WA Derby: What History Says
17 April, 2018
Thoroughbred
BACKGROUND
- The WA Derby was first run in 1887 and won by Harridan, owned by Mr. A.P Turnbull and ridden by Mr Ford, who carried 52kg.
- The first WA Derby was run for a prize purse of 100 sovereigns, with a field of just four starters competing.
- The 1891 WA Derby attracted one entrant, a brown colt named The Crash, owned by Dr. John O’Meehan and ridden by J.Walker
- Scarpia won the 1893 Derby, the first of three for trainer G.A.Towton after wins by Florrie (1895) and Tarquin (1898).
- Post Town (1907), Thorina (1908), Jolly Beggar (1909) and Green Lord (1917) were all owned by P.A.Connoly.
- The Vernon Brockman-William Slater-owned colt Chez Felix won the 1970 Derby. The horse was trained by Vernon’s father, Julius.
- Regimental Honour, ridden by Peter Moran and trained by Ted Hickling, won the Derby in 1978. He raced in the Australian Derby of the same year but was unplaced.
- In 1983 the W.A.T.C and W.A. Newspapers announced joint sponsorship of the WA Derby, to the extent of $120,000.
- The WA Derby held Group 1 status from 1979 & 1991 and from 1993.
- Group 2 1992 and 1993.
- Run twice in 1993, switched to April in 2004.
NOTABLE WINNERS
- Dreamaway (2011), Plastered (2005), Crying Game (1995), Beaux Art (1994), Heroicity (1992), Belele (1989), Joindre (1986), Stormy Rex (1977), Ngawyni (1975), Dayana (1972), Raconteur (1952), Eurythmic (1919) and Jolly Beggar (1909).
MOST RECENT FILLY TO WIN:
- Arcadia Dream (2016). 28 Fillies have won the WA Derby.
WA OAKS-WA DERBY:
- Delicacy (2015), Dreamaway (2011), Grand Journey (2008), Honor Lap (2002), Old Money (2000) and Beaux Art (1994).
LEADING WINNING JOCKEYS:
- 7-Frank ‘Tiger’ Moore (Surrender (1969)-Hidalios (1968), Baccare (1965), Nicopolis (1962), Little Empire (1959), Nhargo (1957), Just Peter (1953).
- 6-William Pike Arcadia Dream (2016), Delicacy (2015), Respondent (2014), Dreamaway (2011), Grand Journey (2008), Cats Fun (2006).
- 6-Frank Treen Sir Chatary (1967), Redacre (1966), Chestillion (1960), Smart Chief (1951), Jovial Lad (1950) Prediction (1949).
CURRENT WINNING JOCKEYS:
- 6-Willie Pike
- 3- Paul Harvey Plastered (2005), Kim Angel (1998), Crying Game (1995).
- 1-Mathieu Autier Gatting (2017).
- 1-Glenn Smith Rohan (2012)
- 1-Dan Staeck Shirazamatazz (2003).
- 1-Shaun O’Donnell Beaujholais Boy (1993)
LEADING WINNING TRAINERS
- 6-JJ Kelly Westralian (1947), Gay Prince (1938), Yaringa (1935), Second Wind (1928), Maple (1926), Eurythmic (1919).
CURRENT WINNING TRAINERS
- 5-Grant Williams Arcadia Dream (2016), Delicacy (2015), Respondent (2014), Mystic Prince (2013), Dreamaway (2011).
- 2-Lindsey Smith Plastered (2005), Old Money (2000).
- 2-Trevor Andrews Natasha (2001), Heroicity (2002)
- 1-Fred Kersley Shirazamatazz (2003).
- 1-Lou Luciani Guyno (2007).
- 1-Daren McAuliffe Gatting (2017).
Julio Santarelli