush. It seems Gorry

TURF MONTHLY 20

defeated Hales on Trident in a wfa race at Randwick when Hales had laid £1000 to £150 on his mount. On another occasion, Gorry was given the mount on Dainty, in the Oaks, after she had been left in by mistake. She was a sour little brute and would only stretch out when in the mood. She was a bad last for 6 furlongs, but suddenly took hold of the bit and won by a half head from Hales' mount, Lava. Hales lost £1500 on Lava. I heard the Gorry-Hales stories more than once. There was a moral in every one — to be like Gorry and never give up, and not to be like Hales and bet heavily. So that I wouldn't get a swollen head, Mr. Musgrave reminded me more than once that Tom Hales had won the AJC Derby 6 times, and the VRC Derby, 7 times.

And he could have added, the VRC St. Leger 10 times and the AJC St Leger 7 times.

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umpers had little interest for Mr Musgrave. He told me that in his riding days more than half his time was spent in patching up jumpers or himself after falls. But he had a fund of stories about the daredevils of his day. One story which stuck in my mind was about Granville winning a steeple at Caulfield. After jumping the last fence, Granville headed for what should have been the gap on to the course proper. The course attendants had failed to take out a rail.

Granville jumped the rail on to the course proper and was followed by the rest of the field.

Granville won, but it was declared no race. In the rerun, however, Granville won again. Many were the stories I heard about Mick O'Brien, who rode Carbine. O'Brien, it appears, was like a father to the young jockeys who rode against him. He talked to the kids during a race, and often was heard calling out: "Off you go" at the right moment. The trainer of Ajax was one who thought Carbine stood alone. He often said that Phar Lap, Ajax and other good gallopers of this century would have collapsed if asked to perform some of the tasks of Carbine. "And don't forget that for most of his career Carbine had a split hoof," he would add to any story he told of the old-time champion. On one trip to Sydney Mr Musgrave was holding forth on the merits of Carbine, when a listener asked how the Sydney Cup top-weight would compare with "Old Jack." "If the best horse racing today was asked to carry 10.5 in a Cup field half as good as that defeated by Carbine, he would drop dead before getting out of the saddling paddock," answered my old pal with a characteristic sniff. When we were alone, I often used to ask him to tell me more about Carbine. He told me the age-old story of Carbine lumping 10.5 to defeat Highborn with 6.8, in the 1890 Melbourne Cup, and of the old champion's Sydney Cup victory as a 3-yr-old. "That was Carbine's greatest feat," he informed me. "He collided with another horse and was knocked back to last. His rider gave up hope, but Carbine took hold of the bit and mowed the field down as though they were second-raters. "And don't you forget that he had 9.0," the old man added, emphasising the point with his finger. Then I was told that 2 days after Carbine's great Sydney Cup effort he won the All Aged Stakes and Cumberland Plate in the same afternoon, and on the last day of that meeting won the AJC Plate, of 3 miles, making his week's work 5 races covering 9½ miles. "Can you imagine the horses of today doing that?" he asked with a snort. One morning at Caulfield a wag asked Mr Musgrave how it came about that Carbine couldn't win the Victoria Derby.

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ecause his owner was an argumentative coot like you," was the quick retort. The veteran then went on to say that Dan O'Brien took Carbine to Caulfield to give him his final gallop before the Derby. O'Brien had arranged to get into the course before the gates were open, and just as he had Carbine ready to gallop, he saw a tout jumping the fence. An argument took place and Dan O'Brien was bowled over by the tout. As a reprisal he ordered that Carbine should only do a round at three-quarter pace so that the tout would see nothing for his trouble.

The horse was short of work and should have had a good rousing gallop. In the Derby, his condition told against him, and he was just beaten. Thus, the veteran declared, a blue riband was thrown away because the owner of the champion worried over-much about a tout. I only wish I could remember all the stories my old friend told me about Grand Flaneur, Nordenfeldt, Navigator, Martini Henry and other champions of the last century.

TURF MONTHLY 21

HAROLD BADGER

“IN HIS OWN WORDS” I

was born at Northcote in October, 1907, and my people went to Montrose, in the Dandenongs, when I was a few years old. We had an old horse that I rode everywhere. I weighed less than 4.0 (25.5kg). A friend of the family told my dad I that he should make a jockey of me. Dad knew nothing about racing, but ultimately I went to Caulfield to a man named O'Halloran who raced ponies. I rode them work, also Merry England and Carry On for Mr Dave Marks. Mr Marks gave me a letter of introduction to Mr Richard Bradfield. My first ride in a race was on Chelae at Flemington for Mr RM Hawker, whose horses were trained

by Mr Bradfield. It was on June 4, 1923. My next mount was at Williamstown on Brynhilda for Mr EB Bell, father of Mr E Alan Bell, chairman of stipendiary stewards. Brynhilda went through the barrier with me, but I hung on to the reins and no damage resulted, Mr Bradfield decided that I should be put away for a while to grow. While growing I took Mr Bradfield’s advice and watched carefully everything done by Bob Lewis, George Harrison, and Joe Killorn. “What they don't know about racehorses and race riding isn’t worth knowing,” said my old boss whose apprentices showed that they had heeded his good advice.

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eptember 3, 1924, is a red letter day in my life. On that day I rode my first winner, Galloping Gold, at Echuca. Strangely enough, Galloping Gold was by Almissa, who had been trained by my old pal, the late Mr Frank Musgrave. When I began to grow I put on weight rapidly. I rode only two horses at 6.7. I felt that I was in the boom on New Year's Day 1925 when given the mount on Shaheen in the Standish Handicap, which was run at Caulfield. Mr Jerry Carey brought Egerton from Sydney for the Oakleigh Plate, and, on Mr Bradfield's recommendation, gave me the ride. The race was won by Adrift. About that time, I rode that great little mare Riv for H and E Bamber. Rivette, in winning the two Cups, added to Riv's fame.

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woop, owned by the late Mr R Turnbull was my 1925 Newmarket mount. Having gained experience in the few months after resuming riding, I was told by Mr Bradfield that I was to ride Stralia in the Adelaide Cup. I felt proud as I packed my port for that trip. It was on that trip that I downed Drongo. In Mr Bradfield's team was The Tyrant, Gungool and Stralia.

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arold Jones was first apprentice to the Bradfleld Stables. He was to ride The Tyrant while Gungool was to be ridden by Fred Forbes. The Tyrant (7.13) and Gungool (8.11) had fair records. Stralia had only 6.7.

n the Fisher Handicap on his first day of the SAJC meeting, Stralia I had 6.8. When I arrived at scale with my gear, I weighed 6.12. A frown from Mr Bradfield indicated to me that it was his first intimation that I couldn't ride at the minimum. The trip to Adelaide had put a keen edge on my appetite. The change, and the fact that I worked overtime with the other lads in eating ice cream, told the tale. I had a few anxious moments, thinking that I might be replaced by a lighter boy, but Mr Bradfield decided to declare 4lb over as I knew Stralia. I've told how Stralia won from the unlucky Drongo. Stralia won so well that Mr Bradfield told his owner (Mr WR Morgan) that it would be a toss-up in the Adelaide Cup between The Tyrant and Stralia. Mr Morgan raised the point about my weight. He thought it would be foolish to carry 5lb overweight. I then had my first experience of taking off weight.

To get rid of 2lb was hard work I rode at 6.10. Had I lost the Cup by the margin by which Stralia won, no doubt the over-weight would have been blamed. In a desperate finish Stralia defeated The Tyrant by half a head.

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arly in my career I realised that a jockey's best advertisement was to win races. With an Adelaide Cup to my credit, plus the fact that my master sang my praises, I received many offers of mounts outside the stable. Just six months after the Adelaide Cup I had to declare 4lb overweight to ride Gungool at 7.1 in Windbag's Melbourne Cup. I was concerned about it as I had visions of increasing to 8.0. But I stopped at 7.8 (48kg) and at a pinch could always ride at that weight. After Gungool had won the November Handicap at Willliamstown, he TURF MONTHLY 22

was set for the Sydney Cup. I was to be the jockey. Pilliewinkie had the big weight of 9.13 but was favourite. During the race I trailed Pilliewinkie and was with him at the finish. Pilliewinkie was eighth and Gungool ninth. That Sydney Cup was sensational, as Murray King won at 200/1.

