MALUA

Malua was THE most versatile Australian thoroughbred race horse in history. He was a son of St. Al bans from Edella by Peter Wilkins. Malua was bred by John Field of "Calstock" in Deloraine, Tasmania, and as a yearling was sold to Thomas Reibey the former Premier of Tasmania.

Malua won over distances ranging from 5½ furlongs to 3¼ miles (1,100 – 5,200m).

As a two-year-old the colt raced in Tasmania, where his name was Bagot. He won on three different tracks, but was then sold on the mainland for 500 guineas to J O Inglis, who changed the colt's name to Malua. Malua is a Fijian word meaning "wait a while".

In 1884, Malua won the Newmarket Handicap (6 furlongs/1,200 metres) and Oakleigh Plate (5.5 furlongs/1,100 metres) carrying 9 st 7 lb (60 kg; 133 lb). Malua's jockey set a precedent when he took him to the outside (grandstand side) rail to win the Newmarket, a tactic not used before. he also won the Adelaide Cup in that year.

The term "Malua's track" was coined to name that portion of the Flemington Racecourse.

After a trip to Sydney, where he won the Spring Stakes, Malua returned to Melbourne for the 1884 Caulfield Cup, in which he carried 9 st 12 lb (63 kg; 138 lb). He was not placed but finished strongly and convinced his connections to run him in the Melbourne Cup. He won the Melbourne Stakes and became favourite for the big race.

Carrying 9 st 9 lb (61 kg; 135 lb), Malua fought out the finish with Commotion (9 st 12 lb) to win by half a length. Two days later he won the six furlong weight-for-age Flying Stakes on Oaks Day.

Malua had a marvellous constitution and in 1886 carried 9st 9lb to win the Australian Cup.

In 1888 he was switched to jumping, not so unusual in those days and he won the VRC Grand National Hurdle, ridden by his owner, Mr J.O.Inglis. Malua continued racing combining it with his stud career until 1889.

This was an extraordinary horse that was able to carry heavy weights and defeat the best racehorses in top sprint and staying races.

In his last race as a ten-year-old in 1889, Malua won the Geelong Cup.

Despite his vigorous career, Malua sired Malvolio, winner of the 1891 Melbourne Cup and Ingliston the winner of the 1900 Caulfield Cup.

A committee raised money to build a memorial to Malua in the township of Deloraine where he was born. It has been completed and is on the side of the main "drag" through the picturesque town of Deloraine. Well worth stopping to have a look if you're passing through.

In the suburb of Ormond in Melbourne, there is a street named after the great horse (Malua Street). This little street also for a period of time housed the great Dame Nellie Melba.

 

 

 

 

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