Australians United to Welcome Internationals

Friday, 01 November 2002 00:00

A meeting of the Australian State Racehorse Owners Associations in Melbourne today supported the participation of international horses in Australia’s best races.

Spokesperson Gary Gray said "The meeting which represented owners from six states took the view that Australian racing is ‘open’ racing. We welcome all corners whether from New Zealand, the UK or Dubai, on the condition that those horses competing participate on the same terms as Australian owners participate. That is to say, they should pay their own way and take their chances of getting a run within the conditions of the race entered."

The Australian Owners Associations do not support the subsidisation of international visitors. Gray said "There is great stake-money available in Australia and that should be enough of an attraction for international owners." "We cannot support the visitors being subsidised at the expense of local owners."

Gray continued, "Having said that, bring on the competition! "Australia is a great international competitor in most sports, why should racing be any different."

"The great New Zealander Sunline has taken more than $10 million out of Australia in the past few years and every Australian racing fan has loved it." "Why should the UK or Dubai be any different?" "We want their best horses here, so we can beat them, just like we beat the Poms at cricket, tennis, rugby and other international sports."

If we can’t beat them, perhaps breeders will refocus on the ‘stayers’ market and Australian buyers will see the value in investing in horses that can win the best staying races.

Represented at today’s meeting were:-

• TROA NSW
• S.A. Racehorse Owners Association
• TROA Tasmania
• TROA Victoria
• Queensland Racehorse Owners Association
• Western Australia Racehorse Owners Association

  Media Release - TROA

Kingston Town Profile - Page 5

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

By February 1981 Kingston Town was starting to career around his paddock and within 3 months plans were made to return to the Sydney stables of Tommy Smith. Before the end of winter the weights were released for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups with Kingston Town allotted 61.5kg and 60.5 kg respectively despite missing the autumn.

Kingston Town returned to racing in the Premiere Stakes at Rosehill. Lady Splendid and Bill’s Heritage led with Kingston Town in 5th to the turn. On straightening Goreham was in front as Prince Ruling and Kingston Town ran to the lead with More Mink making ground further back. By the 200m Kingston Town drew clear under hands and heels from Prince Ruling with More Mink continuing to make ground. Kingston Town looked like he’d win in a canter and was eased up but More Mink was at top speed and lunged on the line. He just missed with Kingston Town in front by a head with Prince Ruling third.

A week later Kingston Town headed to Randwick for the Warwick Stakes starting a 7/2 on favourite. Kingston Town settled midfield on jumping as the field set a slow tempo. By the 900m Al’s Gamble strode to the front from Lord of Persia and Prince Ruling then Checkmate around Belmura Lad and Kingston Town. On straightening Lord of Persia, Prince Ruling, Al’s Gamble and Belmura Lad made a line in front as Kingston Town moved to the centre of the track for his run. Inside the 100m Belmura Lad hit the lead as Kingston Town gave chase. Under hands and heels Kingston Town slowly overhauled Belmura Lad to win by a half length with Al’s Gamble third.

Two weeks later he lined up in the Chelmsford Stakes over 1800m. Around the turn Rio De Janeiro led as Belmura Lad challenged from Kingston Town. By the 200m it was over as Kington Town raced clear to win by 1 ¾ lengths from Belmura Lad with Granite King third.

Until this time no horse had won over 1 million in stakesmoney with Kingston Town and Manikato the likely contenders in Australia. If Kingston Town could win the STC Cup he would become not only the highest stakeswinner in Australian history but the first horse to pass the magic million mark.

In the STC Cup Kingston Town settled fourth outside Lord Warden. By the 900m Al’s Gamble led as Kingston Town started to make ground around the field. Before the turn Kingston Town took the lead under a hold sprinting clear in the straight to win by four lengths from Lord Warden with over 5 lengths to Al’s Gamble third.

Backing up in the George Main Stakes he was dropping back from 2400m to 1600m but it made no difference. By the 900m Jump n Pin led Kingston Town then Our Paddy Boy and My Sir Avon followed by Arbogast and Knight’s Affair. Around the turn Kingston Town soon joined the leader from Our Paddy Boy with Knight’s Affair running on. By the 250m Kingston Town again raced away under hands and heels to win by 2 ¾ lengths from Arbogast and our Paddy Boy in race record time.

Back to Melbourne Kingston Town headed to Caulfield to try and conquer his problems at the track. On settling in the Caulfield Stakes Kingston Town led Moist then Hyperno and Sovereign Red followed by Lawman and Arwon as the field raced in pairs. Little changed until the turn where Kingston Town was challenged by Sovereign Red then Hyperno from Arwon followed by Moist.  Kingston Town fought back strongly and gradually gained the upper hand to draw away winning by 1 ½ lengths with Hyperno third.