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rips to Adelaide and Sydney when still in my teens were great experience. I appreciated what Mr Bradfield was doing for me, and always listened intently to his advice. He would pick out a fancied horse drawn near my mount and ridden by one of the crack jockeys, and tell me to watch him. An apprentice could learn a lot by watching the good jockeys when I was a kid.

They included Bob Lewis, Jim Pike, Jim Munro, Bill Duncan, Bill Scanlan, Frank Dempsey, George Harrison, Jack Toohey, and Ashley Reed. They helped young riders with advice and corrected our mistakes. Well behaved apprentices at FlemIngton received a lot of coaching from Bob Lewis and George Harrison. They were a great influence in keeping riding on a high standard. There have been many changes in racing since those days. Mr Bradfield had 10 apprentices, and all were treated fairly. But it will be conceded that the man who trained four Melbourne Cup winners had a task in dispensing his favours, particularly as his team or apprentices included Harold Jones, Theo Lewis. Andy Bourke, Stan Wetherell, F Purvis, Fred de Valle, A Stephens, T Dillon and L Harper.

Twenty years ago it was rare to see more than two apprentices having mounts in open races. Now it is common to see 10 or 12 names in red on the jockeys' board. Few trainers have more than one apprentice, and he is given most of the stable riding.

In my day apprentices had to go to the country meetings to get experience. Race riding over distances has changed in my time.

Once riders manoeuvred for a position and rode patiently. Now if there's a sizeable field in a long race, we see them going helter skelter from barrier rise. Apprentices are the cause. If you don't go with them you aren't in the hunt. There's no time for finesse today. Good riders, particularly in Sydney, aren't obstructionists when their mounts are beaten. They give other runners a chance.

But in Melbourne I've been knocked all over the place on mounts finishing in the beaten division. For years it has been my opinion that a jockey can ride better races in Sydney. I've found the Sydney jockeys a fine bunch of fellows. They've always been fair to me.

TURF MONTHLY 23

HAROLD BADGER

“IN HIS OWN WORDS” AJAX’S GREATEST PERFORMANCE Harold Badger Tells of Ajax s Greatest Performance

By Harold Badger with JM Rohan

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jax raced at two, three, four, five and fix years, and showed amazing speed in all of his 46 starts, even though beaten on 10 occasions. He left behind the fine record of 36 wins, seven seconds, two thirds. He was unplaced on only one occasion. His stake winnings were £40,275. It was my good fortune to be associated with the chestnut flying machine in 30 successes.

foresight, he countered my argument about the heavy track and heavy weight by saying, 'Harold, every one of them has to go through it.'

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t had been my view that Ajax would stay any distance if ridden behind. But the veteran trainer always insisted on use being made of his speed, and it paid handsome dividends. 'He has pace, and you must use it,' was his or years I’ve been an interested reader of the life stories instruction the first day I rode Ajax. An hour before the of men in the sporting world. I took it as an accepted Futurity I sought out Mr. Musgrave for a talk about the fact that one had to be a veteran before being invited race. 'Do you want me to take him to the front with 10.6 to write one's experiences. I was enlightened when my in this going?' I fired at him. I saw at a glance that he had collaborator in this story told me that my recent three been worrying about the same thing 'Do you think he'll do months holiday would be as good as any other time to his best for you if ridden behind?' he asked. I assured him regale readers with happenings in my career. I pleaded that Ajax would do his best for me wherever I had him. We I was only 38 years old and that I intended riding until I decided that Ajax should miss the jump out, and then take had broken Bob Lewis's long record in the saddle. It was up a position behind a pacemaker. It was a bold experiment without avail and I agreed. Now I'm at the barrier, perhaps and one which, no doubt, worred the punters who had laid I couldn't make a better jump-out than by telling about my 9/4 on the champion. And I’m not going to say that I wasn't old pal, Ajax, who carried me to 30 lucrative victories. The worried about the result. Ajax hadn't been headed in a race name of Ajax will live in Australia, not only because of his since his early two-year-old days, and the Caulfield track great deeds on the turf, but for his stock, a few of whom was in the worst condition in my experience. When the have already shown that they inherit their sire’s brilliance. barrier rose, I pulled Ajax so that he wouldn't hit the front.

Personality horses like Ajax come only occasionally, mainly I knew that if he took it into his head to lead, I couldn't because few thoroughbreds can stand the rigors of training restrain him. As the field settled down, I had no difficulty in and racing in top class company long enough to compile reining Ajax in behind them. As they swept over the hill I imposing records. To name Ajax's greatest performance allowed Ajax to see daylight, and he ran round a few horses isn't difficult. Dear old Frank Musgrave would agree with to stride up to the leader, Pamelus. Going round horses in me in saying that February 25, 1939, was the day on which a race was a new sensation for Ajax. A glance at Pamelus, the brilliant chestnut put beyond doubt his claim to a place and I knew he was revelling in the going. I began to wonder amongst the select champions of Australian racing. On which of the pair would 'handle' better the softer going in that day, Ajax, a four year old, was contesting his second the straight. Thoughts of the weight of my saddle, lead bags, Futurity Stakes on his home track - Caulfield. Heavy rain and the lead vest I was wearing made me feel uncomfortable. had fallen and the track was sodden. Aiax was burdened Another glance at Pamelus didn't reassure me. with the steadier of 10.6. I rode many horses work in the had no alternative but to wait to see which of the great morning and rode in races before the Futurity. The straight speedsters would wilt when final pressure was applied. had just been top-dressed and was soggy. I suggested to The seconds seemed like hours. As we rounded the home Mr. Musgrave that Ajax be scratched. But. with his usual turn Ajax shifted out a little. I had visions of finishing under

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TURF MONTHLY 24

the Judge's box. But in the straight Ajax made a beeline for the post. That was a relief. We were fast approaching the point where I'd have to give my mount a dig with my heels for the final burst. Ajax and Pamelus were fetlock deep in mud. A furlong and a half from home Fred Shaun glanced at me, probably to see if I looked worried. But I greeted him with a confident smile which wasn't in keeping with my feelings. Ajax answered my call like a champion. He left Pamelus standing and won by three lengths. Pamelus was a head in front of another great sprinter, El Golea, third. The 1939 Futurity Stakes wan Ajax's 18th successive win. I could hear the crowd acclaiming him long before he reached the winning post. I was never so thrilled in my life. Ajax had proved himself in the best and worst going. The bold plan had worked out.

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jax's second Futurity win was outstanding. He equalled Gladsome’s record of having won the race twice, and with 10.6 broke Phar Lap's weight-carrying record (10.3) for a four year old. Added to those records, I had the great pleasure of hearing, on a racecourse for the first time, three cheers being called for a horse. That's what happened as I rode the brilliant son of Heroic back to scale. Even the great Phar Lap had never moved a race crowd to such a pitch of enthusiasm. Phar Lap’s Futurity Stakes victory has been looked upon as a great feat. It certainly was as he came from last to first to win. I rode Lightstead but didn't give anything a chance against Taurus, who streaked out with a long lead. As Mystic Peak passed me on the inside, and Phar Lap went by on the outside, I said to Jim Pike, ‘You've got the task ahead of you.' When I saw Mystic Peak get a run on the inside while Phar Lap had to go wide on the turn, the champion appeared to have an impossible task. But Phar Lap was game. And he prevailed.

