ANZAC Day Race Day - Digital Racebook

MONDAY 25 APRIL

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. IN FLANDERS FIELDS BY JOHN MCCRAE Today the Club recognises the unique contribution in war and peace of Australia’s own Vera Deakin and, through her, the Australian Red Cross. The authoritative Australian Dictionary of Biography credits Vera with “a greater influence than any other single person on the development of the Australian Red Cross”. Vera Deakin was twenty-three when she took ship for Cairo in 1915 to seek work with the Red Cross while Australian soldiers were fighting at Gallipoli. There she became secretary of the

Portrait of Mrs Thomas Walter White OBE (nee Vera Deakin) by Robert Hofmann,1946. Lady White is wearing the uniform of the Victorian Divisional Commandant of the Australian Red Cross (ARC). (Australian War Memorial)

WAR HORSE: THE THOROUGHBRED COUSIN

BY ANDREW LEMON

More than 130,000 Australian horses were sent to the First World War. These animals performed their services valiantly and bravely until the end. At Flemington on Anzac Race Day these incredible equines are remembered with an official commemoration with appearances by horses reminiscent of the ones used at war, complete with military gear. It is a special moment and racing’s way of saying, ‘Lest we Forget’. Historian A.T. Yarwood, the great expert on the Waler breed from its colonial origins, called the Waler ‘an Australian horse abroad, working chiefly in the countries washed by the Indian ocean… Initially it was a horse bred in New South Wales and imported to India for military, sporting or domestic purposes.’ Yarwood devoted a chapter to the Waler at War. The first batch went with New South Wales troops to the Sudan in 1885. ‘Not for the last time, the horses were not brought home.’ Australian Mounted Infantry participated in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902. More than 37,000 Australian horses went to the conflict. ‘As at the Sudan, not one of the horses is known to have returned to Australia.’

Sandy, the only horse to return home to Australia from the war (Australian War Memorial)

It was what Yarwood called ‘the ancient deserts of Palestine’ that served as the great proving ground for the Australian Light Horse, ‘in a campaign that reached a climax with the action at Beersheba on 31 October 1917’. As ‘the last great horse-borne charge in military history, it showed Australian riders and horses were capable of dramatic and decisive action.’ In Australian imagination, Beersheba came to rival Gallipoli. Unlike Gallipoli, it represented victory. It ended Turkish occupation of Palestine with its menace to the Suez Canal. Full success came when General Sir Harry Chauvel and his men took Damascus in October 1918, just before the end of the war. The story has been told in many forms, first by war correspondent Sir Henry Gullett, then in the epic movie Forty Thousand Horsemen and in Russell Vines’s documentary The Walers . Chauvel as commander of the Desert Mounted Corps was praised by his biographer A.J. Hill for his care of the horses. Estimates vary as to how many Australian horses were exported in the First World War. Yarwood says ‘The grand total of 135,726 horses, all of them Walers, were shipped to Egypt, India, Britain and France for service in the cause of the British Empire, at an average first cost of £20.’ There was never a chance that authorities would pay for their return. Some were sold. Hill explains that ‘the old and sick were shot. The rest were handed over to British units.’ Captain Norman Malcolm of the Ninth

FEATURE STORY

Light Horse reflected soon after, ‘Every man was practically wedded to his horse… I had a deep affection for my old mare Molly who was sired by Light Artillery, a son of Carbine, on Innaminka Station; and it was my desire when we parted company that she should never end her days in the shafts of an Egyptian cab.’ Captain Malcolm was glad that Molly was deemed old. A similar clearance was made among Australian horses in France. Officials declared it was neither humane nor practical to bring the Walers home. Some went on to further useful lives, but only one was sent back to Australia, for sentimental reasons – Sandy, the mount used by Major- General Sir William Bridges, leader of the AIF. Bridges was killed at Gallipoli in 1915. The Waler is now respected as a specialist breed. Sir Henry Gullett pointed out that horses of the light horse regiments were not uniform. ‘They included every kind of animal; large sturdy ponies, cross breds from large Clydesdale mares, three-quarter thoroughbreds, and many qualified for the racing stud-books… ‘But one quality they all possessed which made them superior to the horses from other lands: they were all, or nearly all, got by thoroughbred sires. This quality, reflected throughout in their spirit and their stamina, was their distinguishing characteristic. During sustained operations, on very short rations of pure grain and no water over periods which extended up to seventy hours … the Waler, though famished and wasted, continued alert and brave and dependable. The vital spark of the thoroughbred never failed to respond.’