Everything looked good for a second Cox Plate but then Malcolm Johnston was suspended with Ron Quinton called in to take the ride. Soon after the start Prince Ruling led from Binbinga then Kingston Town followed by Sovereign Red. By the 1300m little changed with Lawman moving up behind Sovereign Red then Deck the Halls followed by Fearless Pride then Silver Bounty and Belmura Lad. By the 800m Binbinga and Prince Ruling led Kingston Town boxed in by Lawman then Sovereign Red. By the 400m Binbinga led Lawman then Silver Bounty and Prince Ruling with Kingston Town still pocketed between them. On straightening Binbinga and Lawman led as Kingston Town got clear from Silver Bounty and Sovereign Red. Inside the final 70m Kingston Town wore down Lawman to win by ¾ length with Binbinga third.

A week later it was on to the Mackinnon Stakes but y the home turn it was apparent that all was not well. Kingston Town was again uncomfortable with the Flemington track but by the 200m he was under pressure as No Peer challenged. In the final run to the line Belmura Lad stormed by to win by 1 ½ lengths with No Peer nosing out Kingston Town for second.

Doubts appeared regarding the Melbourne Cup as it was suggested that perhaps the old injury was flaring again. After a thorough vet examination Kingston Town was passed fit to run in the Cup three days later. Well back in the field of 22 early Kingston Town made some ground in the middle stages before weakening out of contention eventually passing the post in 20th position. Malcolm Johnston commented to the press that the horse seemed flat and wouldn’t respond. Nor did it seem the leg was of great concern and Kingston Town headed for a spell to prepare for the autumn. On returning his leg seemed fine and Kingston Town resumed training early in the New Year. However by February problems had returned and rather than being on the verge of returning Kingston Town was back in the paddock heading for a lengthy spell with a spring return planned. Again race fans lost their idol for the second half of the season.

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Kingston Town Profile - Race Record

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

2yo

13^th 12/3/79 Alfalfa Hcp Canterbury 1250m M Johnston 48kg 1-The Skite
1^st 30/6/79 Round Table Hcp Rosehill 1200m M Johnston 48kg 2-Just Sunday
1^st 28/7/79 Sir Ivor Hcp Rosehill 1200m M Johnston 52.5kg 2-Bemboka Yacht

3yo

1^st 11/8/79 Commissionaire Hcp 1200m Warwick Farm M Johnston 55kg 2-Manfilou
1^st 1/9/79 Peter Pan Stakes 1500m Rosehill J Duggan 53kg 2-Spear
1^st 15/9/79 Gloaming Stakes 1850m Rosehill M Johnston 53kg 2-Shogun
1^st 29/9/79 Spring Champion Stakes Randwick 2000 M Johnston 2-Young Shaun
3^rd 13/10/79 Caulfield Guineas 1600m Caulfield M Johnston 2-Runaway Kid
4^th 20/10/79 Caulfield Cup 2400m Caulfield W Treloar 48.5kg 1-Mighty Kingdom
2^nd 3/11/79 VRC Derby 2500m Flemington R Higgins 55.5kg 1-Big Print
1^st 9/2/80 Expressway Stakes 1200m Randwick M Johnston 53.5kg 2-Lady Manina
1^st 23/2/80 Heritage Stakes 1500m Rosehill J Duggan 54kg 2- Moulton
1^st 22/3/80 Rosehill Guineas 2000m Rosehill M Johnston 54kg 2- Polo Player
1^st 20/3/80 Tancred Stakes 2400m Rosehill M Johnston 52kg 2-Double Century
1^st 7/4/80 AJC Derby 2400m Randwick M Johnston 55.5kg 2- Mr Independent
1^st 12/4/80 Sydney Cup 3200m Randwick M Johnston 52.5kg 2-Double Century
1^st 24/5/80 Grand Prix Stakes 2200m Eagle Farm M Johnston 58kg 2- Red Kilt
1^st 7/6/80 Queensland Derby 2400m Eagle Farm M Johnston 55.5kg 2- Red Kilt

4yo

1^st 30/8/80 Warwick Stakes 1400m Randwick M Johnston 57kg 2-Blockbuster
1^st 13/9/80 Chelmsford Stakes 1800m Randwick M Johnston 57kg 2-Ming Dynasty
1^st 27/9/80 STC Cup 2400m Rosehill M Johnston 57kg 2-Over The Ocean
2^nd 11/10/80 Caulfield Stakes 2000m Caulfield M Johnston 57kg 1- Hyperno
3^rd 18/10/80 Caulfield Cup 2400m Caulfield M Johnston 60kg 1- Ming Dynasty
1^st 25/10/80 WS Cox Plate 2050m Moonee Valley M Johnston 57kg 2-Prince Ruling

