BERNBOROUGH
Bernborough
(1939-1960) was an Australian Thoroughbred racehorse who
competed from 1941 to 1946. The bay colt by Emborough (GB)
from Bern Maid by Bernard (GB), was the paternal grandson
of Gainsborough, winner of the English Triple Crown in 1918.
His
racing colours were orange, purple sleeves and black cap.
Bernborough
was foaled at Rosalie Plains near the township of Oakey
in the Darling Downs region of South East Queensland. He
only raced at Toowoomba in Queensland as he was barred from
racing at metropolitan tracks because of ownership doubts.
Bernborough first raced under the ownership of Mr A.E.Hadwin.
Queensland trainer, J. Roberts then leased the horse.
When he was six years old he was moved to Sydney and following
his sale to Sydney restaurant owner Azzalin Romano for 2,600
guineas his nominations were accepted.
Thus
he began a winning streak of 15 consecutive races. His wins
included the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington carrying 9
st 13 lb (63 kg) and the Doomben Cup under 10 st 11 lb (68
kg). He started 37 times for 26 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third.
On 2 November 1946 Bernborough had his last race in the
LKS MacKinnon Stakes. Challenging for the lead just after
entering the home straight, he suffered torn sesamoid ligaments
and had to be pulled up.
The great mare Flight, who had finished second to Bernborough
on many occasions, went on to win.
After recovering from his injuries, Bernborough was sold
to movie producer Louis B. Mayer for 93000 guineas for stud
duties in the USA where he went on to moderate success as
a stallion at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky where
he sired the winners of more than $4,500,000.
He was to produce two good sons – Berseem, who was
champion USA sprinter of his year – whilst another
son Bernwood held the world one mile (1600 metres) record
for a while.
Bernborough was one of the five inaugural inductees into
the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, alongside other turf
notables Carbine, Phar Lap, Kingston Town and Tulloch.
He is commemorated in the township of Oakey with a life
size bronze statue located outside the Jondaryan Council
chambers.
In 1978 he was honoured on a postage stamp issued by Australia
Post.