LEST WE FORGET AT FLEMINGTON Damon Eccles has been bringing his horses, which are usually used primarily for trail riding, to Flemington for the ANZAC Race Day for the last five years. These horses are placid and accustomed to being surrounded by all sorts of people and crowds, making them the perfect ‘models’ for the horses used at war. Aged around 13 to 14 years old, they calmly parade down the straight or wait in the mounting yard during the official ceremony without fuss. “They are kitted out in the traditional military gear, which is army saddles and gun seats – much heavier gear than they are used to – but they are not fussed and just do their job. I also wear the respective military uniform, and it really makes you admire what both the soldier and the horse had to go through at war. It is not very comfortable, especially on a warm day,” said Damon. One of the horses is riderless, with boots placed backwards in the stirrups. This symbolises that a warrior has fallen in battle, and is often the way that ANZAC parades and marches are led. According to the Australian War memorial, it is “an additional symbol of respect and mourning, often for the men of the Light Horse units.” Bernie Dingle and his son Edward curate the Light Horse and Field Artillery Museum in Nar Nar Goon, which supplies the uniforms and horse’s tack that Damon and his horses wear on ANZAC Day. They also donate their time and pieces to Flemington, curating various displays. In 2021 it was a replica of a WW1 Sopwith Camel F.1 single seat fighter biplane in honour of the RAAF’s centenary. This year they are re-creating an Australian WWI and British WWI field kitchen. “It was identified early on how nutritionally deficient the troops were. It was difficult to get food to them due to the terrain and gunfire. To improve this, kitchens were brought closer to the gunfire,” said Edward. “These kitchens were advanced for their age, and had a pressure tank, a fire box and a large oven with a plate on top. It is amazing to think that these cookers managed to make 400 meals in half an hour!” The Dingles appreciate the opportunity to share these artifacts with the VRC members and racing public. “We can’t imagine how bad it was for the soldiers, and for the animals,” said Edward. “The average lifespan of a horse sent to war was about three weeks, before they were sold or shot. We think it is so important that we can recognise the importance of ANZAC Day and pause to acknowledge the sacrifice.”

NEW TROPHIES TO CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF THE ANZACS

The most straightforward definition of a sports trophy is that it serves as a reminder of a triumph for a winner, or a reward for an exceptional performance. It is a tangible and sentimental memento of sacrifice, courage and excellence. ANZAC Day is our national day of remembrance commemorating Australians and New Zealanders who served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The date recalls the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli 107 years ago. Victorian legislation in 1960 allowed the Victoria Racing Club to conduct races on ANZAC Day under strict conditions including a late starting time. 2022 marks the 61st anniversary of the Club’s inaugural ANZAC Day race meeting which has become a revered tradition, where the women and men who have served, and continue to serve our country, are acknowledged and celebrated. The important role that horses contributed during wartime is also rightfully and appropriately acknowledged and commemorated. The Victoria Racing Club Chairman, Neil Wilson, said “the Club is extremely proud to hold this day of significance for all Australians and each year we are honoured to pay tribute in a meaningful and lasting manner”. “My father participated in World War II, and I have always felt a sense of pride and special occasion on ANZAC Day. A sense of pride that doesn’t change as time goes on – it will always be there as strong as ever. The VRC, together with Peter Gertler, expert craftsman in gold and silversmith, produce trophies that symbolise the importance of this day and provide a significant memory for the winning owners on ANZAC Day. It is extremely

pleasing to see the work and the creative ideas developed for this initiative which signifies the bravery of our service women and men and our equine war heroes. This commission to produce a fitting series of trophies and mementos to pay tribute to them is now captured in the trophies which will be awarded to connections of the winning horse of each race.” The winners of the two Listed races, the ANZAC Stakes and the VRC St Leger, will receive a silver cup with the image of a Light Horseman and a horse. The other six races will provide the winning connections with a silver plated memento trophy also featuring a Light Horseman and horse, along with poppies in the background. The image of the Light Horseman and his horse is based on photographs, memorials and statues dedicated to the remembrance of the bravery and pride of a soldier and his horse, incorporating the Poppy as a symbol of remembrance. This year’s recipients of the ANZAC trophies and mementos will have a piece that not only honours the talents of the horse, trainer and jockey that won the race, but also our brave Australian troops.

VRC MEMBER LAURIE LARMER: SURVIVOR OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR

Retired Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot Lawrence Larmer is the recipient of the highest French military decoration, the Legion of Honour. Born in Moonee Ponds, Lawrence (Laurie) Larmer and his family moved to Ballarat when he was 12, where his father managed a pub. Upon completing his schooling at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat in 1940, he got a job at the Department of Aircraft Production at Fisherman’s Bend where they were building the Beaufort bomber. Although he worked in the pay office and not in the technical area, he was exposed to aircraft. A year later in 1941 at the age of 18 he was called up to the army. “To avoid going into the army you could volunteer for the navy or the air force. I didn’t fancy the army, I didn’t fancy the navy, so I volunteered for the air force crew.” After passing a strict medical, and continuing to work at Fishermans Bend until he was called up in 1942, he completed basic training in Victoria, learning how to fly light aircraft, navigation and meteorology. Mr Larmer was sent to Manitoba in Canada to continue training in flying different sizes of aeroplanes, including the Cessna Crane. He graduated as a sergeant-pilot, and was transferred to England. “We went all around England and Scotland flying all different types of airfcraft, and getting used to the conditions.” Mr Larmer was sent to a ‘heavy conversion unit’ to prepare for operations flying either Lancaster or Halifax bombers. He was just 20 and did not even have a motor vehicle licence by the time he was responsible for a crew of six other men and the heavy four-engine aircraft filled with high explosive. “The silly part of it was, in 1945, I turned 22 after the war finished, I’d flown six different types of aircraft, but I had never driven a motor car.” Attached to an English squadron, Mr Larmer was with Bomber Command and completed nine missions over Germany in the final three months of the war.

Mr Larmer admits there were many “dicey” moments during his time in the war, including night raids. “You couldn’t see the other aircraft until you got over the target, where they had the search lights. That was scary, because there were a couple of hundred aircraft in the air at the one time. You did see a few accidents, like two aircraft colliding which was a bit frightening. But you had something to do. You were concentrating on the job at hand and didn’t have time to worry about what was happening outside.”

