Who is Subzero?
About Subzero
Subzero is a grey gelding who was born in 1989. He was sired by Kala Dancer and was born to a mare called Wiley Trade. Subzero began racing as a three year old and throughout his racing career he built up some very impressive race results. Besides winning the most famous horse race in Australia - The Melbourne Cup in 1992, Subzero also won the Adelaide Cup and South Australian Derby in the same year. Subzero won nearly two million dollars in prize money-nearly 11 million dollars by todays standards. Career wise, he had 42 starts for 4 wins, 5 seconds and 5 thirds. His last start was the Brisbane Cup on the 13th June 1994. 'Subby' (as he is affectionately known) then became a Clerk of the Course horse for 15 years and only recently retired from that role in June, 2008. He now continues his role as an Ambassador for Racing Victoria, visiting many schools each year.
What is Subzero doing today?
After retiring as a Clerk of the Course horse Subzero continues to visit primary and secondary schools throughout all of Victoria, giving students the once in a lifetime opportunity of meeting a Melbourne Cup winner.
Clerk of the Course
A Clerk of the Course is a very special person at a racecourse. Subzero's owner, Graham Salisbury, is a Clerk of the Course. He has a very important job to control the horses on the racecourse and take care of any difficulties with the horses. So a Clerk of the Course must be good at handling horses. Before a race, a Clerk of the Course assembles the racehorses in numerical order in the saddling paddock, and then guides them to the mounting yard to prepare for the race. After the race, he must guide the winning horse back to the mounting yard. You can try to spot a Clerk of the Course next time as they always wear a bright red uniform and black helmet. Classic Karla is now Graham Salisbury's new Clerk of the Course mount.
What did Subzero do as a Clerk of the Course horse?
As the horse that the Clerk of the Course rode to control other horses, Subzero had to be calm, still and obedient. He could not be distracted by the other horses as they prepared to race. This means that Subzero had to be very well trained and disciplined. By staying calm, Subzero helped the other horses around him to be calm. This was very important so that Graham could guide the horses smoothly.
A very popular horse
Subzero is perhaps the most popular horse, especially among children. Wherever he visits, Subzero loves attention from people. He also loves carrots and cakes. You will see for yourself that he is a very quiet and friendly horse. But this horse knows another trick: He will even bow and answer Yes or No questions! Subzero has become such a popular horse that he now has his own range of products which include: lunch cooler bags, hats, t-shirts, pencils and drink bottles.
Fast Facts about Subzero
Name: Subzero
Nickname: Subby
Type of horse: Thoroughbred
Gender: Male (gelding)
Age: 20
Birthday: Along with all horses in the Southern Hemisphere, Subzero's birthday is August 1
Height: 16 hands high
Favourite food: Lucerne and carrots
Favourite colour: Grey
Total prize money won: $1,970,800
Likes: Visiting schools, going to the races and swimming in his very own swimming pool-splish splash!
Subzero Goes to School
Meet a real live racehorse champion at your school! This unique program brings 1992 Melbourne Cup winning horse, Subzero, to your school, offering a safe and educational way for your students to see, touch and smell a champion racehorse.
Contact the Australian Racing Museum enquire about this sensational educational incursion when you make your booking to visit Champions.