FAMOUS RACEHORSES 



IN 1 840 that influential body then known as the Australian Race Committee, 

 in a long statement, said: "They had in view the encouragement to breed 

 that description of horse which was most desirable for colonial purposes 

 — viz., one combining, with great strength and endurance, as much speed 

 as w^e can procure." The old-time breeders acted well up to those condi- 

 tions, as we have proof in the w^onderful stamina shown by such horses as 

 Jorrocks, Veno, The Barb, Tarragon, Dagworth and Reprieve. 



During the early part of the present century it became apparent that the 

 horse was gaining in speed but losing in stamina. Trainers, who have spent 

 a lifetime at the work, are all agreed that the horse of the present day has 

 not the stamina or constitution of those horses bred in the middle and towards 

 the close of the last century. 



The question is often asked: "Which was the best horse that ever raced 

 in Australia?" Racing men all have their fancies. 1 favour the idea of 

 classing them according to the period in which they raced. Thus, the best 

 horse of the early period of racing in this colony appears to have been Junius. 

 Then comes Jorrocks, Veno, Zoe, Tarragon, The Barb, First King. Grand 

 Flaneur, Malua, Sir Modred, Commotion, Carbine, Wakeful, Poseidon and 

 Poitrel. Asked which were the better quartette of the lot mentioned as far as 

 personal opinion goes, the reply would be: The Barb, Carbine, Sir Modred 

 and Poitrel. 



FRANK WILKINSON. 



...-^=»s»s^^ 



JORROCKS (t) by Whisker. Sold in 1841 by his l.ireeder, Mr. H. Bailey, who took in 



exchange for the gelding 8 springing heifers (eqnivalent to £40 sterling). Tlie 



gelding took part in 81 races, 57 of which he won, the majority being run in heats. 



147 



