HORSES
REDLEAP
Lightly raced horse that only started in 7 events. In his first race he lost his regular rider (Mr. W. S. Cox) in a Caulfield Steeplechase. Won the 1889 Grand National Hurdle “in a common canter' at his next start. Had three years off the scene then won the 1892 Grand National Hurdle “easily” with 11.10 (74 kg), then the following Saturday had 6 lengths to spare when victorious in the Grand National Steeplechase with 13.3 (84 kg).
A month later despite carrying 13.13 (88 kg) won the Caulfield Grand National Steeplechase by 4 lengths. Was then set for the Melbourne Cup, but broke down and never raced again.
MOSSTROOPER
Prolific winner during the greatest era of jumping in Australia. Began on the flat, being placed just once in four seasons, prior to be being sold to go jumping. A very hardy performer, equally at home over the open batten hurdles or the big timber fences, Mosstrooper's first major success was in the 1929 Australian Hurdle at Caulfield, backing up the following Saturday to win the Australian Steeplechase. The next year the great old gelding won the Grand National Hurdle with 10.7 (67 kg), and the Grand National Steeplechase with 11.10 (74 kg). A month later Mosstrooper won a second Australian Hurdle with 11.12 (75 kg), and was later placed in the 1931 GN Hurdle and the 1932 and 1933 GN Steeplechases.
WINTERSET
A well performed gelding on the flat, Winterset won six metropolitan hurdle races, the last at Flemington with 12.7 (79.5 kg) in 1941. Switching to the stiffer obstacles Winterset excelled over the big Flemington fences. Beginning with a win in the 1941 Cup Steeplechase, Winterset won nine steeplechases at that venue, never carrying less than 12.7 in any of those victories. Winterset travelled to Adelaide for the 1945 Great Eastern Steeplechase (run at Morphettville), and scored by two lengths carrying 12.10 (81 kg).
PERDO'S PRIDE
Australia's greatest jumping mare, began over fences after being only placed at Seymour from 16 flat runs. Took a liking to Caulfield winning three steeplechases there in 1956, and another five in 1957. A huge mare she shouldered the big weights allocated to her, winning the 1957 Grand National Steeplechase with 11.12 (75 kg – the runner up had 57 kg), and the 1957 Australian Steeplechase with 12.9 (80.5 kg). Won the 1958 A.V. Hiskens Steeplechase in brilliant fashion with 12.7 (79.5 kg) giving 22.5 kg to the runner up.
CRISP
Began jumping in 1968 by winning five hurdle races in the provincial and metropolitan area. The next year was switched to fences winning the 1969 A V Hiskens Steeplechase at Moonee Valley by 20 lengths with 11.0 (70 kg). As a 6 year old, Crisp won the VRC Cup Steeplechase, the VRC Footscray Steeplechase with 12.3 (77.5 kg), and the A V Hiskens Steeplechase with 12.0 (76 kg) by 12 lengths. Weighted out in Australia, Crisp was sent to England where he won a further four steeplechases, but is best known for his epic run in the 1973 Grand National when he gave Red Rum 24 lbs (11 kg), and was narrowly beaten, after leading by large margin for most of the race.
REDDITCH
A winner of twelve jumping races, Redditch carried big weights in the best of company. Began his jumping career with three wins at Williamstown over hurdles, prior to opening his steeplechasing account at Epsom. Won the 1933 Grand National Steeplechase by eight lengths with 12.3 (77.5 kg), and was runner up the next year with 12.7 (79.5 kg). Redditch was successful in both the 1933 and 1934 Australian Steeplechases, carrying 12.13 (82 kg) in both races and winning easily.
SHARP AS
Remarkable hurdler/handicapper who debuted winning a Hurdle race at Werribee in 1988. Went on to win 8 hurdle races and 7 flat races from just 32 starts, Sharp As was runner up in the 1989 Grand National Hurdle. Following that the gelding won seven flat races prior to winning the L.V.Lachal Hurdle with 69 kg, then record an end to end victory in the Grand National Hurdle with 69.5 kg by five lengths.
