1924 - 2024
There is another twist to this story. Smith, the breeder of Spearfelt, had long nursed an obsession to breed a Melbourne Cup winner, buying properties and particular horses to achieve his goal. As far back as 1900 he purchased Carbine’s Australian son, Wallace, at auction, put him to all his best mares at his Bundoora Park stud, and restricted the number of outside mares. Wallace duly sired two Melbourne Cup winners—Kingsburgh and Patrobas— but neither were from mares owned by Smith. In his quest J.V. Smith engaged the best trainer in the land, James Scobie, the best jockey, Bobbie Lewis, and together they had huge success in other big races—but, as a team, never took the Cup. Oaks winners and Derby winners, yes, but never the Cup. After Wallace died, the ageing Smith more or less gave up his quest, selling Bundoora Park, progressively reducing his bloodstock. Hence the sale of the ill-fated Lady Champion and her foal, to Widden. Smith died in Toorak in March 1922. He never knew his greatest ambition would be achieved. In the record books, J.V. Smith is the breeder of Spearfelt, winner of the 1924 Victoria Derby— and of the 1926 Melbourne Cup. Was Smith a lucky man? As we say, it depends on your definition.
BELOW: Spearfelt, the winner of the 1926 Melbourne Cup, later achieved a rare feat by siring Dark Felt, who went on to win the 1943 Cup. This accomplishment was first achieved by Grand Flaneur, the 1880 Melbourne Cup champion, who sired Bravo, the 1889 Cup winner.
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