The
Assyrian was a bright bay horse, by Countryman out of
Tinfinder, both of whom were imported. He stood about
15.3 hands high, and was described by journalists of the
day as “combined with great quality, has any amount
of substance.”
The Assyrian was bred in South Australia, and was owned
by a well-known theatrical manager, (C S Agnew - purchased
after the Melbourne Cup win), his trainer being Mr. Saville,
“a gentleman well known in racing circles”.
Previous to his win in the Melbourne Cup, The Assyrian
won the Duke's Handicap at the Adelaide Racing Club's
Winter Meeting in August, the Royal Handicap at the same
meeting and was second for the Exhibition Handicap at
the Adelaide Racing Park meeting in September, 1881
He was second in the Spring Handicap, carrying 10st. 2
lb., at the S.A.J.C. Spring Meeting but was not placed
in the Van Yean Stakes at the Cup meeting the previous
year nor in the Cup Handicap at the S.A.J.C meeting in
June.
He was made an clear cut favorite for the Caulfield Cup,
but was very disappointing and really never prominent.
His first appearance at the 1882 V.R.C. carnival was in
the Melbourne Stakes on the Derby day, but he was easily
beaten.
The Assyrian was a sensational horse for the bookmaking
ring, who were saved from a terrible financial blow by
his victory, and at the conclusion of the Melbourne Cup
race “they showed their appreciation of his win
by frantic expressions of delight”.
Ridden by C Hutchins, he drew clear in the final stages
to defeat Stockwell by half a length and the plunge horse,
Gudarz, in to third place.
Sold to C S Agnew, son of Sir James Agnew, he went on
to win the Hobart Cup in 1883. Agnew won the Hobart Cup
another three times – again in 1889 with Chaldean,
with Macquarie in 1890 and Dundas in 1891.
Interestingly, Agnew died in rather unusual circumstances
– having a warm bath on board the SS Coogee en route
from Launceston to Melbourne when he had an epileptic
fit while bathing.
The feat of winning both the Hobart Cup and Melbourne
Cup has only ever been achieved on one other occasion
by Piping Lane in the mid 1970s.
The
Assyrian was a bright bay horse, by Countryman out of
Tinfinder, both of whom were imported. He stood about
15.3 hands high, and was described by journalists of the
day as “combined with great quality, has any amount
of substance.”