This courageous attitude is a trademark of the diggers, who were young and inexperienced. “We were only boys. When we came home at the end of the war I was only 21.” His bravery was awarded in 2015 on the 70th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe, France awarded the French Legion of Honour to those surviving members of the Bomber Command. “We were told, ‘You helped liberate France, we’ll never forget you. Never.’ I thought that was a lovely gesture.” Mr Larmer also received an OAM in 2021 for general services to community. “For ten years I did prison visitation work at Pentridge. I visited various prisoners to see how I could help them. I think that counted a fair bit.” ANZAC Day is an opportunity for Mr Larmer to remember all of his mates and colleagues, especially his friend, Bob Young. “We started school and finished school together. We went into the airforce on the same day. He trained as a navigator, I trained as a pilot. We met again in England. He went to a Lancaster squadron, I went off to a Halifax. And his aircraft was shot down over Germany. The hardest thing I have ever done was go and see his mother when I came home. I think of those sort of people on ANZAC Day.” Invited as a guest of the Committee Room this ANZAC Day, Mr Larmer is humbled by the “lovely gesture”. “They have a ceremony during the meeting to pay their respects to us and to our fallen comrades.”

VRC HONOURS VERA DEAKIN AND AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS ON ANZAC DAY

BY ANDREW LEMON

The heroic roles of Australian women at war have been honoured by the VRC at past Anzac Days. This year they pay tribute to a courageous woman named Vera Deakin. Who did anxious Australian families turn to when they needed up-to-date information about soldiers, sailors or airmen serving abroad in the First and Second World War? Who could help them get news of loved ones taken prisoner or reported as missing in action? Who would scour the hospitals or hunt down eyewitness accounts of battles in the quest for honest news? The answer was the Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Service. Originally an offshoot of British Red Cross, the enquiry service began its work in 1915, early in the First World War. From a makeshift base first in Cairo, then in London, this non-government organisation with a tiny, dedicated staff pursued tens of thousands of individual enquiries, and wrote thousands of personal letters home to worried relatives during that war alone. It extended care to the sick and wounded, and organised entertainment and companionship for lonely Australian servicemen on leave. It owed its success to the character of a young Australian woman – Vera Deakin. At past Anzac Day race meetings at Flemington, the VRC has not forgotten the heroic role of women in war. “The Nurses’ Stakes” was a fixture on the card from the time of the first VRC Anzac Day races in 1961. In later years, the courageous British nurse Edith Cavell and the New Zealand born operative in the French Resistance, Nancy Wake (“The White Mouse”) have been honoured with Anzac Day races in their name.

Today the Club recognises the unique contribution in war and peace of Australia’s own Vera Deakin and, through her, the Australian Red Cross. The authoritative Australian Dictionary of Biography credits Vera with “a greater influence than any other single person on the development of the Australian Red Cross”. Vera Deakin was twenty-three when she took ship for Cairo in 1915 to seek work with the Red Cross while Australian soldiers were fighting at Gallipoli. There she became secretary of the

Australian Red Cross enquiry bureau. Her determined personality as much as her distinguished name opened doors. She was the youngest daughter of Deakin (Australian Prime Minister three times between 1904 and 1910). At the outbreak of war she had written to her father, “Why aren’t we women who have no real ties of duty standing at the Cannon’s mouth shoulder to shoulder with the men?” Her contribution to the war effort may not have been on the battlefield, but it was courageous, effective and at age twenty-five she was awarded the OBE. Soon after the war, Vera met and married an Australian airman, Captain Thomas White, who had escaped as a prisoner of the Turks after crashing his small plane on a mission to Baghdad. Tom was a pioneer aviator, among the first intake of the Australian Flying Corps at Point Cook. Tom and Vera became parents to four daughters. In the 1920s Tom embarked on a long political career in conservative interests, serving as a Federal Minister in the Lyons and later the Menzies Governments. At the approach of the Second World War, Vera resumed her active Australian Red Cross involvement, serving throughout as co-director of the Victorian Bureau for Wounded, Missing and Prisoners of War, and Divisional Commandant for the Victorian Red Cross. She later became national vice-chairman. In 1951 Tom became Australian High Commissioner in London, knighted as Sir Thomas White the following year. He died in 1957. Vera, now as Lady White, continued her considerable philanthropic work until her death in 1978. A proper appreciation of this life of service has become possible through the publication of a full biography, Vera Deakin and the Red Cross, by historian Carole Woods OAM. In launching the book at the Shrine of Remembrance last May, Her Excellency the Governor of Victoria, the Hon. Linda Dessau AC, spoke warmly of a truly remarkable Australian. The VRC remembers Vera Deakin today, and her pioneering work with Australian Red Cross.

Studio portrait of Vera Deakin, 1918. Deakin, daughter of the former Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, established the Wounded and Missing Bureau in Cairo, Egypt, in 1915 and during WWII she organised the Melbourne branch of the Bureau. (Australian War Memorial)

