Sussex

           Sussex

                                 1874 b h Grandmaster (GB) – Cameo

                                 Owner Mr. Frederick C. Goyder

                                 Colours: Red and white stripes, white cap

                                 Trainer: Messrs Cripps Bros: May 1877 – June 1878

                                               Richard Rowe: June 1878 – Retirement

                         

Sussex  R. Rowe

                                                                    Career Highlights                  
                                                              

                                                    WON 18/06/1878 Warrnambool: Handicap Hurdle Race – 3 miles

                                                    WON 20/07/1878 Geelong: Geelong Hurdle Race – 2 miles 

                                                    WON 05/10/1878 Flemington: Handicap Hurdle Race – 2 miles

                                                    WON 01/03/1879 Flemington: Keilor Stakes WFA – 1 ½ miles

                                                    WON 05/04/1879 Caulfield: Hurdle Race – 2 ½ miles

                                                    WON 01/07/1880 Caulfield: Maiden Steeplechase – 2 ½ miles

                                                    WON 01/07/1880 Caulfield: Victoria Gold Cup – 2 ½ miles

                                                    WON 23/07/1881 Flemington: Grand National Steeplechase – 3 miles

                                                    2^nd 02/11/1878 Flemington: Essendon Stakes – 2 miles

                                                    2^nd 25/10/1879 Caulfield: Spring Handicap – 1 ¼ miles & a distance

                                                    2^nd 06/11/1879 Flemington: Hurdle Race – 3 miles

                                                    2^nd 04/03/1880 Flemington: Corinthian Cup – 1 ½ miles & a distance

                                                    2^nd 31/07/1880 Geelong: Steeplechase – 3 miles

                                                    3^rd 13/09/1879 Caulfield: Railway Stakes – ¾ mile

                                                    3^rd 04/10/1879 Flemington: Corinthian Flat Race – ¾ mile

                                                    3^rd 31/07/1880 Geelong: Hurdle Race – 2 miles

Sussex was bred by Mr. William J. Dangar at his Neotsfield property on the Hunter River in New South Wales in 1874. The Grandmaster – Cameo colt was sold to hunts-racing enthusiast and well-known publican Mr. Frederick Goyder for a reported 70 guineas.

An Englishman by birth, Goyder named the strapping bay Grandmaster colt, Sussex, after the county in which he was born.

As Sussex matured, he developed into a very impressive individual and all those who saw him in those early days were predicting great things for him when he started his racing career.

Sussex’s hulking frame signalled that he would not be suitable for two year old racing, so, Frederick Goyder allowed him ample time to fully develop, with a career in jumps racing foremost in his mind.

In early 1877, Sussex was put in the care of the Cripps brothers, Joseph and George who trained a fair sized team of gallopers out at Moonee Ponds.

Sussex had his first start for the Cripps brothers in a flat race at Flemington in October 1877, where he ran unplaced. After a spell, Sussex returned to Flemington in March 1878 where he again ran unplaced, this time in the Hunt Club’s Corinthian Cup over 1 ½ miles & a distance (a ‘distance’ =240 yards). Sussex’s next appearance was also at Flemington and saw his first start over the hurdles, a  fifth placing in a field of eighteen in the Handicap Hurdle Race over two miles signalled that the hype that had surrounded him in his pre-racing days was about to be realised.

In June 1878, Sussex was transferred to the stables of Richard Rowe, a well-known jumps trainer and successful jumps rider, Sussex would remain with Rowe for the rest of his racing and jumping career.

                                                           Complete Career Record  

                                   31 Starts – 8 Wins – 5 seconds – 3 thirds

                                                 3YO

8^th 06/10/1877 Flemington: Handicap Flat Race – 1 mile

15 ran – 6.10 (12/1) J. McLaughlan

1^st Herschel 7.8 (4/1F) T. Hales – 2^nd Activity 6.12 (5/1) J. King

3^rd Ralph Leigh 7.5 (10/1) W. Everard. 2 len x 4 len. Time 1:44

4^th 07/03/1878 Flemington: Corinthian Cup – 1 ½ miles & a distance

8 ran – 10.9 (10/1) Mr. A. Wilson

1^st Jokes 10.8 (4/1) Mr. A. F. Sullivan – 2^nd Terrick Terrick 10.4 (5/1) Mr. A. Inglis