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hen weighing up the merits of Ajax and Phar Lap on their Futurity wins, many have forgotten that Phar Lap won on a good track, whereas Ajax won on the bit on a rain-soaked track. That's why I contend that Aiax's performance was better than Phar Lap and definitely the best of his career. More than one referred to Ajax as a 'cotton wool' champion because he wasn't produced in

handicaps under crushing weights. In my opinion he could have left the turf with a long list of victories to his credit, but his trainer was content to keep him for short and middledistance weight-for-age races. He and I were certain that Ajax would have measured up to distance handicaps and long w.f.a. races had he been trained for them. No horse with Ajax's temperament and fire could last five seasons on the turf unless he were carefully handled and placed. Long before the chestnut's racing days ended Mr. Musgrave told me that Ajax would be one of the great sires of the future.

He was determined that the brilliant son of Heroic wouldn't go to the stud burnt out. I rode Ajax in his first and last races. The last was the WS Cox Plate, at Moonee Valley, in which he was second to Beau Vite with Beau Livre third in a hectic finish. Half a neck and half a head separated them.

TURF MONTHLY 25

HAROLD BADGER

“IN HIS OWN WORDS” THE DERBY

Ajax No 4 leading Nua 100m from finish of Derby

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ne race I nearly stole was the 1937 Victorian Derby on Ajax.

Derbies are most elusive and I regret having had to play second fiddle that day to the late Ray Wilson on Hua. The late Frank Musgrave and I had no illusions about Ajax. We knew he would have to have things all his own way to beat good stayers like Avenger and Hua over a mile and a half. I was sorry the Derby was not a ten-furlong race. The late Mr E L Balllleu, one of the part owners of Ajax, called Mr Musgrave and myself into conference before the Derby to hear what our plans were. Mr Musgrave reminded Mr Balliieu that Ajax's preparation really consisted of the races he had contested.

He expressed the belief that the horse would win if I could ride a waiting race in front. I endorsed those views, adding that Ajax might open up a gap when coming to the home turn which could not be bridged. 'We'll leave the rest to you,” was Mr Baillleu's parting remark to me. Throughout my career, I have not been troubled with nerves before important races, but I admit that I was apprehensive as I went to the barrier on Ajax for the Victorian Derby. Before being called into line I spoke to Darby Munro (Avenger) and the late Ray Wilson (Hua) both of whom were as tense as I was.

'Which of you two is going to the front?' I asked. Munro named to bet a tenner that Ajax would lead Avenger out of the straight.

Wilson smiled as he said. 'You'll lead for 11 furlongs, Harold.' As usual. Ajax jumped into his bridle quickly and I allowed him to stride along for three furlongs before taking a hold. I was able

TURF MONTHLY 26

1937 Derby Day Crowd

Nua after Derby win

to restrain him for the next half-mile, but he did not appreciate my holding him back to the field. When half a mile from home I realised that I should let him go. Frankly, I would have liked to have restrained him for another furlong. When I gave Ajax his head, he had a three-length lead from Hua. Only a length separated us at the straight entrance, but alas, Hua was able to rein that length and win in the last stride by a half head with Avenger half a length away third. In talks with Frank Musgrave before the Derby I told him that if the other riders allowed me to hold Ajax back in the first mile to about 1.45 he would set them a merry dance over the last half-mile. Actually, they allowed me to set 1.46 for the first mile. Sectional times showed that the first half mile was run in 62: the second half-mile in 54. and the last four furlongs in 46 ž seconds. It will be seen from those times that my plan nearly succeeded.

It will also be realised that Hua and Avenger were class three year olds to run home so fast. After the Derby Munro told me that Avenger began to hang in when he should have been stretching out after Ajax and Hua. When Hua and Ray Wilson were making me play second fiddle in a race I would have liked to have won they were crediting that great sportsman, the late Mr EED Clark with his fourth Victoria Derby, and the late James Scobie with his eighth success in the race.

Derby finish TURF MONTHLY 27

DARBY MUNRO ON AJAX Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld: 1926 - 1954), Sunday 23 February 1941 AJAX, OUR WORST CHAMPION . . Says Darby Munro AUSTRALIA'S ace jockey, Darby Munro, in the fourth instalment of 'My Secrets of the Turf,' as told to Geoff Hawksley, describes the races in which he rode against Ajax and why he thinks he was 'overrated.' I know this is going to start something, but everybody is entitled to his own opinion. I honestly believe that Ajax was our worst champion for many years. I don't say he wasn't a good horse.

He was, but he had the good fortune to meet very moderate opposition when he was stringing together an amazing sequence of wins.

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s I have ridden in races against Ajax, I think I know Ajax was not invincible. There were stories at the time that what I'm talking about when I say he is overrated. he was not quite fit, but I take those with a grain of salt.

This is the way I reason it out: Right from the start of his RANK MUSGRAVE was too shrewd a man to start career, he was spoon fed. His owners and his trainer, Mr. him if I he wasn't right. Nor would his owners, who Frank Musgrave, for whom I have the greatest respect as have big stud interests, have taken the slightest risk. By the a judge of horses, realised that they had the best sprinting way I think Ajax will prove a huge success at the stud. He youngster of the season. So, they decided they would look is the right type. But back to the race. If Ajax was an out after him and pick his races for him. Just consider some of and out champion, he should have been able to beat Spear the horses he beat at weight-for-age. Looking through the Chief and Allunga in a canter, even if he was only half ready. list I see such handicappers as Bourbon, Ena, The Trump, Let me ride the race all over again. As usual Ajax quickly Lord Windburra, Aitchengee, Marauder, and El Golea. He took up the running, but I decided that this was only bluff also met Young Idea and Royal Chief, but both were on the

by Badger, and I was not going to let him get away with downgrade. My idea of an outstanding horse is the fellow it. So, I chased him. Allunga had been sprinting well for a who can win the two Derbies and then make a respectable middle-distance horse, but I was surprised at the ease with showing in the Melbourne Cup. That's the only true test, which he ran to the leader. I never allowed Ajax to get more because there aren't three more harder races in the calendar. than a head in front of me. We went like this for a mile. I Well, Ajax couldn't win the Derbies, although he put up a could see that Badger was anxious. This was about the first brave showing in each. Avenger was too good for him in time that he had been taken on properly. He tried his best Sydney, and Hua outstayed him in the Melbourne race. to slip away from me, but I wasn't having any; Every time Unfortunately, both Avenger and Hua went amiss later on he gave Ajax more rein, I would increase Allunga's speed. and that left Ajax to rule the roost.

I was now convinced that the so-called super brilliance oodness knows what Hua might have turned out. It was greatly exaggerated. Coming to the turn I had a good was a decent effort to win the Victoria Derby, and he look at Badger, and you can take it from me that he was was just beginning to strike top form. However, I give credit very anxious. He gave Ajax a kick, but the chestnut failed where it's due, and I say that Ajax's only claim to greatness to improve to any extent, and Allunga was still with him. was his success in the Newmarket of 1938, when as a three- We made the turn together and were there at the furlong. year-old he carried 9st, and in the 1939 Futurity, when, with Badger was riding flat out to shake me off, and I can tell 10.6, he overcame difficulties on a rain sodden track. There you that I wasn't loafing either. I honestly thought that I were two real performances, but his deeds since leave me was going to win. At the furlong I was only a neck to the cold. I burst the bubble about Ajax In the Rawson Stakes, bad, but then I felt Allunga shortening his stride, and Ajax 9 furlongs, at Rosehill in March 1939. There were only began to get the upper hand. What happened then is now three runners, Ajax (Harold Badger), Spear Chief (Maurice history. Spear Chief, who had been given the run of the race, McCarten), and Allunga, my mount. People still say that my finished all over us, and beat Ajax convincingly. I say now tactics brought about Ajax's defeat. I'd have given anything that if Allunga had received the same run he would have to have won that race, and although Allunga weakened into won, whether I rode him or anybody else. After the race third at the finish, I got some satisfaction by proving that Maurice McCarten thanked me. He said: 'I couldn't have

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won if you hadn't taken Ajax on, but if you had received the same run you would have got up. There was great excitement in the jockeys' room after the race, and everybody rushed to congratulate Maurice. No wonder. Hadn't he stopped Ajax's winning run just when he was on the verge of a record for a sequence of wins.