5yo

1^st 15/8/81 Premiere Stakes 1200m Rosehill M Johnston 58kg 2-More Mink
1^st 22/8/81 Warwick Stakes 1400m Randwick M Johnston 58.5kg 2-Belmura Lad
1^st 5/9/81 Chelmsford Stakes 1800m Randwick M Johnston 59kg 2- Belmura Lad
1^st 19/9/81 STC Cup 2400m Rosehill M Johnston 59.5kg 2- Lord Warden
1^st 26/9/81 George Main Stakes 1600m Randwick M Johnston 58.5kg 2-Arbogast
1^st 10/10/81 Caulfield Stakes 2000m Caulfield M Johnston 59kg 2-Sovereign Red
1^st 24/10/81 WS Cox Plate 2050m Moonee Valley R Quinton 59kg 2-Lawman
2^nd 31/10/81 Mackinnon Stakes 2000m Flemington R Quinton 59kg 1-Belmura Lad
20^th 3/11/81 Melbourne Cup 3200m Flemington M Johnston 60.5kg 1-Just A Dash

6yo

1^st 21/8/82 Warwick Stakes 1400m Warwick Farm M Johnston 58.5kg 2-Rare Form
4^th 4/9/82 Chelmsford Stakes 1800m Randwick M Johnston 59kg 1-Rare Form
2^nd 18/9/82 Hill Stakes 1750m Rosehill M Johnston 59kg 1-Cossack Prince
1^st 25/9/82 George Main Stakes 1600m Randwick M Johnston 58.5kg 2-Northern Reward
1^st 9/10/82 Caulfield Stakes 2000m Caulfield P Cook 59kg 2- Deb’s Mate
1^st 23/10/82 WS Cox Plate 2050m Moonee Valley P Cook 59kg 2-Grosvenor
2^nd 2/11/82 Melbourne Cup 3200m Flemington M Johnston 59kg 1- Gurner’s Lane
1^st 27/11/82 Western Mail Classic 1800m Ascot M Johnston 58.5kg 2-Getting Closer

Kingston Town Profile - Page 6

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

Kingston Town again overcame the autumn injury to return in the Warwick Stakes. After racing in second position behind Note of Victory Kingston Town took the lead on straightening and raced away. Rare Form gave chase but too no avail as Kingston Town passed the post in from by ¾ length with Ksar Royal third.

To this stage Kingston Town had won 21 consective races in Sydney with his only defeat his very first start. He lined up for the Chelmsford Stakes for what was expected to be his 22nd. Travelling well fourth on the rails Kingston Town was in trouble turning for home as he found himself pocketed behind the tiring leader Port Carling. Rare Form had surged to the front as Gurner’s Lane chased from Artist Man as Kingston Town finally got clear but it was all over and he passed the post in fourth place. The run was scrutinized but in the end the small field of 8 with a tiring runner falling back led to his defeat.

A fortnight later Kingston Town lined up in the Hill Stakes with fans wanting revenge for the bad luck of the previous week. In a tiny field of four Kingston Town’s opponents were the 3yo Cossack Prince, Rare Form and Fairy God. Kingston Town led throughout and looked set for victory in the straight before Cossack Prince (in receipt of 11kg due to the weight for age system) started to make ground. Soon Kingston Town was under siege as Rare Form finished strongly too. In the run to the post Kingston Town was headed by Cossack Prince with the 3yo too strong by a neck with Kingston Town holding Rare Form off by a head for second.

After the two defeats the critics appeared saying the horse was past it and should be retired before tarnishing his record further. Connections however knew better and he lined up a week later in the George Main Stakes. By the 800m Northern Reward led the 6 horse field from Kingston Town then Honey Glow and Ksar Royal then Grey Receiver. Little changed until into the final stages where Kingston Town joined Northern Reward who fought back strongly. Under strong hands and heels riding Kingston Town slowly gained the upper hand to win by a half length with a gap to Grey Receiver third.

Kingston Town then headed to Melbourne for the spring carnival. In the Caulfield Stakes Deb’s mate led for home as Kingston Town gave chase. By the 200m Kingston Town took control under hands and heels to race to victory from Deb’s Mate with Allez Bijou third.