3^rd Columbus 10.12 (6/4F) Mr. H. Haines. 2 len x nk. Time 3:02 ¼ 

5^th 24/05/1878 Flemington: Handicap Hurdle Race – 2 miles

18 ran – 8.4 (12/1) W. Boyd

1^st Larrikin 9.11 (10/1) F. Hill – 2^nd Welshman 9.10 (4/1F) R. Rowe

3^rd Artful Joe 10.2 (12/1) H. Chifney. 3 len x 2 len. Time 3:55

June 1878 - Sussex is transferred from the Cripps brothers to the stables of Richard Rowe

WON 18/06/1878 Warrnambool: Handicap Hurdle Race – 3 miles

15 ran – 8.8 (10/1) R. Rowe

2^nd Larrikin 10.3 (6/1) F. Hill – 3^rd Gazelle 8.0 (12/1) J. Lawrence

2 len x 8 len. Time. No time recorded 

Gazelle got well away to a bad start, followed by Starlight, Larrikin and Selim. At the first fence, Dan Rice, Union and Ivanhoe balked, and Gazelle led over the hurdles at the stand, followed by Starlight, Larrikin and Selim, Sussex, Flinders, Lord Harry and Gaffer Grey. On the opposite side of the course Gaffer closed on the leaders, and shortly afterwards led, Larrikin taking second place, Gazelle third, and Lord Harry, Sussex, Selim, Starlight and Dutchman immediately behind. This order was maintained until Selim balked. Gaffor Grey never faltered in his running until the last mile was entered on, when he gave way to Larrikin, Sussex, Gazelle and Lord Harry. Half a mile from home Lord Harry and Gaffer Grey fell, and Sussex deprived Larrikin of the lead, taking the lest hurdles in advance, and won easily by two lengths, Gazelle, eight lengths away from Larrikin, third. The horses were very much distressed when they pulled np. (The Age 19/06/1878)

WON 20/07/1878 Geelong: Geelong Hurdle Race – 2 miles

12 ran – 9.7 (2/1F) R. Rowe

2^nd Lord Harry 11.0 (6/1) T. Corrigan – 3^rd Monk 9.7 (10/1) J. Jones

3 len x 2 len. Time 4:12

The horses went away to a capital start, Monk and Numa Pompilius showing in front soon after they got away; Red Gauntlet, Veno, and Flinders were at the head of the second division. Passing the stand, Numa Pompilius and Red Gauntlet were in front together. Flinders, Sussex, Lord Harry, and Burnewang were following all well together, Monk and Rover were behind. Opposite the stand Red Gauntlet was in front, Sussex and Lord Harry were close up, Numa Pompilius and Gaffer Gray were at the head of the others, Veno was last. Artful Joe then drew up to the leading division. At the far turn Sussex was leading, Rover, Red Gauntlet, Artful Joe, and Gaffer Gray were in the front, and running in that order. Passing the scrub Sussex was still in front, Rover, Artful Joe, and Lord Harry were next. After a good gap came Gaffer Gray and Red Gauntlet at the head of the ruck. Sussex came home the easiest of winners, four lengths in front of Lord Harry, Monk was a moderate third; then came Veno, Rover, Red Gauntlet, Gaffer Gray, Larrikin, and Burnewang in that order, and well spread out. 

(The Argus 22/07/1878)

              4YO

WON 05/10/1878 Flemington: Handicap Hurdle Race – 2 miles

8 ran – 10.12 (1/2F) R. Rowe

2^nd Stampede 8.9 (5/1) W. Enderson – 3^rd Welshman 9.5 (5/1) J. Jellett

1 len x 16 len. Time 3:52 ¾ 

The running was commenced by Ivanhoe, with Ramrod second, but at the earliest opportunity Ivanhoe ran round a flight of hurdles. Stampede then went on with the running, leading into the straight, Ramrod and Welshman in attendance, with the others behind. Coming to the hurdles at the stand Drummer shot to the fore, and Stampede was eased off behind Ramrod, Welshman and Burnewang. At the next turn the latter was pulled-off, and Welshman went up second, and a little further on Sussex became third, with Stampede fourth. Thus they travelled up the river side until Drummer resigned his lead to Welshman, and then gave way to Sussex and Stampede, this being their order at the bridge turn. Coming to the abattoirs Sussex deprived Welshman of the lead, and Stampede going to the crack the pair drew right away from Welshman. The crack led down and into the straight to the last flight of hurdles, where Stampede was on his girths. Here he over-jumped and stumbled, losing fully a length, and allowing Stampede for a moment to dispossess him of the lead.