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O. Ajax was just a good, game horse. You couldn't put him in the same class as Phar Lap. and he would have been no match for a horse like Windbag. Look at the horses he met. They included Manfred. Limerick, Valicare, and Heroic. You don't see such a gathering of celebrities today. I would like to see Ajax in that field over one and a quarter miles. He would not get a place. Then again, you'll hear people say: ' Oh. But Ajax wasn't, any good beyond 10 furlongs.'

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ell, how can you call him a champion. Every time Ajax was beaten some people blamed Badger. That's always the way, but the only reason Ajax was beaten was because he was not good enough. It won't come as any surprise when I tell you that I have a big fan mail. I get letters of all sorts, abusive, after tips, requests for loans, etc. Shortly after Ajax's defeat at Rosehill a well-wisher sent me the following cutting from the Swan Hill (Vic.) Guardian. It makes interesting reading. The heading is, 'A Bubble Pricked. Ajax a Champion on Sufferance. Opposed Mediocre Jockeys in Victoria.'

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ere are some extracts: 'Recently I (the writer's name is 'Redleap') severely criticised the shocking incompetency in the saddle of Victorian riders other than Harold Badger and Ashley Reed. I stressed the point that it was totally different in Sydney, where there are more talented jockeys.

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nd now a bubble has been pricked, and with all sincerity I can say I fully expected something like this to happen. The

great run of Ajax has come sensationally to an ignominious end, not because a new champion has arisen, but simply because Harold Badger had to look to his laurels against jockeys of real class, and not mere 'whalebone whackers' who would took more at home riding on trams or in buses. Ajax, in his long run of success, has never beaten a really good horse at his best, and he has never acted like a stayer (the real quality test of a turf champion). Never until Saturday has he been asked to go all out from the start over a middle distance. Most of his races have not been won by Ajax at all, but by his jockey, Harold Badger. His much greater race judgment and riding skill has enabled him to play 'Ring-aring-a-Rosie' with the riders of Ajax's rivals, and at the same time build up a fictitious champion. . . . The indisputable proof of whether Ajax or Badger had been the champion in Victoria was speedily forthcoming, when the good old-time battler, Allunga, the 'Rocky Ned' of the Australian turf, was able to send the 'mighty' Ajax along at a merry bat and worry him all the way. Amazing I heard many say. But no. It wasn't amazing at all. On the back of the old sere and yellow battler was the great Darby Munro, himself a greater jockey than even the great Badger. Champion Ajax and the gallant 'Oll Hoss' Allunga were merely pawns in the battle of wits between two great riders. Munro gave Ajax a grueller for the first time by running the very daylight out of him. And so — a bubble has been pricked. Ajax, a champion on sufferance for far longer than his ability deserved, comes back to earth as merely a good horse for a brilliant burst of speed over a few furlongs. To ever attempt to class Ajax in the same street as Desert Gold or Gloaming was always ludicrous.

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ell, I have at least one who agrees with me. One day I must thank "Redleap" for his compliments about me, but I agree with everything he has written. Like me, I suppose he has been told he doesn't know what he's talking about.

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LUSKIN STAR L

uskin Star started his career by winning the Breeders Plate at Randwick over 1000m on 2 October 1976. He started the 5/4 favourite and was even shorter at even money when he won the Silver Slipper at Rosehill three weeks later. After a spell he resumed as a short-priced favourite again for the Northern Slipper over 1200m on a heavy track at Newcastle and tasted defeat for the first time at the hands of the filly Mistress Anne by Vain. She was later to go on to win the 1979 Oakleigh Plate. Three weeks later Luskin Star atoned by winning the Todman Slipper Trial. It was then onto the Golden Slipper and the boom colt started at 5/4 on beating Lloyd Boy. Interestingly, Lloyd Boy who was by Tomatin was later to win the Caulfield Stakes over 2000m, the Ipswich Cup over 2100m and the Queen’s Cup in Tasmania over 2400m.

Luskin Star was stepped up to the 1400m of the Sires’ Produce winning comfortably at 7/1 on. He then completed the 2yo Triple Crown by winning the Champagne Stakes over 1600m beating Marceau, another very good colt by Kaoru Star. Luskin Star went to Brisbane for the Winter, winning the Sires’ Produce there beating Pacific Prince in a field of four at the Ajax like odds of 8/1 on. He then won the Marlboro Stakes, now the JJ Atkins, over 1600m beating Gypsy Kingdom.

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eturning as a 3yo in September against the older horses in the Canterbury Stakes, he was surprisingly beaten as the 5/2 on favourite by Romantic Dream, a son of Baguette. Luskin Star turned the tables on that horse in the Cameron Stakes, a race that Romantic Dream had won the year before and was also to go on to win in 1979. He had also won the Marlboro Stakes and Sires’ Produce in Brisbane the previous year and had won the Goodwood in Adelaide only a few months earlier. Luskin Star then went to Melbourne to line up in the Caulfield Guineas over 1600m. Starting at 2/1 on. The colt beat Princess Talaria, the One Thousand Guineas winner. On 22 October, the colt was sent out in the Cox Plate as the 9/4 favourite but found the 2000m beyond him, struggling to the only unplaced run of his career finishing ninth behind Family Of Man.

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fter another spell, Luskin Star returned for his last campaign winning the Expressway Stakes over 1100m at his first start back as the 3/1 on favourite. He then won the Phar Lap Stakes over 1500m starting at 11/2 on. Stepped up in distance again, Luskin Star started the even money favourite in the Tuloch Stakes at Rosehill but was beaten by Lefroy by Decies who had won the Rosehill Guineas in the Spring and was later to win the Grand Prix Stakes and Qld Derby later that season. Back in distance, Luskin Star had his last start two weeks later in the Galaxy at Randwick over 1100m, winning as the 6/4 on favourite.

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e was retired to stud at Newhaven Park in the Hunter Valley where he was an immediate success. In his first crop he sired Covetous, Fiesta Star, Lover and Corona Miss while Worth, Nouvelle Star, Lotka’s Star, La Caissiere and Autumn Splendour were stakes winners from his second crop. Later he was to produce a string of speedy fillies. Mother Duck won the Gimcrack Stakes as well as three other stakes races and ran third behind Snippets in the inaugural Magic Millions. Bold Promise improved on that by winning the Magic Millions in 1991, a race she won by almost six lengths. She won eight races of which six were as a 2yo. At stud, she was outstanding producing 1996 Golden Slipper and AJC Sires’ Produce winner, Merlene, Blue Diamond Prelude winner, Compulsion and Miss Pennymoney who won the MVRC Australia Stakes and VRC Newmarket Handicap. Her descendants continue to have success and include Champion 2yo and Golden Slipper winner, Capitalist and VRC Oaks winner, Dear Demi. Another of Luskin Star’s best fillies was Startling Lass, also a winner of the Gimcrack Stakes and the Blue Diamond Prelude. She was also a wonderful broodmare producing the stakes winning siblings Shovhog and Shovoff, and her family continue success with runners like Carnegie House and Leveller winning black type races. Midnight Fever was a full sister to Startling Lass and was Champion 2yo filly also winning six races at that age.

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Among her wins were the Reisling Slipper Trial and the Blue Diamond. While she did not produce any stakes winners, her line has gone on to produce Woppit, Mahisara, Ulmann and Astrodame.

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uskin Star continues to play an important role in the Australian thoroughbred. Another of his daughters produced Clang who was a good stallion giving us Golden Slipper winner, Calaway Gal, multiple Stradbroke winner, Black Piranha, and AJC Derby and Epsom winner, Clangalang. Two others who have Luskin Star as their damsire were the quality racehorses and stallions in Strategic who won the G1 MVRC Australia Stakes as well as the Silver Slipper and Pago Pago as a 2yo and produced 25 stakes winners, and Stratum who won the Pago Pago and the Golden Slipper and has left over 40 stakes winners including Golden Slipper winner, Crystal Lily and George Main Stakes, Doomben Cup, Flight Stakes and Australian Oaks winner, Streama.

