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{{Short description|Australian racehorse}}
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{{Infobox thoroughbred racehorse
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'''Rakwool''' was an [[Australia]]n [[Thoroughbred]] racehorse who carried 73 kg (11 st 7 lbs) to win the Grand National [[Steeplechase]] at [[Flemington Racecourse|Flemington]] by 20 lengths in 1931. He cleared the fences beautifully that day, to the relief and surprise of his backers, because Rakwool was possibly the most erratic, reckless bone-jarring performer that [[Victoria, Australia|Victorian]] racing had seen. His racing career was ended by injury at the age of six.
'''Rakwool''' was an Australian racehorse who carried 73 kg (11 st 7 lbs) to win the Grand National [[Steeplechase (horse racing)|Steeplechase]] at [[Flemington Racecourse|Flemington]] by 20 lengths in 1931. It’s racing career was ended by injury at the age of six.


==Background==
==Background==
Rakwool was a bay [[gelding]] sired by Woorak, an Australian stallion whose best offspring was the [[Caulfield Cup]] winner Whittier. His dam, Wollumqua, had produced four previous winners and went on to foal Precocious, which won the [[Victoria Racing Club|VRC]] Grand National in 1932. Wollumqua was sold for 625 [[Guinea (British coin)|guineas]] by her owner A. E. Tyson to E. Y. Shiel when pregnant with the foal who would be named Rakwool. The horse's earliest training was handled by Shiel's daughter, Dorothy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19320713.2.17.1&srpos=9&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=TRAINED BY A GIRL |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=13 July 1932 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> Rakwool was famous as a rogue, who treated his jumps with disdain and made the hairs stand up on the necks of the jockeys who rode him. The size of the obstacles made no difference to Rakwool, who seemed to take delight in rapping hurdles with his forelegs and ploughing through the tops of fences as if they didn't exist. Famous rider Bob Inkson won many races on him, but still held him in awe. Inkson never knew what to expect as each jump loomed up ahead. Rakwool put in different risky leaps almost every time, often ploughing through them but somehow managing to keep his feet.
Rakwool was a bay [[gelding]] sired by Woorak, an Australian stallion whose most successful offspring was the [[Caulfield Cup]] winner, Whittier. His dame, Wollumqua, had produced four previous winners and went on to foal Precocious, which won the [[Victoria Racing Club|VRC]] Grand National in 1932. Wollumqua was sold for 625 [[Guinea (British coin)|guineas]] by her owner A. E. Tyson, to E. Y. Shiel while pregnant with the foal who would go on to be named Rakwool. The horse's earliest training was handled by Shiel's daughter, Dorothy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19320713.2.17.1&srpos=9&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=TRAINED BY A GIRL |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=13 July 1932 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref>


==Racing career==
==Racing career==


===Hurdle races===
===Hurdle race===
His first [[Hurdling (horse race)|hurdle]] win was at [[Moonee Valley Racecourse|Moonee Valley]], when he surged to the lead from the outset and gave his rivals a merry chase. Coming to the last, Hughie Cairns on Quick Deal, moved up to challenge. Rakwool took off very early and Quick Deal tried to go with him. Quick Deal landed with his front legs tangled in the battens and crashed heavily. Cairns was dead before reaching the casualty room.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19290809.2.39.2&srpos=2&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=H. CAIRNS'S DEATH |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=9 August 1929 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref>
His first [[Hurdling (horse race)|hurdle]] win was at [[Moonee Valley Racecourse|Moonee Valley]], when he surged to the lead from the outset and won. During the race, he accidentally caused the death of jockey Hughie Cairns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19290809.2.39.2&srpos=2&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=H. CAIRNS'S DEATH |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=9 August 1929 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref>

Because he was such a tearaway in his races, other jockeys became wary of Rakwool as hurdles often rebounded when he collided with them, crashing into the next unfortunate runner. The fact he started his leap so early was also a great concern. Inkson made sure Rakwool led in his races so the gelding could get a clear sight of the jumps. If he'd been ridden behind other runners it could have proved disastrous, as there would have been no way of measuring them.


===Steeplechases===
===Steeplechases===
⚫
In June 1931, Rakwool won the Prince of Wales Steeplechase at Melbourne under a weight of 11 to 12&nbsp;lbs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310609.2.24.4&srpos=3&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=AT MELBOURNE |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=9 June 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> and carried 12 7&nbsp;lbs to victory in the Wanda Steeplechase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310622.2.27.6&srpos=6&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=AT CAULFIELD |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=22 June 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> In July, he recorded his most significant win in the Victorian Grand National. Carrying 11&nbsp;st 7&nbsp;lbs he reportedly outjumped and outstayed the opposition to win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=AS19310713.2.131.3&srpos=5&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=V.R.C. MEETING |publisher=Auckland Star |date=13 July 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310721.2.15.11&srpos=4&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=RAKWOOL'S OFF DAY |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=21 July 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> A week later, Rakwool carried 13st 2 lbs in the Godfrey Watson Steeplechase at [[Caulfield Racecourse]] in July, in which he sustained a career-ending injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310720.2.30.16&srpos=1&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=RAKWOOL IS INJURED |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=20 July 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> He began his leap much too far from the last fence and landed on the near side of it with his chest, throwing his rider clear. It was feared he had broken his back, with the accident causing him to be partly paralysed for many weeks, before recovering and officially retiring.
Rakwool's first attempt over fences after winning hurdle races gave Inkson the most terrifying ride of his career. Rakwool brushed through almost every fence and ran third at [[Mentone, Victoria|Mentone]]. In fact, the next time Rakwool ran Inkson was pleased to accept the mount on a gelding named Flavedo, who ran second to Rakwool.
Inkson took the mount at Moonee Valley. Rakwool carried 77&nbsp;kg (12&nbsp;st 2&nbsp;lbs) but after having Inkson out on his ears four times, ran second. It was another hair-raiser.
Inkson took the mount on Rakwool at his next start, over the big, solid Flemington fences. He consistently made mistakes and when Inkson dismounted after winning the race he was amazed the gelding's legs were intact.