Immense excitement now prevailed in the stand, amidst shouts of “the favourite’s beaten,” but he righted again, got into a swing and fairly outstrided Stampede, leading him past the post by a length, Welshman a bad third, Drummer fourth. 

(The Leader 12/10/1878)

NB “the crack” referred to in the summary was the favourite, Sussex

2^nd 02/11/1878 Flemington: Essendon Stakes – 2 miles

7 ran – 9.0 (5/1) R. Rowe

1^st Jack-A-Lantern 7.1 (4/1) T. Hales – 3^rd Columbus 9.9 (4/1) M. Griffin

¾ len x 6 len. Time 3:45 ¾ 

DISQ 05/11/1878 Flemington: Maiden Plate – 1 ½ miles

7 ran – 9.0 (2/1F) R. Rowe

1^st Andover 9.0 (7/2) P. Pigott – 2^nd Zambesi 7.4 (5/1) J. Kilduff

3^rd Guy Fawkes 7.4 (5/1) H. Walker. 4 len x 12 len. Time 2:40 ¾ 

Crichton, Guy Fawkes, Cowarie and Mesalliance also started.

There was a good start, the advantage being slightly with Crichton, who kept in front to the bridge, where Sussex took command, with Guy Fawkes close up. At the back of the course Andover came up and took second place. From this the race was between Andover and Sussex, and after a splendid contest up the straight the latter won by a bare head.

Zambesi was third, about four lengths off. A protest was entered on behalf of Andover against the rider of Sussex, for having hit Andover across the head with a whip. The case was proved, and the stewards disqualified Sussex and gave the race to Andover. (The Sydney Mail & NSW Advertiser 09/11/1878) 

4^th 07/11/1878 Flemington: Handicap For Four-Year-Olds – 2 miles

9 ran – 8.3 (6/1) R. Rowe

1^st Swiveller 8.5 (2/1F) W. Yeomans – 2^nd Glenormiston 7.6 (6/1) G. Williams

3^rd Darriwell 6.5 (6/1) S. Cracknell. 1 len x ½ len. Time 3:36

6^th 09/11/1878 Flemington: Canterbury Plate-WFA – 2 ¼ miles

7 ran – 9.0 (8/1) R. Rowe

1^st Warlock 7.1 (3/1) W. Walker – 2^nd Melita 6.10 (EvensF) T. Hales

3^rd Cap-A-Pie 9.0 (8/1) W. Huxley. 1 len x 5 len. Time 4:07 ¾ 

4^th 30/01/1879 Geelong: The Geelong Gold Cup – 2 miles

9 Ran – 7.8 (10/1) E. Power

1^st Lord Harry 7.0 (5/1) G. Williams – 2^nd Tom Kirk 7.9 (5/1) J. King

3^rd Aconite 7.13 (5/2F) S. Davis. 2 len x nk. Time 3:38

4^th 01/02/1879 Geelong: Geelong Handicap – 1 ½ miles

6 ran – 7.10 (5/1) E. Power

1^st Lord Harry 7.7 (4/6F) T. Hales – 2^nd Zambesi 5.9 (5/1) P. St. Albans

3^rd Columbus 8.0 (5/1) W. Murphy. 1 ½ len x 4 len. Time 2:40 ¼ 

Frederick Goyder

WON 01/03/1879 Flemington: Keilor Stakes WFA – 1 ½ miles

4 ran – 9.0 (4/5F) P. Pigott

2^nd Monarque 8.0 (2/1) J. King – 3^rd Cowarie 8.0 (2/1) G. Williams

1 ¼ len x 6 len. Time 2:45 ½ 

Monarque jumped away with the lead, with Tidal Wave next to him and Sussex last. The two first exchanged places after making the first turn, but Monarque went ahead again on the river side, Cowarie taking second place and Tidal Wave third.

Nearing the old stand Sussex passed Tidal Wave, and on they journeyed to the abattoirs. Here Monarque and Cowarie were running together, and Sussex third, on their quarters. Sussex now came on the outside, taking up the running after leaving the sheds, Cowarie also passing Monarque.

The latter came again in the straight and passed Cowarie, but could not reach Sussex who won by a length and a quarter, Cowarie a bad third six lengths away.