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uskin Star’s influence does not appear to be lessening with him appearing as the grand damsire of Golden Slipper and AJC Sires’ Produce winner, Sebring who has been an outstanding sire. His progeny include G1 winners like Criterion (ATC Australian Derby, Rosehill Guineas, MRC Caulfield Stakes, ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes) and Dissident (Royal Randwick Guineas, MRC Memsie Stakes, VRC Makybe Diva Stakes, All-Aged Stakes and CF Orr Stakes). Sadly, Dissident has struggled with fertility while Criterion has sired only two stakes winners. While to date Sebring’s sons have not had the impact expected, no doubt his daughters will continue Luskin Star’s influence into the future.

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JOHN WADE

Golden Slipper 1977 Start with John Wade on Luskin Star highlighted

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t is hard not to see some connection between the careers of Luskin Star and Ajax.

The two were both only ever unplaced once, and both will go down in history as champions, although both were not to win any of the distance races. By the time that Luskin Star came along though the Cups had diminished somewhat in their importance in Australian racing.

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e have also seen how jockey Harold Badger will forever be linked with Ajax despite his incredible success. Luskin Star also is associated with jockey John Wade who rode the champion colt for his first nine starts which was his entire remarkable 2yo season.

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ade was a Newcastle boy born in 1950. His father, Bill, was a leading jockey in the area, and young John carried on the family tradition. Bill won 11 Champion Jockey titles in Newcastle and rode over 1600 winners. John Wade also had a remarkable career, riding 1144 winners from only 5463 starts meaning he rode a winner better than once every 5 rides. He was apprenticed to Roy Hinton and won the Apprentices Title for five of his six indentured years. Wade won the Newcastle Jockey’s Title in his first season as a fully-fledged rider and was to win the title a further five times.

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ade rode his first big winner at sixteen when he won the Princess Handicap at Randwick on Sialia, a name oddly reminiscent of Badger’s first stakes winner, Stralia. In total, Wade was to ride over 50 stakes winners, although remains best known for his association with Luskin Star and his incredible 2yo season for top Newcastle trainer, Max Lees.

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ade’s career was cut short when he was badly injured in a fall from Copatip at Ipswich on August 6 1984, shortly after his 34th birthday. A few days before, Wade had ridden his last winner, Fossicker, another son of Kaoru Star in a Graduation at Doomben.

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DRONGO Harold Badger Takes Readers Back to . . .

The Days of Drongo

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part from Carbine, Phar Lap, Peter Pan, Ajax, Windbag, Manfred, and a few other champions, perhaps no name in racing recurs more often than that of Drongo, a thoroughbred of 20 years ago. Harold Badger was breaking into racing when Drongo was striving to win a race. And the lightweight who was destined to go to the top of his profession helped to immortalise that horse.

always a hoodoo in the form of a better horse on the day.

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helped to immortalise the name of Drongo. In the Fisher Handicap in 1925 I won on Stralia and defeated Drongo, ridden by Bill Duncan. Stralia paid 13/3/-, which shows that Stralia wasn't greatly fancied.

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ow often do we hear a horse or man referred to as a Drongo? Many times when I've dismounted on the track after a race I've heard owners and trainers ejaculate 'what a Drongo!' For a long time I didn't connect the saying with the Lanius horse, who was owned by Mrs. H. D. Wood when I was an apprentice. In using the word 'Drongo,' those of the younger generation malign the horse. He was unlucky to be out in seasons when some great gallopers were racing, including Lliypond, Wynette, King Ingoda, The Cypher and Maid of the Mist. In a few races the horses mentioned finished behind Drongo. This should correct any impression that he was a “duffer.”

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rongo raced at two, three and four years. He ran in 37 events for six seconds, six thirds, several fourths and a fifth in the Sydney Cup. He contested the Victoria Derby, St Leger, wfa races and Cups. And he was ridden at different tlmes by jockeys who, between them, had won Cups galore— Bob Lewis, Ashley Reed, Bill Duncan, Alan Wilson, Jack Daniels, and Ted O'Sullivan. That great bunch of riders failed to land Drongo a winner because there was

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Derby finish

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Wycherley winning SAJC Hcp from Drongo

rongo is one horse that transcended racing. His name entered popular usage and is still an Australian colloquialism that is known throughout the world.

Unfortunately, much of the story is based on a lie, and even Australian MP, Dan Curtin misunderstood the remarkable horse when describing his rival, Bob Menzies as a “drongo.”

As Barton explained, “Drongo was a horse which, in Australian mythology, had come last in each of 25 starts.”

Carmichael and Orrong Stakes. At his second start as a 3yo he proved his quality by running a good third in the Memsie Stakes behind Maid Of The Mist. He began, slowly, and at the home turn he was in front of two horses. He was still among the tailenders at the turn but finished strongly to be beaten out of second by Easingwold by a short head.

He competed in the VRC October Stakes, but the best he could do was to finish fifth finishing behind good horses in Whittier, Maid of the Mist, Easingwold, and Heir Apparent. rongo’s story started in England, in the home of His next race was in the Caulfield Guiineas, and he was not renowned actress Lillie Langtree who played an suited by the mile, but ran on well late. On to the Derby, important role in the Australian thoroughbred especially as Drongo was well fancied and was midfield during the race the owner of Merman by Grand Flaneur. Langtree bought travelling comfortably. The filly Frances Tressady kicked Aurum, a full brother to Melbourne Cup winner, Auraria away in the straight while Drongo was caught in traffic. He

by Trenton. He was an exceptional racehorse winning 10 got a split late in the straight and finished strongly on the stakes races including the VRC Sires Produce, Caulfield inside but was unable to claw back the break that the filly Guineas and VRC St Leger before being sent to England. had obtained. A midfield finish in the 1923 Melbourne Cup Unfortunately, he did not race there and only had a finished off a Spring that was full of promise. Through the moderate stud career. His daughter Lys D'Or returned to rest of his career he was placed in both the VRC and AJC Australia to produce Drongo by Lanius an imported Irish St Legers, the Herbert Power Stakes and finished fourth in stallion. Lanius had raced in Australia with great success both the Sydney and Adelaide Cups. winning stakes races in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne from 9f to 24f. He also won the Metropolitan Handicap in n total, Drongo had 37 starts for five seconds and seven the US before returning to stud in Australia at SA Rawdon’s thirds. He earned £2200. To put that in perspective, he Tolamba Stud in Melbourne. Lanius had reasonable success earned £1000 in running second in the VRC Derby. In 2020, as a sire including producing Gungool who was jockey second place in that race was worth $360,000. He also did Harold Badger’s first Melbourne Cup mount, and multiple not earn any prizemoney in running fourth in the Sydney stakes winner, Stand By. and Adelaide Cups, a position that would now have earned him $60,000 in 2020. rongo was unsuccessful in his five 2yo starts, but these were at a high-level including races like the Gibson

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Drongo under whip beaten by Maid Of The Mist in the Memsie

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Drongo Derby finish on the inside

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Drongo Sydney Cup fourth

ALMANZOR CAMBRIDGE STUD NZ

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lmanzor is an interesting newcomer to the Australasian breeding scene. The stallion stands at the famed Cambridge Stud in NZ and his first crop saw him cover 140 mares although he produced only 94 live foals. Immediately this puts him numerically on the back foot against stallions like Russian Revolution who covered 226 mares for 158 live foals in his first season. Perhaps this comparison is a little unfair as he will be judged primarily in NZ where stallions in general cover fewer mares annually.

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and Golden Slipper winner John’s Hope.

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lmanzor is by the stallion, Wootton Bassett who in turn is a son of Iffraaj by Zafonic. It represents a Mr Prospector sire line which has been overshadowed by the Northern Dancer line in Australia for some generations now.