POOLEY BRIDGE
Top hurdler of the late 1930's, established the record of winning 10 metropolitan hurdle races (from 11 starts) in the 1935-6 season. As a 5yo went from winning a Maiden Hurdle at the old Ascot track in September 1935 to winning the 1936 Grand National Hurdle with 11.3 (71.5 kg), then the following week the Doutta Galla Hurdle at Flemington with 12 stone (76 kg). A month later Pooley Bridge won the Australian Hurdle at Caulfield with 12.5 (78.5 kg)
BRIBERY
Winner of 10 hurdle races in its native Tasmania, Bribery came to Melbourne to win the 1907 Grand National Hurdle with 10.2 (64.5 kg). A month later switched to the bigger jumps won the Caulfield Grand National Steeplechase, then 4 miles, with 11.1 (70.5 kg). Later that year won the Cup Hurdle with 12.1 (76.5 kg), and followed up winning the 1908 Grand National Steeple with 12.11 (81 kg). Finished the season running second in the Caulfield GN Steeple with 13.7 (85.5 kg)
CLAN ROBERT
Originally came from western NSW winning flat races at Warren, Narromine and Parkes, prior to be sent to Sydney to go hurdling. Won a hurdle at Rosehill in 1922, then three Randwick hurdles in 1923, before being sent south to run over fences. Recorded an easy victory in the 1926 Grand National Steeplechase at Flemington, over the old course of wooden fences and walls, then won the 1927 Cup Steeplechase with 13 stone (82.5 kg), and the Victoria Steeplechase on the final day of the Cup Carnival over 3 miles with 13.9 ( 86.5 kg)
MOUNTAIN GOD
Began his career in 1918 winning three metropolitan hurdle races, prior to beginning a career as a steeplechaser. Was first past the post in the feature Williamstown Steeplechase in 1920, then recorded wins at Flemington and Caulfield with big weights. In 1921 Mountain God won the Grand National Steeplechase with 11.5 (72.5 kg), and he repeated the win the following year carrying 12.7 (79.5 kg) to victory. Finished his career as an 11 year old running third in the Australian Steeplechase at Caulfield with 13.2 (83.5 kg)
CHEERY JACK
Began jumping in Sydney in the late 1930's, winning the feature AJC Hurdle at Randwick in 1939, before coming to Melbourne and running third in the Cup Hurdle, and winning the November Hurdle (on Oaks Day) with 11.10 (74 kg). The following season won the Grand National Hurdle, first up over jumps that campaign with 11.7 (73 kg) by 4 lengths, and the following Saturday the Doutta Galla Hurdle at Flemington with 12.6 (78.5 kg). Returning to Sydney, Cheery Jack won a hurdle at Randwick with 12.13, before winning the Kensington Steeple at Flemington with 12.7 (79 kg). Was short priced favourite for the 1941 GN Steeple, but was doped on the morning of the race.
TRAINERS
H A BELLAMY
Had a big stable of jumpers when initially based at Alphington, then later relocated to Mill Park, where many of the streets carry the names of the famous horses of his era. Trained the legendary Redleap, arguably the greatest jumper, ever to race in this country. Bellamy had a close association with the neighbouring Findon Harriers Hunt Club, and many of his horses hunted prior to tackling the steeplechase races of the era. He also trained Freedom (GN Steeple 1901) Eaglet (GN Steeple 1888) and Freedom (Grand Annual 1901), amongst many metropolitan winners.
W BURKE
Trained from Flemington, and was a prolific winning trainer over the jumps. Won the 1938 Grand National Steeplechase with Green Cape, but came up with an ingenious plot the following year, when Green Cape was set for the hurdle, and his well known hurdler Giant Killer secretly set for the GN Steeple. Substantial bets were laid at big odds early in Nationals betting, and both horses won, in what was known for many years as “the great switch”.
D MCRAE
Epsom based trainer who had great jumping success particularly with the progeny of the sire David. Won three successive Grand National Hurdle races (1943-45) with Saul, Claudette and Zalmon, Claudette going on to be placed in the 1944 Melbourne Cup, then winning the Williamstown Cup. McRae trained Latani to win the 1948 Australian Hurdle with 12.1 (76.5 kg), and Zalmon to win the 1944 Australian Steeplechase at Caulfield.
D S MCCORMICK
Another Epsom based trainer who had extended success over many years. Trained the winner of the 1945 and 1947 Grand National Hurdle races (Bay David and Eudunda), and the 1940 and 1946 Australian Hurdle winners. Was successful in the Melbourne metropolitan jumping trainers premiership four times.
J J HOULAHAN
Began training at the age of 57 from his Rosebud property, Houlahan soon had success in the big races. Over a long training career he trained a number of champion horses including Strasbourg, Sharp As, Marlborough, Moon Chase. Initially a very big punter, Houlahan was the first trainer to have spectacular success, both jumping and flat, in Victoria from a training centre based at his own rural property. He established a record that will almost certainly never be eclipsed. Won every major jumping race on the calender, the most notable being the Grand National Hurdle seven times, Grand Annual Steeplechase four times and the A V Hiskens Steeplechase three times. Eight times Melbourne metropolitan premiership winner.
E V MUSGROVE
Revolutionized the jumping ranks by establishing a big stable, and travelling throughout Australia to win races. Musgrove has trained over 500 winners, and is the only trainer to win jumping races in four states, and to win four jumping races on the one day. Has had success in most of the feature races, including a record twelve wins in the Von Doussa Steeplechase. Won the Grand National Steeplechase with Kanihi and Palace Symphony, and the A V Hiskens Steeplechase with Lord Voloso and Palace Symphony, but his crowning achievement are the three successive victories of Karasi in Japan's feature Nakayama Grand Jump. Winner of the Melbourne metropolitan jumping trainers premiership on nine occasions.