(The Age 03/03/1879)

7^th 06/03/1879 Flemington: Australian Cup – 2 ¼ miles

12 ran – 7.6 (6/1) P. Pigott

1^st Savanaka 7.10 (2/1) T. Hales – 2^nd Bosworth 7.10 (6/4F) W. Yeomans

3^rd Swiveller 8.10 (10/1) W. Hickenbotham. 4 len x 4 len. Time 4:04

5^th 08/03/1879 Flemington: Town Plate – 2 miles

6 ran – 9.0 (8/1) R. Rowe

1^st Bosworth 7.12 (1/2F) W. Walker – 2^nd Wellington 8.5 (5/1) W. Murphy

3^rd Warlock 7.12 (7/1) W. Yeomans. ¾ len x 3 len. Time 3:36 ½ 

Richard Rowe

4^th 17/03/1879 Kyneton: Kyneton Handicap – 1 ¾ miles

5 ran – 8.12 (6/4F) R. Rowe

1^st Mountaineer 7.11 (4/1) T. Hales – 2^nd Cowarie 6.12 (3/1) G. Williams

3^rd Roland 6.8 (3/1) J. Kilduff. 1 len x hd. Time 3:20

4^th 18/03/1879 Kyneton: Boothholders Purse Hanhicap – 1 ¼ miles

4 ran – 9.0 (3/1) R. Rowe

1^st Palmerston 7.6 (4/6F) J. Williamson – 2^nd Dictator 6.12 (4/1) J. Kilduff

3^rd Ashantee 7.7 (3/1) T. Thomson. 3 len x 1 len. Time 2:16

WON 05/04/1879 Caulfield: Hurdle Race – 2 ½ miles

9 ran – 11.12 (2/1F) T. Corrigan

2^nd Dutchman 9.6 (3/1) G. Goodie – 3^rd Fritz 9.11 (5/1) W. Harden

Nk x 3 len. Time 5:33 ½ 

All got well away, the colours of Forester in the centre, Fritz on the outside, and Sussex next the rails appearing most conspicuous. Ramrod then showed in advance, but after going a few strides Dutchman ran up, and cleared the hurdles in front of the stand with the lead of a neck, Sussex following closely.

After rounding the first turn Sussex took up the running, and made play at a good pace over the next hurdles just in front of Monk, Alarm, and Ramrod, while Fritz was lagging behind. At the far side of the course Monk raced past Sussex, and led over the hurdles there, the two last being Gorong and Fritz.

As they came racing down to the turn for the straight Forester and Ramrod kept creeping to the front, while Corrigan took a pull at Sussex. Forester led into the straight, Ramrod and Monk being his immediate attendants, while the rest of the field were well up.

Alarm struck the hurdles at the commencement of the saddling paddock heavily, and nearly came down.

Passing the stand the order was – Forester, Ramrod, Dutchman, Sussex, Monk, Alarm, Fritz, Gorong, and Left Bower. After rounding the turn Fritz commenced to improve his position. At the far side of the course Ramrod was leading, and jumping the hurdles there was pulled across Forester, who was driven over the wing. Here Gorong fell. Then Dutchman held the command, Ramrod giving way beaten, while Sussex began to close. Sussex cleared the last hurdles with a slight advantage of Dutchman and Fritz, and coming to the Straight plainly had the race at his mercy. Corrigan sitting perfectly still, and stalling off a determined rush on the part of Dutchman, passed the judge an easy winner by a neck; Fritz a bad third. Monk fourth. (The Australasian 12/04/1879)

