Stayers

[Messenger]

The Grand Prix de Paris on Sunday is over 4150m!
In the old days of the Showgrounds I can remember having a favourite stayer named Ercildale for when the distance got up to (over?) 2miles. He was no champ but he was a good each way bet as he could go all day. I cannot remember for sure how far the longest races were. I have a recollection that one of the long ones was The Italian Cup.
Anybody remember any other 'stayers'

[Amlin]

For some years Warragul held the Marathon which was Australia's longest race over 3335m (five laps). It went even further when the track was extended, up to 3455m! I recall calling one when I used to go to the meets and practice.

Newcastle had one also apparently among others.

[Messenger]

Maybe you can sneak one into a program one day Kyle but in between time I hope the bonus incentives for your Warragul Easter Carnival result in the patronage you deserve

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Bonus-incentives-for-Easter-Cup-Carnival

[Amlin]

We hope so Kev. Surely it will be supported. The day needs a lift I feel. The Easter weekend is not ideal for attracting patrons but it's either that or a Monday and horse people hardly take a holiday so fingers crossed!

[Beltane]

Harold Park used to run a standing start, 2965m "Ben Hur", which was probably one of their longer races.

I can remember Smooth Satin winning one of those.

[Adaptor]

What about Three Miles?
It wasn't a race, but the closest an Australian horse has ever got to the top ten mile rates in the world was Sir William Don

The highest world ranking for a pacer’s mile rate on Australian soil is 13th.
No pacer of the modern era has achieved any higher.

The record was set in 1867 by Moulamein bred gelding Sir William Don over 3 miles at the Bendigo Racecourse, Epsom.
Officials timed the horse over the first mile at 2:25 and the second mile at 2:37 which so excited them they forgot to time the last mile.
The mile rate was a national record for nearly 20 years.
His last known win was at Croxton Park (Fitzroy) off 750 yards at age 14.

[Messenger]

I remember the name 'Croxton Park' as a good Fitzroy pub back in the 70's Noel.
Did Sir William Don came off 750yds or 75yds? Off 750yds it would want to be a 10mile race!

[thepacingman]

Harold Park used to run a standing start, 2965m "Ben Hur", which was probably one of their longer races.


Interdominion Trot Finals from the stand at Harold Park were 3370 metres. Always remember because the last one was the night Kerryn butchered La Coocaracha.



Newcastle had one also apparently among others.
I remember the Newcastle Marathon being held. Around 3400 metres IIRC.

[Adaptor]

I remember the name 'Croxton Park' as a good Fitzroy pub back in the 70's Noel.
Did Sir William Don came off 750yds or 75yds? Off 750yds it would want to be a 10mile race!

Believe it or not...750 yards !!!