RAMSDEN A N D R E W (1934-2013)
The Andrew Ramsden run over 2800m at Flemington originates from a race that had its inaugural running back
in 1964. Originally known as the Duke of Norfolk Stakes, and run over two- miles (3218m), the race was long considered the premier long distance race of the Autumn program. Back then it was named following a visit to Flemington by the 16th Duke of Norfolk, Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, a keen racing enthusiast. In 2004, the race took on a new name, this time the VRC did so to honour former VRC Chairman and racing industry stalwart Andrew Ramsden (1934-2013). Mr Ramsden was a Victoria Racing Club committee and board member for 21 years, holding positions of Honorary Treasurer, Vice Chairman and finally Chairman from 1998 to 2003. He made an enormous contribution at Flemington as well as the broader racing industry, and as an administrator was pivotal to the structural change in Victoria, which led to the formation of Racing Victoria Limited (RVL). Following retirement from the VRC board in 2004, he took up the reins as Chairman of the Australian Racing Board, a position held until 2006. Andrew Ramsden was known as a man with an absolute passion for thoroughbred racing, particularly staying races. As an owner, Mr Ramsden was clearly fortunate, having secured victories in the 1982 and 2000 Melbourne Cups, with Gurner’s Lane and Brew respectively. Only Richard Turnbull, back in 1944 (Sirius), has won the Melbourne Cup as an owner whilst holding down the position of VRC Chairman. Mr Ramsden would also part-own the winners of four Caulfield Cups notably with Gurner’s Lane (1982), Paris Lane (1994), Sky Heights (1999) and Descarado (2010). Coincidentally, Andrew’s first horse which raced in the 1960s was named Fawkner. Two days after Andrew’s passing, the modern-day Fawkner would win the 2013 Caulfield Cup. Melbourne Cups aside perhaps the ultimate thrill is winning a time-honoured distance race renamed in your honour? Andrew Ramsden won the race, his race, The Andrew Ramsden, in 2011 with Niwot. Andrew Ramsden is remembered as a man of great integrity who had an unwavering commitment to the betterment of racing.
Did you know? In 2019, The Andrew Ramsden was shortened to a distance of 2800 metres, and, in an exciting development, the VRC announced that the winner would be granted ballot exemption for entry in the Lexus Melbourne Cup with ‘the golden ticket’.
Did you know? Andrew Ramsden’s son Michael Ramsden was elected to the VRC Board in 2012 and is currently the VRC Vice Chairman.
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