Tommy Corrigan

                                                           5YO

3^rd 13/09/1879 Caulfield: Railway Stakes – ¾ mile

14 Ran – 8.10 (7/1) R. Rowe

1^st Waxy 8.5 (6/1) W. Murphy – 2^nd Dollar 8.0 (3/1F) M. O’Brien

1 ½ len x ½ len. Time 1:20

3^rd 04/10/1879 Flemington: Corinthian Flat Race – ¾ mile

10 ran – 12.7 (3/1) Mr. W. Glasscock

1^st Dollar 11.5 (7/4F) Mr. C. Filgate – 3^rd Larpent 9.12 (12/1) Mr. J. Crooke

1 ½ len x ½ len. Time 1:19 ½ 

2^nd 25/10/1879 Caulfield: Spring Handicap – 1 ¼ miles & a distance

12 ran – 8.2 (8/1) B. Colley

1^st Timothy 7.12 (5/1) T. Hales – 3^rd Chatterbox 6.2 (5/1) S. Cracknell

1 ½ len x 2 len. Time 2:28 ¼ 

2^nd 06/11/1879 Flemington: Hurdle Race – 3 miles

12 ran – 12.1 (5/2F) T. Corrigan

1^st Carlisle 9.3 (8/1) J. Mason – 3^rd Dutchman 10.7 (8/1) S. Floyd

Hd x 4 len. Time 5:36 ¾ 

9^th 08/11/1879 Flemington: Free Handicap – 1 ½ miles

19 ran – 8.8 (12/1) B. Colley

1^st Tocal 9.4 (8/1) W. Huxley – 2^nd Waxy 7.8 (6/1) J. King

3^rd Monarque 8.0 (4/1) J. Williams. 3 len x 1 len. Time 2:38 (Aust record)

Sussex’s head defeat by Carlisle in the Flemington Hurdle race was a very bitter pill for Frederick Goyder to swallow. Goyder was scathing in his criticism of the handicapper in giving Sussex 12.1 compared to the 9.3 carried by the very talented Carlisle.

In a letter to the editor of The Australasian 15/11/1879, Goyder announced that Sussex was being retired to stud due to the unfair weights that he was being asked to carry in handicap events. In his letter, Goyder writes:

“There is absolutely no provision or encouragement given to our jumpers. A weight-for age hurdle and steeplechase, with moderate penalties for winners, on the first day of the meeting, and then the handicaps on the last day, would give a lot of sport, and would be some inducement to owners to keep the better class of horses in training, and be the means of bringing many a young horse out. Under the present handicap system a maiden is called upon to give known fair performers weight, and has to be run (and generally is) several times unfit and out of condition, so as to get in upon anything like fair terms with other horses, such tactics tending to demoralise all connected with the horse; but unless this is done your maiden horse has but a poor show, unless an extraordinary good one.”

Frederick Goyder’s decision to retire Sussex from racing was only short-lived as Sussex returned to the track in the following autumn.

5^th 02/03/1880 Flemington: Keilor Stakes WFA – 1 ½ miles

8 ran – 9.10 (8/1) R. Rowe

1^st Darriwell 9.3 (6/4F) S. Cracknell – Sweetmeat 9.7 (3/1) P. Pigott

3^rd Columbus 9.3 (4/1) W. Yeomans. 1 ½ len x 6 len. Time 2:46 ½ 

2^nd 04/03/1880 Flemington: Corinthian Cup – 1 ½ miles & a distance

7 ran – 12.7 (4/1) Mr. R. Chirnside

1^st Kilmany 10.7 (5/1) Mr. C. Filgate – 3^rd Robbie Burns 10.9 (3/1F) Mr. H. Haines

1 len x ½ len. Time 3:3 ½ 

WON 01/07/1880 Caulfield: Maiden Steeplechase – 2 ½ miles

5 ran – 11.7 (4/6F) R. Batty

2^nd Verdi 11.9 (4/1) H. Chifney – 3^rd Rosewood (4/1) 12.4 J. Griffiths

Nk x 2 len. Time 6:08

At the start Verdi and Sussex went away with the lead. The Orphan balked at the second fence, and could not get over until the other horses again came round. After passing the stand Sussex ran round the fence at the top of the hill, and Nullah followed the example. Sussex took the fence after, but Nullah persistently balked. Verdi established a good lead opposite the stand, Rosewood being ten lengths and Sussex fifteen lengths behind. Passing the stand the second time Verdi was leading, with Rosewood and Sussex close up. They ran in the same order to the sod wall, where Sussex went up second. Coming up the straight Verdi and Sussex were running neck and neck, but Sussex had the race well in hand, and won by a neck, Rosewood third. (The Age 02/07/1880)

WON 01/07/1880 Caulfield: Victoria Gold Cup – 2 ½ miles

9 ran – 13.5 (EvensF) Mr. W. Glasscock

2^nd Greystanes 13.0 (3/1) Mr. P. Glenister – 3^rd Unknown 10.4 (6/1) Mr. E. T. Barnard

1 len x 8 len. Time 6:06

Syphon had the best of the start, with Joan, Sussex and Mac next. Syphon was still leading at the stand, with Mac, Joan, Sussex, Warrigal and Greystanes following. At the turn Sussex went up and took first place, Warrigal next, and Greystanes, Joan and Syphon following. At the fence on the hill Quamby balked.