Wootton Bassett stands at Coolmore Stud in Ireland for a fee of €100,000 after starting at a lowly €6,000. He was the French Champion 2yo winning five races in the UK before travelling to France to win the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

The colt returned for four runs as a 3yo but was unplaced.

He has proven a quality stallion which is reflected in his remarkable stud fee rise. Wootton Bassett has produced 16 stakes winners to date with Almanzor being his best.

Interestingly, the stallion’s average winning distance of his progeny is currently 9.4f (1880m) which is notable when we look at what trips Almanzor won over.

he French bred stallion was champion European 3yo winning the French Derby before beating the older horses in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown and the Champion Stakes at Ascot both over 1800m. Almanzor was trained by Jean-Claude Rouget and his stable was hit with a virus which meant that the stallion did not return until the August of his 4yo season. He finished a disappointing eight when the odds-on favourite in a Group 3 race in France lmanzor represents a family we do not regularly see in and was immediately retired. Almanzor won three of his Australia. Perhaps one of the most significant stallions four starts as a 2yo, but none over a distance shorter than from the line that we have seen recently is the Darley stallion, 1400m. His only stakes race at that age was in the Group Street Boss by Street Cry. He is another stallion free of 1 Criterium International at Saint Cloud won by Johannes Danehill and it probably comes as little surprise that many Vermeer who was later to run second to Rekindling in the of his Australian stakes-horses have come from mares by a 2017 Melbourne Cup. Almanzor was bred at the Haras son of Danehill in Exceed And Excel who stands at Darley.

D'Etreham, and shuttles between there and Cambridge Stud.

We must always consider what mares a stallion is most likely For the record, only two French bred stallions have ever to have access to when assessing their likely success. In the won the Sires’ title in Australia. They were Zamazaan who case of Almanzor it would come as little surprise to see him also stood in NZ and won in 1987/88 largely through the suit mares with strong Danehill influences. Unfortunately, deeds of two of his best sons in Beau Zam and Lord Reims, he does not look like he will get to see all that many of those and the wonderful Wilkes who won three titles. These were mares, although we do see that he has covered quite a few in the 1960’s when he sired gallopers like Wenona Girl, Vain Australian bred mares.

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he pedigree of Almanzor is almost a total outcross with only Raise A Native and Ribot duplicated in the sixth generation. It is full of influences that we are not all that familiar with in Australia. Iffraaj, the sire of Wootton Bassett has shuttled to NZ since 2008. His only Australian stakes winners have been Gingernuts NZ (Rosehill Guineas), Jaameh IRE (VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes), Jon Snow NZ (ATC Australian Derby, Tulloch Stakes, MVRC JRA Cup), Jungle Cat IRE (MRC Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes), Order Again NZ (BRC Grand Prix Stakes, Lord Mayor's Cup), Turn Me Loose NZ (MRC Futurity Stakes, VRC Emirates Stakes, MVRC Schweppes Crystal Mile, Seymour Cup) and Who Dat Singa NZ (WATC Melvista Stakes). This stallion’s female line includes the son of Northern Dancer in Nureyev, and Ahonoora, another stallion that we regularly see in pedigrees often through his daughter Princess Tracy who was the dam of Danasinga, Towkay and Tracey’s Element who in turn was the dam of Red Element and Typhoon Tracy. Wootton Bassett is out of a mare by Primo Dominie, a moderate stallion, who sees her damsire as a daughter of Chief ’s Crown, a son of Danzig. The dam of Almanzor is by the US sire, Maria’s Mon, a son of Wavering Monarch, out of a mare by Halling by Diesis.

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he big question is what do we think the future of Almanzor is at stud in New Zealand? Clearly, he will be sought after by owners of Danehill line mares as an outcross. Given that his own pedigree is also an outcross,

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it is uncertain as to whether this is a solid strategy. His best progeny may well come from breeding to some of the strengths in his own pedigree which is difficult given that they are not consistent positive influences under local conditions. Nureyev is likely a key, but we see him commonly as the damsire of Zabeel, and an all-female duplication of that stallion is probably not ideal. Nureyev though is a son of Special, and a three-quarter brother to Sadler’s Wells and Fairy Bridge. Sadler’s Wells will likely make for some interesting progeny of Almanzor, but we do not often see this associated with the early speed that we need for success under local conditions. Nevertheless, High Chaparral and his son, So You Think are good examples of how this influence can be used successfully here. Perhaps a better source of this family is through Encosta De Lago, the champion sire who is a son of Fairy King and it will be interesting to see if breeders can tap into this style of mare in NZ.

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he stallion was obviously a quality racehorse, and there is no reason to suggest that he will not produce some good runners. The concern is whether he is really suited to local conditions and whether he will find appropriate mares.

He is certainly not a stallion who is going to produce regular early 2yo’s so it is important to look closely at each of his individual progeny to see which mares may bring out the best in the family.

HELLBENT YARRAMAN PARK

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ellbent is one of the first sons of boom stallion, I Am Invincible to go to stud. He has been very well supported at stud serving 182 mares in his first season, and 156 in his second year. Given that his sire is a noted speed influence, it appears that his progeny will make an immediate impact when they hit the track.

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he stallion won seven of 23 starts making him a little unusual among the current stallion ranks that see few stallions having quite this many racetrack appearances. It does suggest a degree of soundness and this is an advantage if he can pass on this longevity to his progeny. He did not start quite surprisingly until late in his 2yo season, winning his first start at Canterbury on 24 June 2015. Hellbent earned his first black type running third in the Listed Brian Crowley at Randwick the following October. He won the rich Inglis Dash in January 2016 and was later that year transferred from original trainer Kurt Goldman to the stable of Darren Weir.

Hellbent found Melbourne to his liking, winning three of his first four starts there before again stepping up to black type racing. He ran third in the GH Mumm behind Redzel before spelling. The Autumn of 2017 saw him finishing fourth in the Oakleigh Plate and second in the William Reid. The following Spring Hellbent went well without placing, and he was put out again after only three starts. Returning for his final campaign in the Autumn of 2018, Hellbent had only three starts with a third in the Oakleigh Plate behind Russian Revolution being followed by his major success in the G1 William Reid on 23 March beating Thronum.

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ellbent is out of a Volksraad mare called Volkaspray who won two races in Sydney. She has also produced a full brother to Hellbent who has won black type in Hulk who has been placed in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes. The presence of Volksraad is of particular interest in that he has been such a successful sire in NZ, yet like many there, his success has not translated into local Australian victories. In fact, out of over 50 stakes winners, only a handful of these have been in Australia with his best here being G1 winners Dantelah, Orange County and Velocitea.

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is family traces back to a mare that arrived in Australia around 1880. White And Blue had been born in Germany but was out of the French bred stallion, Monsigneur who was one of the first stallions to stand at the famed Gestut Schlenderhan stud, founded near Cologne by

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the Oppenheim family. His dam was Blue Garter by Beadsman who was born in Britain and sent to Germany. White And Blue met with immediate success in Australia producing two stakes winners in Blue And White who won the AJC The Shorts and December Stakes and Tempe who won the Tatt’s NSW Club Cup, STC Anniversary Handicap and AJC Second Foal Stakes. It is a family that has had remarkable success over the decades, and has included horses like Pago Pago, Savabeel, Craftsman and HK champion Vengeance of Rain to name a few.

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reeders will no doubt have seen that I Am Invincible appears as something of an outcross to Danehill line mares. But we must immediately note that Invincible Spirit, the sire of I Am Invincible is by Green Desert, another son of Danzig. Caution no doubt must be utilised when looking at horses carrying this duplication especially as it is often seen through two sons.

We see this in the case of Danehill where he has not quite had the overwhelming success that many may expect with I Am Invincible. If we look at the pedigree of Hellbent, we see that he is inbred 3mx3m to Green Desert which again underscores that caution is likely to be needed when looking at his progeny that have Danehill and his sons close up through the female line.