It was then onto the Cox Plate and to attempt a feat no other horse had achieved before (and none have since) to win three Cox Plates. The closest any horse have achieved before was Chatham in the 30’s with two wins and a second to Phar Lap at his first run in the race.

Fearless Pride jumped to the front but was soon headed by Deb’s Mate with My Axeman next then Allez Bijou followed by No Peer then Magari with Kingston Town next inside Lawman from Sovereign Red, Grosvenor then Rare Form and Gurner’s Lane. By the 800m Deb’s Mate led Fearless Pride then Allez Bijou and My Axeman followed by Lawman out wide around Kingston Town and No Peer then Rare Form and Grosvenor from Magari and Gurner’s Lane. It appeared Kingston Town was in trouble he was under the whip and struggling with racecaller Bill Collins (nicknamed the Accurate One) stating the famous ‘Kingston Town can’t win’. As he said the words it was as if the black horse heard him as he started to pick up momentum and planned to push clear. Around the turn Fearless Pride led My Axeman from Grosvenor and Lawman then Allez Bijou with Kingston Town trying to get clear. In the straight My Axeman joined Fearless Pride as Grosvenor challenged and Kingston Town started to power home down the outside though still a fair way back. Grosvenor hit the front 70m to go but Kingston Town swamped the 3yo to grab the lead inside the final 30m to win by a half length with My Axeman third from Fearless Pride and Lawman. The crowd went mad as Kingston Town created history and prepared to make amends for the previous years Melbourne Cup.

Concerns over his legs resulted in Kingston Town going straight into the Melbourne Cup where he started at 6/1. Noble Comment, Carringbush and Gala Mascot led early with Kingston Town behind them on the rails. Brewery Boy led past the post the first time from Noble Comment then Carringbush followed by Kingston Town and Gala Mascot then Port Carling and Allez Bijou. Little changed to the 1600m where Carringbush joined Brewery Boy from Noble Comment and Triumphal March. By the 700m Brewery Boy and Carringbush were joined by Noble Comment and Kingston Town with Triumphal March and near the rails Port Carling. With 300m left Kingston Town took the lead from Noble Comment then Triumphal March, Astrolin and Gurner’s Lane who was making a run near the rails. At the 100m Gurner’s Lane joined Kingston Town from Noble Comment. By the post Gurner’s Lane was a neck in front of Kingston Town denying him the Melbourne Cup that race fans so desperately wanted to see him claim with Noble Comment third from My Sir Avon and Bianco Lady.

After the disappointment of being run down in the shadows of the post Kingston Town headed to the Perth Carnival with the Perth Cup his target. He was the talk of the city on arriving in Perth and remains probably the bet horse to ever race at Ascot racetrack. First up he started in the Westerrn Mail Classic. Due to concerns with his action in the warm up and the hard track Malcolm Johnston kept him wide throughout the race. By the 800m Kiwi Bride challenged for the lead from Rare Flyer then Cheeky Trot and Getting Closer as Kingston Town made ground. By the 400m Kiwi Bride led as Kingston Town moved up wide from Grosvenor and Getting Closer. By the 200m there was a line of four of Cheeky Trot, Rare Flyer, Getting Closer and Kingston Town fighting the race out. By the 100m Kingston Town edged ahead of Getting Closer then Rare Flyer and Cheeky Trot. In the final 50m Kingston Town came away to win by a length over Getting Closer with Rare Flyer third.

Kingston Town was then due to race at Pinjarra just over two weeks later but the leg injuries flared again and Kingston Town withdraw from his Perth engagements and headed home for another break. This time his legs didn’t respond to treatment and it was announced during the winter that Kingston Town would not be competing during the spring of 1983. The Cox Plate meeting did feature Kingston Town as he led the field out then cantered down the straight ridden by Roy Higgins. Strawberry Road went on to victory that year.

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Kingston Town Profile - Page 2

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

When he entered the training stables of Tommy Smith Kingston Town was like any other horse albeit very colt with habits of ‘climbing’ the wall and he was a windsucker. On the track he showed enough to warrant some confidence when he stepped out for his first start in March 1979. At the start Kingston Town jumped out last and then proceeded to tried and buck before tailing the field throughout. Soon after he was gelded and given a short break before resuming his racing career in late June in the Round Table Hcp. Drifting to 33/1 in betting Kingston Town settled midfield before powering home to win by 2 ½ lengths from Just Sunday. A month later he went out favourite and duly won by a head from Bemboka Yacht. Bemboka Yacht later won the Hobartville Stakes and Stradbroke before retiring to stud.

