TAB EDWARD MANIFOLD STAKES
BY ANDREW LEMON
T he VRC committee is of the opinion that young fillies are at a disadvantage in having to race so continuously against colts and geldings.” Such was the announcement back in 1932. “They have decided to have a race at the October meeting each year confined to three-year-old fillies, the Edward Manifold Stakes. It is the purpose of the committee to establish this as one of the classics.” So it became, with champions Tranquil Star, Chicquita, Wiggle, Light Fingers, Dual Choice, Emancipation, Spirit of Kingston (half sister to Rose of Kingston) and Alinghi on the winners’ list. Edward Manifold (1868-1931) served 35 years on the VRC committee up to the time of his death. Like his brothers, the Western District pastoralist had been a sportsman in his youth, a successful amateur rider, owner of racehorses, especially steeplechasers, winning several VRC Grand National Steeplechases with the colours yellow and violet hoops, violet caps. Edward’s record of service inspired his nephew (Sir) Chester Manifold to follow him onto the VRC committee in 1937 – also serving for 35 years (ten as Chairman). Sir Chester has often been described as ‘the father of the TAB’, which began operations in Victoria in 1961.
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