BRISEIS STAR OF THE OAKS
Briseis was handicapped to carry 6 stone 4 pounds (just 40 kilograms) in the 1876 Cup, which explains why Peter got the mount. Earlier that year at Randwick, when Briseis was still a two-year-old, the pair won the Doncaster Handicap, as the filly had the even lighter weight of 35 kilograms. Rumours later arose that Peter was a ‘waif’ rescued from the streets by James Wilson, but family records show he was the son of Irish immigrants who settled at St Albans. The baptism register at St Mary’s Basilica, Geelong, tells us he turned twelve a few days after winning the Cup on Briseis. One other quirk belongs to the Briseis story. For the first time a gold cup was presented as a Melbourne Cup trophy, gift of the retiring VRC Chairman, James Blackwood. It was crafted by noted Geelong goldsmith, Edward Fischer, and was much admired. Alas, in a later generation, this elaborate trophy was sold and melted down for its gold, with only one portion retained for posterity, still in private hands: it took the shape of a medallion, inscribed with the names of Briseis, James Wilson and Peter St Albans. Briseis is best memorialised by the flourishing Briseis Club, founded in 1995 and actively supporting not just racing but sporting excellence in the City of Geelong and region. This super Oaks filly will not be forgotten.
Engraved illustration of the 1876 Melbourne Cup trophy won by three-year-old filly Briseis.
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