Kingston Town then went on to complete the hat trick of wins in the Commissionaire Hcp a fortnight later before being aimed at the big spring races. In the Peter Pan Stakes Kingston Town settled midfield before joining his stablemate Spear by the 100m then sprinting away to win by 3 ¼ lengths and recording a race record time of 1.30.6.

In the Gloaming Stakes Kingston Town settled midfield before moving to second outside the leader by the 1100m. He took the lead in the straight before racing away to win easily from Shogun with Outcome third.

The final leg of the spring triple crown was the Spring Champion Stakes and it was thought that Kingston Town’s stablemate Mighty Kingdom might stop the winning sequence. Victory by Kingston Town though was never in doubt as he bounded away in the straight to win by five lengths eased up from Mighty Kingdom with Young Shaun third. The accolades followed after the race which was his 6th consecutive win and then it was off to Melbourne.

Pic courtesy Robyn Lobb

Tommy Smith was never completely happy with Kingston Town’s work in Melbourne and it was turning out to be a wet spring carnival. Kingston Town had never raced on rain affected ground but started evens favourite in the Caulfield Guineas. On a slow track Kingston Town was forced out wide and was never a threat running on late in the straight for third behind Bold Diplomat (who later lost on protest) and Runaway Kid. As the weather had improved it was decided that Kingston Town would run in the Caulfield Cup instead of the Cox Plate – with 48.5kg in the Cox Plate he could have made it interesting as in his absence star galloper 4yo Dulcify raced to a record seven length win. In the Caulfield Cup Kingston Town struggled into fourth place after changing stride throughout as Mighty Kingdom strode to victory.

Kingston Town then headed to the VRC Derby run at his training base in Victoria Flemington. Malcolm Johnston took the ride on favourite Mighty Kingdom with Roy Higgins riding Kingston Town the second favourite of the 17 horses. Kingston Town was midfield throughout before moving forward by the 800m. Then he was checked during a scrimmage with another runner and began to change stride. Despite this he was starting to run down the leader Big Print. On the line Big Print was still in front by a nose from Kingston Town with 3 ½ lengths to Runaway Kid third and Mighty Kingdom fourth. Sadly 12 months later Big Print collapsed and died during the running of the Melbourne Cup. After the Derby Kingston Town was found to have twisted the off fore plate so he was only racing effectively on three legs in the final stages. During his summer spell a wart was removed from his offside ear resulting in a small chunk missing which can be seen in many photos of the horse.

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Kingston Town Profile - Page 4

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

Kingston Town resumed in the Warwick Stakes in late August. He was well back early and only started to improved as they passed the 400m. In the straight Kingston Town was asked to stretch out where he took the lead to win by a length from Blockbuster and Milluna’s Gem in a race record time of 1.23.2.

A fortnight later he took on three rivals as the 20/1 on favourite in the Chelmsford Stakes. Ming Dynasty took the lead turning for home as Kingston Town moved out to give chase. By the 200m Kingston Town cruised past Ming Dynasty to win by 5 lengths with Argyle Morgan third.

The STC Cup was next and despite jumping up to 2400m Kingston Town was sent out the 10/1 on favourite. Jumping from an outside barrier he was caught wide early around Ming Dynasty and Argyle Morgan. By the 800m Ming Dynasty and Argyle Morgan led from Kingston Town then Brindisi and Hermod. Kingston Town hit the front by the 200m and bounded away to pass the post nearly two lengths in front from Over The Ocean with Solvita third.

It was then back to Melbourne where there was still some doubt over how good this Sydney champ was. His winning streak was at 11 as Kingston Town lined up for the Caulfield Stakes. Turning for home Kingston Town raced clear and looked set for victory but the older Hyperno was starting to mow down the black horse finishing strongly along the rails. Kingston Town tried to fight back but was drifting out as Hyperno stormed home to on the inside to win by a neck with over two lengths to the third placed Waitangirua.

A week later Kingston Town returned for his second attempt on the Caulfield Cup. Under 60kg and still finding it hard to balance on the left handed track Kingston Town fought strongly but couldn’t match Ming Dynasty who recorded his second win in the event by 1 ¼ lengths from Hyperno with a further long neck to Kingston Town.

The press really started to paint Kingston Town as a Sydney champion who couldn’t match it in Melbourne after five starts and five defeats. However in the week leading up to the Cox Plate Kingston Town worked at Moonee Valley and his workout was far more like his workouts in Sydney with the cambered turns helping keep him balanced. Connections were confident Kington Town would show his true ability in the WS Cox Plate.