JOCKEYS
T CORRIGAN
Legendary Warrnambool rider who was greatest jockey of his day. Had the brilliant record of 788 rides over jumps for 238 wins, 135 seconds and 95 thirds, Corrigan was revered as both totally fearless and completely honest. Rode three Warrnambool Hcp Steeplechase winners (now the Grand Annual), the initial Grand National Hurdle winner, as well as three VRC Grand National Steeplechases, and three VATC Caulfield Grand National Steeplechses. Corrigan was killed in the 1894 Caulfield Grand National Steeplechase, and his funeral was the second largest ever held in Melbourne to that time.
F BURN
Known as a great steeplechase rider, when the fences were at their toughest, Burn won the 1909 and 1910 Grand National Steeplechases, and the 1906 – 07 & 1910 Caulfield Grand National Steeplechase. Rode Bribery in his mainland wins, and won the 1913 Harry D Young Hurdle at Oakbank.
F DUMMETT
Had an extended career over the jumps, winning the Grand National Hurdle three times, the Grand National Steeplechase three times, including the double in 1938. He also won the Australian Hurdle in 1939, and the South Australian Grand National Hurdle in 1934.
L MEENAN
Began riding in Gippsland before coming to Melbourne. Had a great association with Winterset winning 13 races on that amazing jumper, including the 1945 Great Eastern Steeplechase. Meenan won the 1940 Grand National double on Cheery Jack and Blackford, as well as winning the GN Hurdle in 1945 and the GN Steeple in 1949.
A FULLARTON
Very elegant Flemington based rider had his first big race success in the 1929 Grand National Steeple on Sandhurst, also winning the same race in 1934 on Woodlace. Won the 1932 Grand National Hurdle, 1937 Australian Hurdle, and was successful on Benghazi in the 1944 Australian Hurdle as an owner-rider. Later trained an Australian Hurdle winner.
R INKSON
Broke into the top echelon of riders in an ultra competitive era winning the 1923 SA Grand National hurdle, then travelled to Randwick to ride NSW champion jumper Palbi to success in the 1925 AJC Steeplechase.
In 1925 won the Cup Steeple, then the 1926 Grand Annual on handy Western District chaser Agricola carrying 76 kg. Again won the Annual in 1933, and won Australia's premier race, the GN Steeple in 1931 on Rakwool.
R HALL
Very talented rider who won the Australian Hurdle in 1942 on David Spear, then rode the dashing Latani to a string of wins including the Williamstown Cup Hurdle and the 1948 Australian Hurdle with 76.5 kg. Piloted Japaddy to win the 1953 Grand National Steeplechase with 75 kg. Returned to the saddle after a long absence to ride Crisp in his first four hurdle wins in 1968.
B J SMITH
Affectionately known as the “Bradman of the jumps”, Smith dominated the jumping scene in the 1950's. He won the Great Eastern Steeplechase, two Grand Annual Steeplechases, four Australian Steeplechases, the 1956 GN Hurdle on Redfield, the 1959 GN Steeple on Irish Sun, and two Harry D Young Hurdles at Oakbank. He was badly injured in a hurdle race at Geelong, that finished his career.
E BYRNE
Initially from Warrnambool Byrne was a happy go lucky character, and a dashing and fearless jumps rider. Won the 1956, 1960 and 1969 Grand Annual Steeplechases, the 1964 Grand National Hurdle on Ross, and the 1966 Harry D Young Hurdle. His career was cut short, when killed in a car crash in 1972.
K BOURKE
Another rider that began his career in the Western District, by the age of 20, Bourke was the leading rider in Melbourne. Rode a record five Grand National winners – GN Hurdle 1971 Faux Pas 1972 Our Leo, GN Steeple 1972 Ramlegh, 1977 Strasbourg, 1978 So And So. Also rode two A V Hiskens Steeplechase winners, two Grand Annual Steeplechase winners – 1973 Olympic Choice 1978 So And So, a Great Eastern Steeplechase and a victory each in the South Australian Grand National Hurdle and the Harry D Young Hurdle. Enjoyed a great run of success when riding for Jim Houlahan. Trained the 1989 Hiskens Steeplechase winner.
N HARNETT
Very stylish rider who came to Melbourne from the South Island of New Zealand, where he won the Grand National Hurdle at Riccarton as a teenager. Forged an almost unbeatable combination with trainer Rick Hore Lacy winning the 1985 Australian and Grand National Hurdles with Planinca as well as the Australian Steeplechase with Diwali and Fast Food. He also won two Grand National Steeplechases, and three A V Hiskens Steeplechases, as well as training the winner of that race later. Harnett also rode winners in England.
C DURDEN
Former amateur rider, Craig started in the jumping ranks as an apprentice to Colin Hayes. Will go down in history as having ridden the last Cup Hurdle winner. He has enjoyed great success over a long period winning the prestigious Tommy Corrigan Medal on a record seven occasions. Durden has won virtually every major race on the calender, and was best known for the multitude of feature wins on Moon Chase (Von Doussa stple, Galleywood Hdle), Planet Hollywood (great eastern Stple, Grand Annual Stple) and Marlborough (Aust Hdle, GN hurdle, Hiskens Stple) for Jim Houlahan. On the international scene Craig has ridden winners in Japan, Ireland and New Zealand.