Having said that, the best son of Brazen Beau, who may well have been the best son of I Am Invincible, is Tassort who comes from a daughter of Exceed And Excel. While there are three lines of Danzig, they have been pushed into the fourth and fifth generations. If we look closely at Tassort’s pedigree we see that multiple lines of Biscay appear, and it could be likely with the presence of Canny Lad, a grandson of Biscay, as the damsire of I Am Invincible, that Star Kingdom is still playing a strong role in the Australian thoroughbred.

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ne of the features of Hellbent’s yearlings are that there are likely to be a lot of early 2yo types among them which is exactly what the market is looking for. There should be keen bidding for some of his progeny in the ring, and then it is all up to them to see what they can do on the track.

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CARAVAGGIO COOLMORE

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to Japan where she has produced a stakes placed son. One family member that some may know is a stallion called Bien Bien

by Manila, a good US racehorse who was named Champion Older Horse in the US in 1994. The family though really has travelled little outside of the US since WWII although we did see one branch come to NZ towards the end of the last century through a mare called Funny Lass by Great Nephew but it had limited success.

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uite surprisingly we see that Caravaggio has a pedigree that is almost a total outcross with only one ancestor, Count Fleet, duplicated in the sixth generation.

This probably raises some questions as to the long term success of the stallion and his ability to consistently produce quality runners. However, there are some remarkable influences in his pedigree even if some have had most of their success in the aravaggio is another high-quality offering from US. We have mentioned the sire, Scat Daddy and his sire line, Coolmore although rather disappointingly looks like but his first two damsires are Mr Prospector and Nijinsky he may not be returning to Australia any time soon. The which are influences that are readily available throughout attractive grey stallion was a top class racehorse and was the world. The female line of Caravaggio sees some more never beaten at his own age group. He won his four 2yo obscure stallions with his damsire being Holy Bull. He won starts including the G1 Phoenix Stakes. Returning as a 3yo six G1 races in the US and is likely the source of the grey he won his first start against his own age before winning the colouring of Caravaggio. Holy Bull was a very good stallion G1 Commonwealth Cup at Ascot against open horses. He producing regular winners over a range of distances with was beaten into fourth by another 3yo in Harry Angel who his progeny including Kentucky Derby winner, Giacomo had run second to Caravaggio at Ascot at his next start in and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, Macho Uno. There the G1 July Cup Stakes. An ordinary sixth in the G1 Prix are three stallions we see in his pedigree in The Axe, Grey Maurice de Gheest was followed by a G2 win at The Curragh. Dawn and Intentionally that have had success in Australia.

His last start was a third in the G1 British Champion Stakes Caravaggio’s female line also includes the stallions Relaunch in the only race that he started in black figures. Caravaggio and Princequillo making for a pedigree that many will be had been intended to be sent to Australia for a tilt at the first relatively familiar with. Relaunch interestingly is also a grandson of Intentionally who we saw play a critical role in Everest but his form slump saw these plans shelved.

Australia as the damsire of Godswalk. he stallion is a son of Scat Daddy who is one of the top aravaggio stood in NSW and offered breeders a stallions in the US. He is the sire of the US Triple Crown realistic outcross to Danehill, and it is likely that mares winner, Justify, promising stallion, No Nay Never and the Gai Waterhouse trained Con Te Partiro who won two G1 tracing to that stallion will be the key to his success. There races in Sydney. Scat Daddy is a son of Johannesburg by is no shortage of this type of mare in that region, especially Hennessy who in turn was by the champion US sire in seeing as Coolmore originally stood Danehill. The stallion Storm Cat. Interestingly both of these stallions shuttled to offers a lot of scope to produce quality early 2yo’s and also Australia for a brief time. Both stallions had good success horses that are likely to train on when they are older. It is and sired their share of speedy runners, as well as some that possible to see some astutely bred progeny even running in could get over some ground. Johannesburg sired speedster the 3yo classic races, although most likely the majority will Turffontein who won the William Reid and Sir Rupert be earlier types from the right mares. There is always a risk Clarke while Once Were Wild won an AJC Australian Oaks. that overseas horses, especially US bred ones, will not adapt Hennessy is best known here as the sire of Grand Armee, an to local conditions, but there seems enough in Caravaggio’s outstanding racehorse winning nine stakes races including pedigree to think that he will produce plenty who will relish racing in Australia. Sadly the stallion had only one season two AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes. in Australia so far, and buyers might have to be quick to aravaggio’s family is a good US one, but not a family pick up a Caravaggio whose progeny might make an early that many in Australia will know. His half-sibling by impact on the track.

Fusaichi Pegasus in My Jen was a stakes winner but went

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MERCHANT NAVY COOLMORE

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erchant Navy is among the early frontrunners for First Season honours simply by weight of numbers.

He served an incredible 247 mares in 2018 and those resultant foals are now being offered for sale this season.

Magic Millions catalogued 25 of these for January. Most likely even more will be presented for sale at the Inglis Easter sale which gives him a great chance of having enough runners earning stakes to take him up near the lead of any first season table.

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erchant Navy was an outstanding racehorse winning seven of his ten career starts. He first faced the starter in March of his 2yo season winning at Pakenham and Sandown before his first black type success in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes at Flemington over 1400m. A spell saw him return in the Autumn to win the G3 McNeil Stakes at Caulfield before a trip to Sydney resulting in a disappointing performance in the Golden Rose. Returning to Melbourne he won the G1 Coolmore before another break. Returning in the Autumn he was third in the Rubiton and Newmarket before going to the UK where he won the G2 Greenland Stakes at The Curragh, and, in his final race start, the G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

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e is a son of champion stallion, Fastnet Rock, who in turn is a son of Danehill. He has already produced over 120 stakes winners, and over 20 of his sons stand at stud in Australia. Merchant Navy is out of Legally Bay who won the G3 Sweet Embrace Stakes and is notably a daughter of Snippets, no doubt tempting some breeders to look at reinforcing his influence in their matings. This line of his female family arrived in Australia around 1970 through a daughter of Mossborough in Gypsy Moss. She was to produce two wonderful runners in Gypsy Kingdom who won the AJC Warwick Stakes and Doomben Stakes and Our Planet who won the Queensland Derby and Grand

Prix Stakes. Both were by the son of Star Kingdom in Planet Kingdom which may just help give us some clues as to what lines will work with the stallion.

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he pedigree of Merchant Navy is relatively heavily inbred and features four lines of Northern Dancer within the first five generations. This occurs through his sons Danzig, Nijinsky, Grand Chaudiere and Try My Best. We also see an interesting duplication of Twig Moss through daughters in both the tail female line of both his sire and dam. Tom Fool, his son Buckpasser and Natalma are also duplicated in his six-generation pedigree.

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ith quite a heavy amount of inbreeding, breeders, and buyers, must really be sure what they are doing with his progeny. It will come as no surprise to suggest that former Coolmore stallions will be high on the list for suitable matches for the stallion, and sires like High Chaparral and his son So You Think will have daughters who could produce some quality horses by this stallion.

While these type of outcross pedigrees should have success, there are some other Danehill lines that could also find attraction. Choisir is a stallion mentioned before who has daughters and granddaughters that can suit some Danehill line stallions especially through bringing in the enduring line of Lunchtime. Encosta De Lago is another former Coolmore stallion who has no doubt got descendants who may suit Merchant Navy. One of the newer Coolmore stallions is Vancouver whose daughters are only just going to stud, but he is by Medaglia D’Oro and that is another stallion who buyers should pay attention to if they find progeny of Merchant Navy out of his daughters.

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aution is probably a good word when looking at the Merchant Navy progeny, but no doubt the sheer quality of the horse will allow for him to produce some good runners.

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RUSSIAN REVOLUTION NEWGATE FARM

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ussian Revolution is one of the new boys at Newgate Farm, standing alongside a host of other young stallions at that emerging powerhouse. He is a son of Snitzel, Australia’s leading stallion who in turn is by the champion son of Danehill in Redoute’s Choice.

Snitzel’s dam is out of a mare by Snippets, a former Magic Millions winner suggesting plenty of speed in the pedigree. Russian Revolution is also one of the most popular stallions in Australia covering over 220 mares in each of his first two seasons.