Torbek took the early lead from Our Paddy Boy and Prince Ruling then Sovereign Red followed by Family of Man then Kingston Town with Yir Tiz and Glenson out wider. Our Paddy Boy took over out the back from Torbek and Prince Ruling then Glenson and Sovereign Red followed by Kingston Town. By the 600m Our Paddy Boy led narrowly from Yir Tiz and Prince Ruling then Tolhurst and Kingston Town with Torbek and Glenson next. Around the turn Our Paddy Boy and Prince Ruling edged ahead of Yir Tiz then Kingston Town with a gap to the others headed by Waitangirua and Family of Man. On straightening Kingston Town joined, headed then raced away from Prince Ruling and Our Paddy Boy. Under hands and heels Kingston Town passed the post in front by five lengths from Prince Ruling and Our Paddy Boy.

The effortless victory resulted in Kingston Town being promoted to favourite for the Melbourne Cup but when he had cooled down it was evident there was a problem. Lame in his off fore leg it was found that he had injured his suspensory ligament. Such a serious injury has often brought the end of racing careers and with Kingston Town it put him out of racing for the rest of his 4yo racing season. Treatment was started with cautious hope that he could return to the track.

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Kingston Town Profile - Page 7

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

On February 15 1984 Kingston Town was sent to the United States for treatment for his suspensory ligament. After his legs improved he was sent to trainer Charles Whittingham, initially at San Luis Rey Downs then later Hollywood Park. His sparkling track gallops drew comparisions with reigning US champ John Henry. When he was nearly ready to race Kingston Town suffered a slight strain to a ligament behind his knee. Despite treatment being available Kingston Town’s retirements was announced as it was specified he was not to race on bute.

On November 15 1984 Kingston Town headed back to Australia sharing the flight with the Australian Equestrian Olympic Team. After quarantine in Sydney Kingston Town headed back to Kingston Park on the Mornington Peninsula. Kingston Town didn’t take to retirement and was put back into an exercise routine as he would career around the paddock at full tilt and sulk. In September 1985 he was invited to lead the STC Cup (now Kingston Town Stakes) field onto the track then parade down the straight. Kingston Town worked so well it was decided to give him one last try to make a comeback. Two weeks later he was at Tommy Smith’s Melbourne stables despite controversy surrounding a comeback as a 9yo and fears of him breaking down. His aim was the Linlithgow Stakes over 1400m (now run as the Emirates down the 1200m straight course) at Flemington on Oaks Day. Two weeks before his comeback run was due Kingston Town stunned onlookers with an effortless workout at Breakfast With the Stars at Moonee Valley where he recorded 24.5 for the final 400m under a hold.

During Cup week he was declared a final acceptor for the 1985 Linlithgow Stakes for the first time in three years. His opponents included Keepers, Rass Flyer, Rory’s Jester, Seiger and Let’s Get Physical with most weighted on 51kg to Kingston Town’s 58kg. Then it rained the day before the race. Not wanting to risk him on the wet ground Kingston Town was scratched and sent to Sydney with the Festival Hcp his new goal. A week before the race the old leg problems flared again and Kingston Town was retired permanently.

In the years that followed Kingston Town made guest appearances at tracks in country NSW and SA and even ventured to Alice Springs plus numerous feature racedays in Sydney.

In late 1990 Kingston Town was sharing a paddock with 3 others when it is thought he was kicked in the offside patella. This kind of injury is near impossible to repair and most horses are put down on the spot. Not Kingston Town though. He was found hobbling in the paddock and was quickly immobilized as connections contacted numerous vets including specialists in the US. It was recommended not to operate but to plaster the injury and confine Kingston Town a box. Within 6 weeks the injury appeared to be working as Kingston Town started to walk better. Then on March 21 reportedly some nearby young horses caused Kingston Town to feel too well in the box and he kicked out in his box hitting the wall with his injured hind leg. The impact damaged the ligaments and soft tissue that was supporting the broken bone and he re injured the entire area. This damage was too severe to fix and the next morning at around 10am Kingston Town was put down and buried at Kingston Park.

Kingston Town raced 41 times for 30 wins (including 26 Group wins) and 7 placings with stakes of $1,605,790. His stakeswinnings would now be worth around the 10 million plus. Upon retirement he was the sixth highest stakeswinner in the world.

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Sunline Gallant in Cox Plate Swansong

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

The champion mare Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun) ended her racing days with a gallant fourth in the 2002, $A3m, Carlton Draught Cox Plate, 2040m at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The race was won for the second year in succession by the West Australian champion Northerly (Serheed) from Defier (Dehere) and the Godolphin entire Grandera (Ire) (Grand Lodge) chasing home fast for third.

