August
JulyAnother great plate
Matt Stewart (“A good story, Well Written,” 15/8) says the greatest race run on Australian soil was the Cox Plate clash between Bonecrusher and Our Waverley Star, calling it the Race of the Century.
I suggest that there was another race that could challenge his choice for that title.
It took place in March 1960 at Flemington. The Queen’s Plate over 10 furlongs (2000m) was an epic struggle between Tulloch, returning after two years recovering from a life-threatening illness, and the Victorian champion Lord.
They settled down to a head-and-head contest for the length of the famous straight. Tulloch was victorious by a short half-head, to the delight of the crowd.
I was in my teen years and was fortunate enough to be on course to witness what I regard as the best race I’ve seen over many decades of racecourse attendance.
Given it took place so many years ago, this battle has virtually been lost in the mists of time.
I’m not aware whether there is any film of the magnificent contest. If there is, it should be shown on occasions to pay due tribute to these magnificent thoroughbreds.
Mentone (Vic)