A RACING FANFARE: THE FIRST CALL

BY ANDREW LEMON

The bugle call before each race at Flemington is a familiar sound. But how did it begin, and does it have historic military significance? It’s “A Day at the Races” – Marx Brothers’ style, 1937: CHICO: You’re just throwing your money away without a Breeders’ Guide… GROUCHO: How much is it? CHICO: One dollar. GROUCHO: It’s the last book I’m buying… [BUGLE FANFARE]. Here’s a $10 bill and shoot the change, will you! They’re going to the post now. CHICO: I gotta no change. I’ll have to give you nine more books …. Yes, the bugler plays “First Call” or “Call to the Post”: an eight second flourish. They’re going to the post now. It’s the distinctive tune we associate with the horses at Flemington as they prepare to step out onto the track, jockeys in the saddle, heading towards the start of the next big race. You don’t hear First Call in British racing. The fanfare was a late arrival on Australian racetracks, and it has no direct connection with the Australian military’s own tradition. The fanfare has a military history – but from the United States. In colonial times at Flemington, a massive bell – now on display near the Phar Lap statue – sounded out a loud warning five minutes before each race, and was rung again as the race started. Fifty years ago at Flemington the public alert for the forthcoming race was the course broadcaster Joe Brown intoning over the loudspeakers, “Now the horses are leaving the mounting yard on their way to the barrier stalls for the running of race six…” By the late 1980s there was a consensus that our racing needed more ceremony. There was a large publicity push. Former VRC Chief Executive Rodney Johnson and Rhett Kirkwood in their history of the club recorded

that “a number of bodies joined forces with the government to promote spring racing in Melbourne. This followed a visit to the USA by [Chairman] Peter Armytage who could see benefits for the Victorian racing industry similar to those that arose from the Kentucky Racing Festival.” A pre-race bugle call had long been part of the Kentucky Derby razzamatazz before the crowd sang “My Old Kentucky Home”. Back in the era of “A Day at the Races”, a visiting Australian journalist was sure it would never catch on here: “The Kentucky Derby has some associations that would make the Australian public laugh. A herald all dressed up like the armour-bearer of an Eastern potentate blows a bugle to tell the people that the Derby is about to be run, and those who want to see the race rush to seats and other points of vantage.” Kentucky wasn’t the first with the bugle. At the summer Saratoga races in up-state New York the pre-race bugle fanfare reportedly dates back to the 1860s. No one seems exactly certain when it began. The original military purpose of the First Call was a flourish shortly before the buglers launched into the Reveille, the army’s wake-up call to the troops. The US Navy also uses First Call. At Flemington, First Call is a wake-up call with a difference. It concentrates the mind.

TWO-UP AT FLEMINGTON

The game Two-up is a unique part of our Australian Heritage and sits alongside Henry Lawson, Banjo Patterson and the infamous Ned Kelly as a national icon and everlasting in our culture. Two-up is celebrated as Australia’s oldest and fairest gambling game and is referred to affectionately as ‘the greatest game of all’ due to the atmosphere and excitement it creates. The game first arrived on Australian shores with the convicts in the late 18th century and has been played by Australians throughout thesettlement of our great country, the gold rush and the two world wars and has become a trademark of ANZAC Day. The first legal game of Two-up was held at Flemington on April 25, 1991. HOW TO PLAY The game is controlled by a person called the Boxer. The objective of the game is to spin a set of heads three times in a row. The spinner’s original stake must stay in the centre for a minimum of three spins before he or she can collect their winnings from the centre. Each successful spin of two heads will double the centre stake. Meanwhile, side bets are made on the outcome of each spin (the head better generally holds the wager). When the side bets are set, the Boxer moves to the centre of the pit and places the pennies on the Kip with one head up and the other down (if using three coins, the coins should be placed two heads up and one down). Once the coins are placed on the Kip, the Boxer hands the Kip to the Spinner and shouts, “No more side bets please, the centre is covered.” “Are you ready?”, “Come in spinner!”.

TWO-UP TERMINOLOGY

BOXER

The controller of the game

COCKATOO

The look-out to warn for the police raids

COME IN SPINNER

The signal to toss the pennies

HEADED THEM

A pair of heads were thrown

KIP

Flat piece of wood used to throw the pennies

ODDS

One head and one tails thrown

PIT

The ring where the pennies are tossed

SLEEPER CATCHER Picks up unclaimed bets SPINNER

The player who tosses the pennies

SUDDEN DEATH

Two-up using three coins

SWY

The German name for Two-up

TAILED THEM

A pair of tails were thrown

GAMES OF TWO-UP ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ATRIUM FOR VRC MEMBERS, OR ON THE FRONT LAWN OUTSIDE SAINTLY PLACE.

FEATURE STORY

VRC ST LEGER NOTES

NOTES BY ANDREW LEMON

The VRC St Leger of 2800 metres is a classic 3YO staying race held at Flemington in autumn since 1857 – so it pre-dates the Melbourne Cup (first run 1861).

The Victoria Derby at Flemington dates its history back to 1855 so is technically an older race.

The first St Leger at Flemington was run by the newly formed Victoria Jockey Club , rival to the Victoria Turf Club. The two clubs disbanded in 1864 to form the VRC.

It was first won by a horse called Artaxerxes, raced by ‘Mr Purcell’ for owner John Tait of NSW: date Wednesday 18 February 1857. Three horses ran. That year the distance was 1½ miles. In 1858 the Victoria Jockey Club made a point of setting the distance at 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards (‘The exact distance of the Doncaster St Leger’ – see below). Later in the 19th century it was reduced slightly to 1 mile 6 furlongs (1¾ miles).

The Victoria Racing Club took over the running of the St Leger from 1864. That year it was run in May, but from 1865 it was run as part of the March autumn meeting.

VRC St Leger winners include Melbourne Cup winners Grand Flaneur, Martini Henry, Poseidon, Patron, Prince Foote, Patrobas, Artilleryman, Spearfelt, Trivalve, Phar Lap, Hall Mark (dead heat), Comic Court and Delta.

Other famous winners include Sailor’s Guide, Tulloch, Chicquita, Lady Wallace, Tranquil Star, Abercorn, Fireworks and Flying Buck.