Beyond Warrigal went to the front, passing Sussex, Greystanes, Joan and Mac being well up.

At the sod wall Sussex was again in the lead, with Greystanes next and Warrigal and Mac next. Syphon and Joan were some distance in the rear. Passing the stand the second time Greystanes and Sussex were level, Warrigal and Joan in close proximity, and Syphon and Mac some lengths away. Rounding the turn and at the back of the course Sussex and Greystanes were together, several lengths in front of Warrigal. Mac fell at the fence on the hill. Nearing the sod wall Warrigal went up to Sussex, and was level with him at the last fence, but on taking the jump, fell and rolled over his rider, who was shaken, but not seriously injured. Sussex was thus left an easy winner, Greystanes making an effort in the straight, but not being able to reach him. Sussex won by a length, Greystanes next, and Unknown, some distance away, third. 

(The Age 02/07/1880)

Sussex’s greatness was on display this day for all to see.

Two jumps races on the same card and he won them both, first the maiden steeplechase and then the Hunt Club’s Gold Cup, carrying 13.5.

3^rd 31/07/1880 Geelong: Hurdle Race – 2 miles

11 ran – 12.5 (6/4F) R. Batty

1^st Marshal 8.10 (5/1) J. Mascall – 2^nd Pemberley 8.10 (5/1) J. Wall

2 len x 2 len. No time posted

2^nd 31/07/1880 Geelong: Steeplechase – 3 miles

13 Ran – 12.12 (6/1) R. Batty

1^st Twilight 9.12 (3/1) T. Corrigan – 3^rd Intrepid 9.12 (12/1) P. Carey

3 len x 8 len. No time posted

Frederick Goyder writes another of his, now famous,  letters to the editor of The Australasian (07/08/1880) lamenting the unfair handicapping of Sussex during the current racing season.

He writes in part:

“The VAT Club promised a maiden Steeplechase, of £100, and this looked like paying (and has done) his expenses, and by his intrinsic merit he also won their Gold Cup, much to the handicappers disgust.

And I now come to the late Geelong Meeting, where my friend had his revenge, as I failed to give to such horses as Marshal and Pemberley 3st 9lb, both winners, and also Twilight 3st, a mare that every man who has seen and watched her running said was absolutely thrown into the handicap.”

In defence of the handicapper, the owner of Pemberley (who finished second in the Geelong Hurdle Race), writes a reply to Frederick Goyder’s letter disputing his ‘grumblings’ that Sussex is the victim of some kind of unfair conspiracy by the handicapper and the race clubs.

In his letter of 14/07/1880 to The Australasian, Mr. C. F. Fraser writes, in part:

“Sir, – Mr. Goyder is certainly a good grumbler, and commences his letter to you (in your issue of the 7th inst.) by grumbling at Sussex being beaten by Carlisle at the V.R.C. Spring Meeting. Now, if I remember rightly, it was the too-clever tactics of the stable which got him beaten on that occasion, by the starting of Battle Abbey to make the running, and which he did so effectually as to settle Sussex, and thus enable Carlisle to win a desperate race on the post.

Mr. Goyder then writes a letter to The Australasian on the subject of maiden steeplechases, and one is introduced into the last Caulfield programme. Sussex wins it, and also the Gold Cup (handicap); Mr. Goyder adds, "Much to the handicapper's disgust." Now, this latter remark is most unkind, for anyone who has the honour of knowing Mr. Barnard must be aware that he would be utterly incapable of having a mean wish towards any man's horse, and I feel sure that it would only give him pleasure to see a noble horse like Sussex winning with the top weight. Had Sussex started in the Hurdle Race at Caulfield (12st.) he would, in my opinion, have won it easily. For his two wins at Caulfield the handicapper gives him 12st. 51b. in the Geelong Hurdle. The public and ring (the best judges) did not think him badly treated, as his price in a field of eleven good and average horses was 7 to 4, and had the ground been dry, he certainly would have beaten my pony Pemberley”.

As was the case last spring, Frederick Goyder retired Sussex to stud, and, as he did last year, Sussex returned to racing the following autumn. 