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t the races, Russian Revolution was another of the new stallions who did not appear until quite late in their 2yo season. He won his first two starts at Canterbury and Randwick in June 2016. A freshen up saw him win the G2 Vain Stakes at Caulfield in his first 3yo run, following that up with a win the G2 Roman Consul back in Sydney. He then went back to Melbourne to suffer his first defeat when fourth to Flying Artie, who incidentally also stands at Newgate, in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day. A spell saw him return to win The Galaxy at Rosehill beating Redzel before finishing sixth to Chautauqua in the TJ Smith. It was then on to Brisbane where he finished fourth to Redzel in the Doomben 10,000 before again heading to the paddock. In the Spring of 2017, Russian Revolution had only two starts winning the G2 McEwen at Moonee Valley, before a disappointing twelfth in the Moir behind She Will Reign saw him sent out again. He was to have only one more start, winning the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on 24 February 2018 before retiring to stud. In all he won seven of eleven starts and almost $1.25 million in stakes.

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is dam is the US bred Ballet D’Amour by Fasliyev who won over 1100m. Fasliyev by Nureyev was himself a speedy type winning two G1 races up to 6 furlongs. He shuttled to stud in NZ for a few seasons producing over 40 stakes winners usually over shorter trips although Serenade Rose did win two Oaks but was from a Sadler’s Wells mare. Significantly the stallion’s third dam is the remarkable Canadian mare, Fanfreluche, a daughter of Northern Dancer who won nine stakes races and produced three individual stakes winners.

She was a prolific broodmare producing sixteen named foals and is probably best known in Australia through her descendants Encosta De Lago and Flying Spur.

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hile we have the issues of another Danehill line stallion, this is probably alleviated by the fact that we are now pushing that stallion back into the fourth generation. The real danger in many of the progeny of Russian Revolution is that they will have quite heavy inbreeding, especially given the huge mare numbers he has achieved. Quite simply, the mares that represent outcross type pedigrees with this stallion are limited, and to serve such high mare numbers, it is inevitable that many will have close duplications.

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evertheless, like some of the other stallions this year, Russian Revolution has a pedigree that is centred on speed. Although he was not the earliest 2yo himself, it is likely that plenty of his progeny will look like they will be early runners. Russian Revolution is sure to attract plenty of interest in the sales ring, and sheer weight of numbers suggest that at least a few will carry this sales success onto the racetrack.

TURF MONTHLY 49

1956 HOTHAM HANDICAP

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ne of the most famous races in Australian history was held on 3 November 1956 with the running of the Hotham Handicap over one and a half miles (2400m) at Flemington. The race was part of VRC Derby Day and was a traditional lead up to the following Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. It was the last race of the day on a card that included the Derby, Wakeful Stakes, Maribyrnong Plate and Mackinnon Stakes. The VRC had adopted the photo finish camera in 1946, reducing the frequency of dead-heats which had necessitated run-offs years before.

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he field that lined up for the Hotham consisted of eleven runners. Topweight with 9.3 (57.5kg) in the Handicap was Pushover, a 6yo mare who had won the Turnbull Stakes at her last start, having finished third to Sailor’s Guide in the Craiglee the start before. She was weighted just ahead of Ark Royal, a 4yo NZ bred horse owned by Mr GJ Martin and trained by A Powell. He had run second to Pushover in the Turnbull and had started the 6/4 on favourite and was beaten only a half head. He had finished eighth his start before in the Cox Plate won by Ray Ribbon, and before that sixth to Redcraze in the Caulfield Stakes. Clearly, he was better suited to the handicap conditions and he was expected to be prominent having previously shown a liking for Flemington. He was being ridden for the first time by Reg Heather. Champion NZ jockey Bobby Skelton had dramatically stood down from his mount on Ark Royal in the Hotham Handicap and Melbourne Cup. Ark Royal's owner, Mr. G. J. Barton, told Argus racing editor, Tom Moon that he accepted Skelton's offer. Skelton came to Australia booked to ride Ark Royal in all his engagements.

"I am not blaming Bobby Skelton for Ark Royal being beaten in his Melbourne races," Mr. Barton said. "But Bobby told me he feels he is out of luck here, and it may be better for everybody if somebody else rode the horse in the Hotham Handicap and the Melbourne Cup.” Skelton’s gesture may well have shaped history.

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umber three in the field was Pandie Sun, a South Australian 4yo trained by Colin Hayes for CC Morton.

He was ridden by Bill Williamson and had won the Moonee Valley Cup at his last start following wins in the McLachlan

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Handicap and Labor Day Cup at Morphettville. Next was Fighting Force, a 5yo owned by KG Luke for trainer RJ Shaw with Jack Purtell on board. The son of Helios had been third in the Desborough Welter at Caulfield before winning the Herbert Power, and then third to Pandie Sun in the Moonee Valley Cup.

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ext in the line-up came the 4y mare, Arbolado who had run disappointingly in the Caulfield Cup and eight in the Werribee Cup. There was another 4yo in Reeman who was coming off a solid eight in the Caulfield Cup. Storm Glow was a 5yo trained by Jim Cummings who had finished fifth in the Turnbull, a ninth in the Herbert Power, and a sixth in the Phoenix Handicap at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day. Arabil was a 6yo hurdler trained by D Bradfield who had run a close second on the flat in the Stand Handicap at Flemington early in October. The 4yo mare, Tuileries Gardens was by the French stallion, Tantieme and trained

by P Burke. She was another of the roughies in the field having run ninth in a Caulfield welter at her previous start.

Another of the outsiders was Beaufort Lad by Dark Felt who was coming off a thirteenth in the Moonee Valley Cup. He was carrying only 7.3 (46kg) along with another NZ bred in Mananui. He had finished a good third in the Olympic Cup at Geelong at his last start, beaten around a length after a solid sixth in the Herbert Power the start before.

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s they approached the turn in the race, Mananui had led with Pandie Sun moving up on his outside. Ark Royal was a length back in third, with Steel Glow on his inside.

Another length back was Fighting Force in a packing field.

As they came to the distance, Pandie Sun and Ark Royal were battling for the lead. They were neck and neck, and as the finish drew near, Fighting Force was trying hard to get level. With a final lunge, the three went to the post locked together. The Judge immediately called for the photo.

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he VRC had adopted the photo finish camera in 1946, reducing the frequency of dead-heats which had necessitated run-offs years before. This time, the camera could not split the three horses. Racegoers were impatient for a result in the race, but the Judges were struggling with a unique problem. There was no provision for three numbers

to be displayed on the semaphore board. They tried to hold three numbers side by side from the window, but few on track could see their efforts. Eventually they were to phone the Clerk of the Scales who had the on-course broadcaster announce the result.

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ll three were to meet again on the Tuesday in the Melbourne Cup won by Evening Peal who beat the 7/4 favourite Redcraze by a half-neck. Ark Royal unfortunately hurt himself leaving his float at Flemington and was a late withdrawal from the Cup. Fighting Force finished a strong fourth in the Cup, beaten less that a length this time ridden

by J Gilmore and carrying 7.10. He started at 10/1 and narrowly finished in front of the grand old champion Rising Fast in one of his last races. Pandie Sun with Athol Mulley aboard could only manage thirteenth at 12/1 under 8.1.

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s an addendum to the Hotham Handicap, on Boxing Day that year, the VRC erected a marquee in the Paddock to show the official film of the race. Mr. Harry Way. VATC secretary said that the film had been a great success. "Our attendance was 36,075 compared with 33,084 on Boxing Day last year. There were 15,000 people in the paddock last year and almost 19,000 today. There is no doubt the film attracted a lot of people to the races. The outlay was about ÂŁ200, but we have more than recouped it.

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he feat was not repeated until 1 June 1985 when Plenty Of Spirit, Apollo’s Flame and Angular dead heated in an Open Handicap in Townsville, Qld.

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