==See also==
⚫
In June 1931 Rakwool won the Prince of Wales Steeplechase at Melbourne under a weight of 11&nbsp;st 12&nbsp;lbs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310609.2.24.4&srpos=3&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=AT MELBOURNE |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=9 June 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> and carried 12&nbsp;st 7&nbsp;lbs to victory in the Wanda Steeplechase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310622.2.27.6&srpos=6&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=AT CAULFIELD |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=22 June 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> In July he recorded his most significant win in the Victorian Grand National. Carrying 11&nbsp;st 7&nbsp;lbs he reportedly outjumped and outstayed the opposition to win impressively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=AS19310713.2.131.3&srpos=5&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=V.R.C. MEETING |publisher=Auckland Star |date=13 July 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310721.2.15.11&srpos=4&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=RAKWOOL'S OFF DAY |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=21 July 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> A week later, Rakwool carried 13&nbsp;st 2&nbsp;lbs in the Godfrey Watson Steeplechase at [[Caulfield Racecourse]] in July in which he sustained a career-ending injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19310720.2.30.16&srpos=1&e=-------10--1----0Rakwool-- |title=RAKWOOL IS INJURED |publisher=Evening Post (Wellington) |date=20 July 1931 |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> Rakwool was up to his usual antics but this time his huge weight overpowered him. He began his leap much too far from the last fence and landed on the near side of it with his chest, throwing his rider clear. Rakwool turned a complete somersault and it was feared he had broken his back.
* [[List of racehorses]]
He jarred his entire body and was partly paralysed for many weeks. But he recovered enough to enjoy his retirement to the paddock.


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 21:29, 16 July 2024

Rakwool
SireWoorak
GrandsireTraquair
DamWollumqua
DamsirePetrillo
SexGelding
Foaled1925
CountryAustralia
ColourBay
BreederA. E. Tyson & E. Y. Shiel
OwnerE. Y. Shiel
Major wins
VRC Grand National (1931)

Rakwool was an Australian racehorse who carried 73 kg (11 st 7 lbs) to win the Grand National Steeplechase at Flemington by 20 lengths in 1931. It’s racing career was ended by injury at the age of six.

Background

[edit]

Rakwool was a bay gelding sired by Woorak, an Australian stallion whose most successful offspring was the Caulfield Cup winner, Whittier. His dame, Wollumqua, had produced four previous winners and went on to foal Precocious, which won the VRC Grand National in 1932. Wollumqua was sold for 625 guineas by her owner A. E. Tyson, to E. Y. Shiel while pregnant with the foal who would go on to be named Rakwool. The horse's earliest training was handled by Shiel's daughter, Dorothy.[1]

Racing career

[edit]

Hurdle race

[edit]

His first hurdle win was at Moonee Valley, when he surged to the lead from the outset and won. During the race, he accidentally caused the death of jockey Hughie Cairns.[2]

Steeplechases

[edit]

In June 1931, Rakwool won the Prince of Wales Steeplechase at Melbourne under a weight of 11 to 12 lbs[3] and carried 12 7 lbs to victory in the Wanda Steeplechase.[4] In July, he recorded his most significant win in the Victorian Grand National. Carrying 11 st 7 lbs he reportedly outjumped and outstayed the opposition to win.[5][6] A week later, Rakwool carried 13st 2 lbs in the Godfrey Watson Steeplechase at Caulfield Racecourse in July, in which he sustained a career-ending injury.[7] He began his leap much too far from the last fence and landed on the near side of it with his chest, throwing his rider clear. It was feared he had broken his back, with the accident causing him to be partly paralysed for many weeks, before recovering and officially retiring.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "TRAINED BY A GIRL". Evening Post (Wellington). 13 July 1932. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  2. ^ "H. CAIRNS'S DEATH". Evening Post (Wellington). 9 August 1929. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  3. ^ "AT MELBOURNE". Evening Post (Wellington). 9 June 1931. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  4. ^ "AT CAULFIELD". Evening Post (Wellington). 22 June 1931. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  5. ^ "V.R.C. MEETING". Auckland Star. 13 July 1931. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  6. ^ "RAKWOOL'S OFF DAY". Evening Post (Wellington). 21 July 1931. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  7. ^ "RAKWOOL IS INJURED". Evening Post (Wellington). 20 July 1931. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
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