Robert Batty

                                                              6YO

Pulled Up 24/03/1881 Gladstone (SA): Great Northern Handicap Steeplechase – 3 miles

12 ran – 13.10 (4/1) W. Glasscock

1^st Himalaya 13.0 (2/1F) R. Batty – 2^nd Snowstorm 11.0 (4/1) F. Hill

3^rd Gunn 8.10 (20/1) J. Beauchamp. 12 len x 30 len. No time recorded

Early in 1881 Mr. F. C. Goyder, the owner of Sussex, was in Adelaide. A great deal of talk was indulged in at the time about the Great Northern Steeplechase, which was to come off in March at Gladstone, a town some distance from Adelaide. In order to induce Goyder to bring over Sussex a prominent South Australian laid him £2000 to £1000 that he could not win the Great Northern with any two horses he chose to bring from Melbourne.

With the object of winning this bet, Sussex and Himalaya were sent over. The course was a particularly stiff one, even for those days. Not one of the fences was under 4 ft. 6 in., and in front of the stand a wide water jump, with a fence on the take-off side, added to the difficulties of the competitors. There were only two rails in each fence, the bottom panel being a good distance from the ground, which made the obstacle look all the more formidable. The rails were heavy, and had untrimmed edges, which cut the horses' legs like knives.

On this occasion Robert Batty rode Himalaya, while Mr. Glasscock had the mount on Sussex. Every one of the eleven starters, with the exception of Himalaya and Snowstorm, came to grief, Himalaya beating Mr. John Pile's grey rather easily at the finish, thus landing Mr. Goyder his £2000.

Himalaya was so cut about that he did not recover from the gruelling for weeks. Sussex was in an even worse plight, and it was several months before he could leave Adelaide.

When he returned to Melbourne Sussex could not be induced to look at a fence on the training track; he resolutely refused to jump even the bottom rail. However, this wayward behavior did not prevent Goyder from backing his favorite to win the Grand National Steeplechase with 13 st. 1 lb. (Leader 13/07/1918)

WON 23/07/1881 Flemington: Grand National Steeplechase – 3 miles

7 Ran – 13.1 (3/1) R. Batty

2^nd Twilight 11.4 (EvensF) T. Corrigan – 3^rd Lucy 9.11 (10/1) J. Elliott

3 len x 3 len. Time 7:02 ¾ 

As soon as the flag fell Sussex rushed to the front, but before going round the turn Batty had steadied him, and Taxaraxacum carried on the running to the first fence, at which he ran off, Victor following his example, thus extinguishing their chances. The rest of the field got safely over in the following order Twilight, Sussex, Lucy, Abdallah and Gazelle. At the back of the course Lucy had obtained the premiership, and maintained her position to the Abattoirs, where Twilight again assumed command, Gazelle running up into third place. No change occurred as they swept into the straight, the fences being taken in grand style by all save Abdullah, who struck at the palings, and parted with his rider. Twilight still led, closely followed by Lucy, Gazelle and Sussex, the pace increasing as they ran along the river side and back of the course, where Sussex began to make a forward movement. No mistake was made until the last fence was reached, at which Gazelle blundered and struck, unseating her rider. Sussex had a slight advantage as they turned into the straight, and, Batty keeping him going, won a slashing race by three lengths from Twilight, Lucy, a similar distance away, third; Gazelle, some distance behind, was fourth. (The Age 25/07/1881)

After the Grand National Steeplechase, it became clear that Sussex was in a terrible state, Bob Batty said after the race that Sussex had broken-down three fences from home, and it was only the horse’s sheer courage that got him to the line.

Frederick Goyder realised that Sussex would never race again, and even if he could, it is doubtful that Goyder would have subjected his pride and joy to the crippling weights that he would have received in the new season as a Grand National Steeplechase champion.

In early September 1881, Frederick Goyder sold Sussex to Mr Charles Umphelby for £1300 to stand at his property, Dwarroon at Cudgee for a service fee of 15 guineas.

Not much is known about Sussex from this point on, though we do know that he wasn’t a success at stud.

By 1886, Charles Umphelby had off-loaded Sussex and he was now standing at Stansmore’s Stables at Camperdown for a fee of just £4 4s.

In 1887 at the Camperdown Show, Sussex won first prize in the category of best 'Blood Stallion over three years', his owner was listed as Mr. N. Stansmore.

Sussex won the same category the following year, though there were only two entries.

The last mention of Sussex that I could find was in 1890, when his owner Mr. J. Ware paraded him at Camperdown in the ‘Parade of stallions’ under the auspices of the ‘Hampden and Heytesbury Pastoral & Agricultural Society’.

Champion Cross-Country Riders Of 1880