In 1972 the venerable classic for three-year-olds switched from the autumn carnival to become the Anzac Day feature. In its new spot it was won by such good horses as Taras Bulba, Lord Dudley, So Called and Gurner’s Lane.

The distance of the race has been modified since that time (after metrics). It is now 2800 metres.

In any year after 1972, if Anzac Day fell on a Sunday and there was no race meeting at Flemington, the race was run at the following May meeting.

In 2001 the VRC St Leger was run at Moonee Valley and in 2007 at Caulfield when the Flemington track was being renovated.

It takes its name from Doncaster St Leger, which is the oldest British classic race.

The English St Leger has been run at Doncaster UK since 1776 although it was run at Newmarket 1915-18 during the First World War and in 1940-44 in the Second World War, and 1946, when it was run at Newmarket. There was no St Leger (UK) in 1939. The winner of the 2022 VRC St Leger is exempt from the ballot for entry for The Andrew Ramsden 2800 metres on 14 May. The winner of The Andrew Ramsden is exempt from the ballot for the 2022 Melbourne Cup.

FEATURE STORY

SIXTH TIME LUCKY?

BY PATRICK BARTLEY

She has made the race her own with five VRC St Leger wins within eight years. Will Gai Waterhouse, with training partner Adrian Bott, make it six this year? Gai Waterhouse had been at the Sydney Easter yearling sales for some hours before I caught up with her. She concluded trackwork at her Melbourne and Sydney bases and was deep in study of a vast catalogue of yearlings that would directly influence her and co-trainer Adrian Bott’s team for years to come. As she ran her hand down the leg of a potential purchase, this amazing trainer was managing to do two things at once. After she had finished examining this impatient colt, I mentioned the race name, ‘St Leger’. “Now that’s a race that I’ve had a lot of luck with. A very successful strike rate!” she said. Waterhouse has indeed made the ANZAC Day staying test a race of her own. In recent years, the stable name has become very much synonymous with the 2800-metre event. Waterhouse and Bott scored their third consecutive VRC St Leger in 2020 when Sacramento beat Saint Eustace. Waterhouse and Bott had won the race in previous seasons with Runaway (2018) and Transact (2019). Waterhouse also won the VRC St Leger with Hippopus (2013) and Order Of The Sun (2014) before commencing her partnership with Bott, which leaves her with a staggering win rate of five victories in eight years.

“I just love this race,” the Melbourne-Cup winning trainer said. “In fact a few years ago things just fell into place perfectly. I had five winners across five different tracks. It’s a day I will never forget. There’s something really wonderful about winning staying races like the St Leger. It’s not that I’m against sprinting races, I love them, and I’ve won plenty of them. But to sculpt a stayer can be so satisfying. I know stayers can take a little bit longer, but in time when they start winning you are then giving your owners serious bang for their buck,” she said. Waterhouse points out that all of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a stayer working until his or her day comes is all worth it when the major races like the VRC St Leger, VRC Derby and the Lexus Melbourne Cup come around. As for this year, she is looking forward to seeing what three-year- old gelding Zoumon can do in Melbourne. “He’ll take his place in the VRC St Leger on ANZAC Day and hopefully bring another trophy back to Sydney for the owners. He just didn’t quite get there in the ATC Australian Derby. But one thing is for sure, 2800 metres will be just what the doctor ordered for him. I like his toughness and I think toughness and a touch of brilliance is what

wins St Legers. I have, over time, like my father Tommy Smith, always found that some Derby runners we’ve had just fall a bit short. But the St Leger is the ideal stepping stone before a spell and then hopefully the Melbourne Cup,” she said. Amazingly her five St Leger winners – Sacramento, Runaway, Transact, Hippopus and Order Of The Sun – were all ridden by different jockeys. “It is interesting. It’s a time of year where strong races are being run all over Australia and the jockey ranks are spread a bit thin. However, each year I’ve managed to book a jockey who knows exactly how my distance horses like to race.” In fact two of the most legendary families in Australian racing history, the father daughter Waterhouse-Smith combination and the Bart Cummings family dynasty have had a remarkable impact on one of Australia’s oldest races, with Bart Cummings training seven winners and Tommy Smith six. Will Gai Waterhouse equal her father’s record with another win again in 2022?

Australians all let us rejoice, For we are one and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair. At the outbreak of war she had written to her father, “Why aren’t we women who have no real ties of duty standing at the Cannon’s mouth shoulder to shoulder with the men?” Her contribution to the war effort may not have been on the battlefield, but it was courageous, effective and. At age twenty-five she was awarded the OBE. Soon after the war, Vera met and married an Australian airman, Captain Thomas White, who had escaped as a prisoner of the Turks after crashing his small plane on a mission to Baghdad. Tom was a pioneer aviator, among the first intake of the Australian Flying Corps at Point Cook. Tom and Vera became parents to four daughters. In the 1920s Tom embarked on a long political career in conservative interests, serving as a Federal Minister in the Lyons and later the Me zi s Governments. At the approach of the Second World War, Vera resumed her active Australian Red Cross involvement, serving throughout as co-director of the Victorian Bureau for Wounded, Missing and Prisoners of War, and Divisional Commandant for the Victorian Red Cross. She later became national vice-chairman. In 1951 Tom became Australian High Commissioner in London, knighted as Sir Thomas White the following year. He died in 1957. Vera, now as Lady White, continued her considerable philanthropic work until her death in 1978. ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR A proper appreciation of this life of service has become possible through the publication of a full biography, Vera Deakin and the Red Cross, by historian Carole Woods OAM. In launching the book at the Shrine of Remembrance last May, Her Excellency the Governor of Victoria, the Hon. Linda Dessau AC, spoke warmly of a truly remarkable Australian. The VRC remembers Vera Deakin today, and her pioneering work with Australian Red Cross. AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM Australian Red Cross enquiry bureau. Her determined personality as much as her distinguished name opened doors. She was the youngest daughter of Deakin (Australian Prime Minister three times between 1904 and 1910).

