Features
The Ron Hutchinson story and Aussies abroad (Part 4)
Aussies excel after Smirke and Richards retire Ron Hutchinson says his success and that of fellow Australians, especially in England, was inspired by Scobie Breasley’s deeds but also, in part, due to timing. “Charlie Smirke and the great (Sir) Gordon Richards had just finished when I arrived,” he said. Richards, 26 times champion jockey, retired... Read More
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First for Divine Prophet
New first season sire winners Divine Prophet (pictured above) Aquis Farm’s first season sire Divine Prophet (Choisir) sired his first two-year-old winner at Morphettville on Boxing Day when the Will Clarken-trained Bleriot (2 f ex Jetting To London by Jet Spur) won the two-year-old plate (1050m). After twice finishing runner-up, Bleriot won the $52,250 race... Read More
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Paulele
Ron Gilbert turned away from the pitiful sight before him, and stared into the Darling Downs hills to gather his thoughts. It was a scorching Queensland February day. Half an hour earlier Gilbert was sitting down to watch the 1999 edition of a breeders’ “must-see” – the Blue Diamond Stakes. A phone call from a... Read More
The Ron Hutchinson story and Aussies abroad (Part 3)
Hutchinson wins the 2000 Guineas at his first ride in England Martial was the most significant of Hutchinson’s first season winners. The 18-1 chance won the 2,000 Guineas in a photo from George Moore’s mount Venture VII – the 6-4 favourite – owned by Aly Khan. “We finished on either side of the track and... Read More