The race was run under a cold blue Melbourne sky in front of a crowd of 38,325 adoring fans who came and willed the great seven-year-old mare to further greatness to cap her distinguished career. That it was not to be in the end did not matter one bit to the crowd.

They had cheered every move of Sunline from the time she arrived in the outside mounting yard, when she arrived onto the Moonee Valley grass a little after the other horses had taken the track, when the barriers opened and nearly ever move she made in the race. When she turned for the post, 200m to go and in front, they roared encouragement urging her forward, to win one last time. Then after it was over and jockey Greg Childs slowly rode her back to scale the crowd cheered, clapped and whistled all over again for her.

They had packed the rafters and the lawns, the entertainment areas and every possible vantage point to see their heroine. They took in the historic occasion, were part of it, socked in it and captured the memory for replays at a later time.

It was a fitting send off, one for a Queen Of The Turf who became a generations favourite, who brought to Moonee Valley a scene that we may never see again in a life time. Retired sound in testament to her mental and physical toughness she will lead a life in the brood mare paddock somewhere in the world with the cheering of Moonee Valley a memory to be content with.

Sunline (NZ) (7yo m Desert Sun-Songline by Western Symphony) finished her career with a record of 48 starts, 32 wins, 12 places and stakes of $A11,351,607.

Media Release - TNZ

Kingston Town - Profile of the Cox Plate King

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

A horse called Kingston Bid was ultimately responsible for the emergence of Kingston Town. Looking for interests away from his business David Hains took up playing golf. There he met Norman von Nida who had an interest in racing and bloodlines. On visiting David Hains’ property he was impressed by the overall set up and thought it would be ideal for breeding racehorses. He suggested buying a foundation broodmare and soon found Major Bargain from Lindsay Park who was in foal to Natural Bid. The foal was Kingston Bid who went on to win 8 races and this encouraged David Hains to invest further into the industry.

Norman von Nida was a fan of Frederico Tesio who is best known for breeding Nearco and Ribot. He travelled to Italy to look for mares from these two sirelines to match with Star Kingdom line sires for Kingston Park Stud. Ultimately two mares were purchased Ursula Launderdale (who produced Lowan Star) and Ada Hunter.  Ada Hunter had a slight club foot but it was felt that wouldn’t cause a problem. Her first foal was Hunting Boy (by Claude) who was bred in England. Imported to Australia he was sold to Northern NSW where he won 6 races. Ada Hunter was then bred to Queen’s Hussar before travelling to Australia. Foaled in Australia the colt became Queen’s Hunter but could only manage to win a country maiden.

For her first Australian breeding season Ada Hunter was sent to first season sire Bletchingly who had won four of five races including the AJC Galaxy in 56.8 equalling the record. Bletchingly stood for his entire career at Widden Stud in NSW from 1975 to 1993. He was a champion sire during the 1980s siring champion 3yo Best Western, champion mare Emancipation plus the stakeswinners Spirit of Kingston, Boardwalk Angel, Canny Lad, Canny Lass, Coronation Day, Lord Ballina, Mr Tiz, Star Watch, True Version, Wrap Around, Kenny’s Best Pal, Khaptingly, etc.

After producing Kingston Town Ada Hunter went on to produce Private Thoughts (by Bletchingly) who won the Phar Lap Stakes and sired the stakeswinner Jolly Good Thoughts, Old Jamaica, Kingston’s Hope (Bletchingly), Pride of Kingston (Bletchingly), Princess Kingston (Bletchingly) and Jamaican Town (Bletchingly). In the late 1980s Ada Hunter and several other Kingston Park matrons were sent to the US Kingston Park property where Rose of Kingston produced Kingston Rule the 1990 Melbourne Cup winner. Ada Hunter produced the filly Ada Slew to Seattle Slew in 1989 and this mare is now a Swettenham Stud broodmare.

The 1976 Bletchingly colt was foaled on August 31 at Widden Stud and was black apart from small patches of white on his near hind coronet band but didn’t particularly stand out from any other foal. After being weaned he was sent back to Kingston Park to prepare to future sale as a yearling. One day he was being brought in for treatment for a cut leg when he got loose from his handler. The lead rope spooked the young horse and he bolted towards the property fence crashing into it and cutting his face badly before racing on. The neighbours ponies then appeared and scared him back to Kingston Park where he jumped the fence on the way back. The cut healed but left a permanent scar on his face.

Kingston Town was consigned with Lowan Star to the 1978 Victorian Yearling Sales. A reserve of $8,000 was put on Kingston Town but no one was interested in the black colt from a first season sire out of a mare with unknown (at that stage) progeny. Despite the auctioneers attempts only a ‘bid from the trees’ of $5,000 was offered so Kingston Town went home again along with Lowan Star who went on to win 11 races including the AJC & Qld Oaks.