As part of ANZAC Day Commemorations, all jockeys riding horses carrying the Number 1 saddlecloth today will wear a special set of ANZAC Appeal colours. The colours embrace the ANZAC Appeal logo and celebrate the spirit of the ANZACs. The use of these colours at this race meeting is a joint initiative of Racing Victoria and RSL Victoria, with the enthusiastic participation of Victoria Racing Club and Moe Racing Club. Don’t forget your badge or donate at anzacappeal.com.au. Racing Salutes ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day Race Day Monday 25 April 2022

VICTORIA RACING CLUB DIRECTORS

NEILWILSON Chairman MICHAEL RAMSDEN Vice Chairman Glenn Carmody Honorary Treasurer Judge Katherine Bourke SOPHIE O’KANE (formerly Cornell) NEILWERRETT dAVE bARHAM VIN COX MICHAEL SAADIE

Chief Executive Officer: STEVE ROSICH (Secretary in accordance with the Rules of Racing)

Acknowledgement of Country VRC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Kulin nation and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

OFFICIALS

RVL RACE DAY OFFICIALS VRC EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGERS

Brand, Marketing & Communications: JO KING Commercial Operations: NICK ADDISON Experience & Events: DEIRDRE McGUANE Finance & Information Technology: SAMWHATMORE Legal, Risk & Governance: NADIA ANGELO Membership, Ticketing &

Stipendiary Stewards: ROB MONTGOMERY (Chairman), ROBERT CARM, CORIE WALLER, JAMES HITCHCOCK & REX TERP Veterinary Surgeons: Dr ROB CORVER, Dr SUSAN JONES, & Dr MICHELLE PAP Judge: PAUL EGAN Starter: PAUL DIDHAM & COREY MALLYON Clerks of Scales: HAYLEY ADDISON & SIMON PETCH Betting Supervisor: WAGERING DEPARTMENT Clerks of Course: PETER PATTERSON & SHANE PATTERSON Doctor:

Customer Operations: JACINTA ALEXANDER

Operations: JAMES REID People Capability & Development: MEGAN LOVE Racing: LEIGH JORDON VRC TRACKS & GARDENS MANAGERS Flemington Racecourse: LIAM O’KEEFFE Keeper of the Flemington Roses: MICK RYAN

Dr JOHN McCORKELL Course Broadcaster: MATT HILL

Office: 448 Epsom Road, Flemington VIC 3031 Telephone: (03) 8378 0888 Facsimile: (03) 9376 5846 Internet: vrc.com.au Email: customerservice@vrc.net.au Victoria Racing Club Limited ACN 119 214 078

Schedule of events

ANZAC Day Race Day Monday 25 April 2022

1:00pm Race 1 William Newton VC Handicap

Following CORRECTWEIGHT, Judge Katherine Bourke, Director will escort Mr Nick Newton, nephew of the late William Newton VC, for presentation of the Memento to the Winning Owner. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar. 1:35pm Race 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Inc. Trophy Following CORRECTWEIGHT, Mr Steve Rosich, Chief Executive Officer and Director, will escort Mr Brent Thomson, representing Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Inc., for presentation of the Memento to the Winning Owner. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar.

2:10pm Race 3 ANZAC Day Stakes

Following CORRECTWEIGHT, Mr Vin Cox, Director, will make the presentation of the Trophy to the Winning Owner. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar.

2:45pm Race 4 Vera Deakin (LadyWhite)

Following CORRECTWEIGHT, Judge Katherine Bourke, Director will escort Mrs Judith Harley – daughter of LadyWhite and grandson Mr David Hurley, for presentation of the Memento to the Winning Owner. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar. 2:55pm An ANZAC Ceremonial Service will take place in The Mounting Yard with Mr NeilWilson, Chairman, to officiate. CaptainAinsleyMorthorpe, CSMRAN, Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus, will place a wreath in memory of those men and women who have been lost serving their country. Mr Des Callaghan OAM BJ JP, State Senior Vice President, RSL Victoria, will recite The Ode. This will be followed by One Minute’s Silence.

3:20pm Race 5 The Les Carlyon

Following CORRECTWEIGHT, Mr Michael Saadie, Director, will escort Mr Richard Carlyon, son of the late Mr Les Carlyon AC, for presentation of the Memento to the Winning Owner. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar.

3:55pm Race 6 Flt Lt Peter Armytage Handicap

Following CORRECTWEIGHT, Mr Vin Cox, Director, will escort a Mr Chas Armytage, son of the late Mr Peter Armytage AM, for presentation of the Memento to the Winning Owner. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar.

4:30pm Race 7 VRC St Leger

Following CORRECTWEIGHT, presentation of the Trophy to the Winning Owner by Mr Neil Wilson, Chairman. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar.

5:05pm Race 8 WGCDR Ian Bayles DFC

Following CORRECTWEIGHT, Mr Neil Wilson, Chairman, will escort Mrs Amanda Elliott, daughter of the late Mr Ian Bayles, for presentation of the Memento to the Winning Owner. This presentation will take place in The Winners’ Bar

WHAT’S ON

ANZAC Day Race Day Monday 25 April 2022

ANZAC Day Ceremony – 2:55PM Our traditional and moving ANZAC Day ceremony begins with a re-enactment inspired by the Charge at Beersheba, the last great cavalry charge, and allows all racegoers to pay their respects. Two-up Popularised amongst Australian troops in the First World War, this simple game of chance involves tossing pennies and betting on the outcome. Join us for this ANZAC Day tradition. The first official ‘spin’ kicks off at 12:30pm both on the

Front Lawn and in The Atrium. $5 Pies, Fries and Beers

Racegoers will have the opportunity to enjoy $5 Happy Hour Furphy beers from gates open at 12pm until the jump of the third race, and $5 pies and fries all day across retail venues on course. Country Women’s Association ANZAC Biscuits Enjoy an ANZAC biscuit baked by the CountryWomen’s Association, provided complimentary with purchases of coffee and tea. Flemington Family Lawn Kids will love the yesteryear games, including hopscotch and tug-o-war. While at the arts and crafts table, children will have the opportunity to write letters to our serving men and women. Activities will be running throughout the day on the west end of the Front Lawn. Pin Sellers Support current and former service men and women, and their families, by purchasing a pin as part of the ANZAC Appeal. Pin sellers from the Watsonia RSL will be located at key racecourse entry points throughout the day. Art & Heritage Displays: The Front Lawn Visit the military catering display featuring a horse drawn travelling kitchen on the Front Lawn which will showcase how men and women got their food during the war. For Members, AWW2 and Vietnam authentic military uniform display, showcasing the attire service men and women wore will be located in The Club Stand Lobby.

AFL Match Broadcasts Don’t miss a minute of the footy action with the ANZAC Day AFL games being broadcast across the racecourse. Hawthorn vs Sydney kicks off at 12:30pm and the traditional ANZAC Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood starts at 3:20pm. Living Legends Group 1 winners Designs on Rome and Fawkner be joining us at Flemington. See these legends of the turf as they parade around the Mounting Yard on the race day. Current and Returned Service Men and Women We’ll shout all current and returned service men and women will receive a complimentary first beverage at any bar on course between 1pm and 2pm, upon presentation of an appropriate ID, badge or membership card. The Lounge in Saintly Place With easy access to the Winning Post, billiards and foosball, The Lounge is a great spot to enjoy all the racing action and a day of socialising with friends. Plus, in-between races you can watch all the AFL action throughout the day. Extended Hours With extended hours and live musical entertainment after the last means members will be able to enjoy the festivities of the day long past the last in the G.H.Mumm Champagne Bar and The Roof Garden.

FLEMINGTON PREMIERSHIPS

2021/22 SEASON

Leading Jockeys @ Flemington Jockey

1st 2nd 3rd Rides WIN %

Damien Oliver

12 12 7

13%

James McDonald

12 6 5

29%

Damian Lane

11 12 5

12%

Craig Williams

4 6

12%

Jye McNeil

9 14 13

110

Jamie Kah

9 8 8

14%

John Allen

7 8 7

11%

Brett Prebble

7 6 5

11%

Matthew Cartwright (a)

6 5 3

16%

Josh Richards (a)

6 4 5

14%

Leading TRAINERS @ Flemington Trainer

1st 2nd 3rd Runners Win %

Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

17 11 15

117

15%

Chris Waller

5 4

16%

Danny O'Brien

9 7 3

14%

Ben & JD Hayes

9 6 2

16%

James Cummings

7 11

10%

Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)

7 6 3

13%

Patrick Payne

5 4 5

15%

Leon & Troy Corstens

4 6 4

11%

Michael Moroney

4 6 2

Peter G Moody

4 5 5

10%

FlEMINGTON TRACK INFORMATION

Home of the Victoria Racing Club and the world-renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival

2000m

1600m

1800m

1400m

2500m

2800m

3200m

1000m

1100m

TRACK SPECIFICATIONS Circumference: 2312 metres Straight (Circuit): 450 metres Straight track: 1200 metres

1200m

TRACK RECORDS

Playing host to 14 Group 1 races each year, Flemington attracts champion racehorses across all distances. The racecourse has been the setting for record-breaking wins by legendary thoroughbreds including Black Caviar and Makybe Diva, which remain track records to this day.

Distance Time

Horse

Date

55.42

16 Feb 2013

1000m

BLACK CAVIAR

1:02.15

2 Mar 2013

1100m

LOVEYAMADLY

1:07.16

1 Jan 2001

1200m

IGLESIA

1:20.60

12 Dec 1992

1400m

LOVEY

1:33.49

9 Nov 2002

1600m

SCENIC PEAK

1:40.83

16 Feb 2013

1700m

NICONOISE

1:47.36

11 Mar 2000

1800m

TAHUNA GOLD

1:58.73

12 Mar 2005

2000m

MAKYBE DIVA

2:33.00

7 Nov 1992

2500m

KAWTUBAN

2:41.00

2 Oct 1965

2600m

JOVIAL KNIGHT

2:52.40

6 Nov 2012

2800m

VERDANT (GB)

3:16.30

6 Nov 1990

3200m

KINGSTON RULE (USA)