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Kingston Town Profile - Page 3

Sunday, 27 October 2002 00:00

Kingston Town returned to racing by easily winning a barrier trial before taking on the older horses in the Expressway Stakes. During the run he was 8th on settling before moving to 6th and wide turning for home. In the straight he cruised to the front to win going away by 1 ½ lengths from Lady Manina with Tell Fibs third. Next it was to the Heritage Stakes where he settled just off the speed. By the 800m Conorak led Tulip Town then Farewell Chime inside Kingston Town. On straightening Tulip Town hit the front but Kingston Town soon cruised alongside before taking the lead at the 200m and racing away under hands and heels to win by 2 ½ lengths from the fast finishing Moulton with Tulip Town third.

The autumn triple crown looked a certainty but then Kingston Town was found to be lame in his near foreleg. Kept in light work before deciding whether to push on or spell the leg improved but by this stage he had missed the Canterbury Guineas. With only 7 days of full training he was fit enough to take his place in the Rosehill Guineas. Kingston Town sat four wide early before taking the lead to get closer to the rails. By the 1600m Roman Warrior led by a neck to Kingston Town then Lauriet and Lloyd Show followed by Rocky Top. By the 1000m Knights Affair picked up the speed to lead by two lengths from Roman Warrior and Kingston Town who was badly checked and they kick up to join the leader again. Passing the 800m Roman Warrior and Knights Affair led Kingston Town and Farewell Chime. On straightening Knights Affair raced clear of Roman Warrior as Kingston Town moved up inside that horse. By the 200m it was over with Kingston Town racing clear to stroll to victory by 4 lengths from Polo Player with Knights Affair third.

A week later he backed up in the Tancred Stakes and was sent out favourite against a classy field of older stayers. By the 1300m Double Century led with Kingston Town fourth along the rails. Around the turn Double Century was in the lead as Kingston Town moved out to make his run from Warri Symbol as Salamander ran on down the outside. By the 250m Kingston Town accelerated past Double Century under hands and heels to leave the opposition standing. By the post Kingston Town was clear by 4 ½ lengths eased down from Double Century with Gold and Black third.

Again he backed up in 7 days to take on the best of the staying 3yos and was sent out the 9/2 on favourite. By the 1200m Polo Player led Kingston Town then Red Kilt and River D’Or followed by Mr Independent and Prince Ruling. Around the turn Polo Player led Kingston Town and River D’Or the Red Kilt and Mr Independent followed by Big Print and Shogun. On straightening Kingston Town hit the front and raced away to win eased up by 3 ¼ lengths from Mr Independent and El Laurena third.

Many Derby winner would have been spelled at this point but Kingston Town backed up again for the fourth week in a row in the Sydney Cup. Drawn the extreme outside in a 17 horse field there were doubts he could find a position let alone stay the 2 miles but there was never a problem. Kingston Town flew the start and crossed the entire field to led early but settled in 5th on off the rail. By the 1200m Better Vibes led Kingston Town then Warri Symbol and Double Century. On straightening Kingston Town took the lead and powered away from Double Century then Marlborough and Favaloso. Under hand and heels Kingston Town won by 3 ¼ lengths from Double Century with Marlborough third.

By now the comparisons with Tulloch were starting to emerge but the good judges wanted to see Kingston Town go on in the spring and perform in Melbourne before such comparisons could be taken seriously.

But first to Brisbane. In the Grand Prix Kingston Town faced only two rivals in Red Kilt and Star Dynasty (brother to Ming Dynasty). Star Dynasty led Red Kilt and Kingston Town into the straight. By the 300m Red Kilt joined Star Dynasty but soon after it was apparent they were racing for second money as Kingston Town cantered past to win eased up by 2 ¾ lengths from Red Kilt and 6 lengths to Star Dynasty.

Only 4 others took part in the QTC Derby. By the 600m Prince Ruling led narrowly from Kingston Town then Red Kilt. By the 300m Kingston Town drew to the lead and gradually drew away to win by 2 ¼ lengths from Red Kilt with Prince Ruling third from the deadheaters Golden Inn and Star Dynasty.

Despite the win Kingston Town seemed to race like a tired horse and was later found to be lame so plans to go on to the Brisbane Cup were scrapped and he was spelled for the spring.

Kingston Town was named Horse Of The Year for the 1979-80 season and was allotted 60kg for the Caulfield Cup and 59.5kg for the Melbourne Cup.

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