HORSE STALLS MAP

HORSE STALL DIRECTORY

Race Horse

Stall

Race Horse

Stall

Race Horse

Stall

Rusheen

Florescent Star

Accountability

Savvy Sovereign

Flying Sultan

Aesculus

Shilo Lass

Foreign Raider

Alcedo

Sig Positano

100

Harmysian

Alegron

Sirius Princess

Hickok

All About Eve

Skyphios

High Approach

Amboone

SonicThe Hedgehog 115

Hunnam

Aravene

114

Spirit Of Pepin

I Am Me

Asternishing

Squid Game

Invincible Jet

117

Asymmetrical

Star Dame

Jucconi

124

Barade

Star Patrol

Killourney

102

Bastida

108

Steel Prince

113

King Magnus

Bavicia

123

Suparazi

Kooled

Beehunter

Tarzi Calling

La Vina

Cape Of Good Hope 125

The Cunning Fox

Love Sensation

Capriccio

The Economist

Madame Bolli

Cardigan Queen

The Regiment

Makram

Cardinal Gem

The Stylist

Mamool

Celestial Fury

Thermatic

Miss Dunsford

Cheerful Legend

Three Kings

122

Moon And Back

Cherry Tortoni

Threeandfourpence 50

Morning Melody

Colsridge

110

Tijuana

Morpurgo

Constantinople

Tonneofgrit

120

Mr Exclusive

Corkscrew

Tycoon Humma

NewYork Baby

Crestani

Typhoon Harmony 67

Overkill

Daily Bugle

Umgawa

Pancho

Deprivation

Vespertine

Perfect Thought 107

Don’t Doubt Dory

White Hawk

Quesadilla

118

Eclipse Solar

Winston Smurfhill 21

Raging Bull

112

English King

119

Writey O’pal

Reservoir Dog

Enuff He Said

Yulong Storm

Riverside Special

Fearentless

101

Zac De Boss

121

Rockribbed

Fighting Arrow

Zoumon

116

Rousseau

Five Ounce

Ruban Bleu

Flash Aah

RUNNERS BY TRAINER

# Horse

Race

# Horse

Race

# Horse

Race

Amy & Ash Yargi 1 Florescent Star

Ben Brisbourne 7 Suparazi 6 Kooled

Patrick Payne 10 Enuff He Said 1 Cherry Tortoni 4 Squid Game 2 The Cunning Fox 6 Sig Positano Paul Preusker 7 Killourney 13 Fearentless Aaron Purcell 5 Constantinople

4 6 7

4 5 6 7 8

Anthony & Sam Freedman 1 Steel Prince

11 Winston Smurfhill Cliff Brown 11 Threeandfourpence 17 Eclipse Solar

Ben & JD Hayes 1 Tijuana 8 Miss Dunsford

5 8

3 3

1 7

Matthew Brown 1 Mr Exclusive Chris Calthorpe 6 Fighting Arrow

8 Makram 5 Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 12 I Am Me 2 2 Cardigan Queen 4 14 Savvy Sovereign 6 12 Rockribbed 8 Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 4 Zoumon 7 10 Invincible Jet 8

Michael Ryan 9 Five Ounce

Pat Carey 5 Crestani

John Sadler 10 Foreign Raider 5 Cheerful Legend

Jim Conlan 8 Madame Bolli Kevin Corstens 4 Love Sensation James Cummings 1 Alegron

3 6 8 8

3 Amboone 8 Beehunter

Leon & Troy Corstens 2 New York Baby

2 3 4

John Sargent 4 Perfect Thought

2 Alcedo 1 Umgawa

3 7

8 Bastida Lindsey Smith 5 La Vina

Denis Daffy 15 Overkill

Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes 5 Tonneofgrit Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) 6 Deprivation Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock 4 Daily Bugle 2 King Magnus 15 Spirit Of Pepin Tony & Calvin McEvoy 3 Bavicia 3 Cape Of Good Hope 1 Corkscrew

Matthew Dale 16 Ruban Bleu Clayton Douglas 6 Harmysian Henry Dwyer 10 Morpurgo Barry Fox 11 The Economist

Frankie Stockdale 12 Riverside Special

Deanne Taylor 6 The Stylist Chris Waller 2 Rousseau 4 Pancho

4 6

1 5 5 6

4 5 6 3 5 6

10 Accountability

Peter Gelagotis 2 Typhoon Harmony Nick Harnett 11 Morning Melody Nathan Hobson 9 Yulong Storm Michael Huglin 8 Tarzi Calling 9 Writey O’pal Caroline Jennings 9 Aravene John McArdle 10 Tycoon Humma

7 Hunnam

Julien Welsh 7 Don’t Doubt Dory

Simon Zahra 13 Zac De Boss

2 Three Kings 11 Jucconi

8 Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young 9 Reservoir Dog 3 3 Asymmetrical 4 5 Flash Aah 5 5 Celestial Fury 7 Archie Alexander 7 High Approach 3 6 Barade 5 Trevor J Andrews 11 Sirius Princess 3 12 Star Dame 3

4 6

Clinton McDonald 11 Star Patrol John Moloney 6 Thermatic 9 The Regiment Michael Moroney 4 English King 7 Quesadilla

3 5

Gavin Bedggood 9 Shilo Lass Mitchell Beer 3 Flying Sultan Grahame Begg 12 Mamool 8 Cardinal Gem 7 Vespertine Mick Bell 7 Asternishing Chris Bieg 13 Aesculus Rob Blacker 5 Skyphios Daniel Bowman 3 Capriccio Angela Brakey 3 White Hawk

1 2

Mark Newnham 12 Sonic The Hedgehog

4 6 8

Andrew Noblet 13 Moon And Back 10 All About Eve Tony Noonan 13 Rusheen 14 Hickok Arthur Pace 4 Colsridge David Payne 3 Raging Bull

2 6

6 8

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