Tribute cabinet for Briseis

A GEELONG filly who was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2015 has been honoured by the Geelong Racing Club (GRC) in a new tribute cabinet created to acknowledge her origins.

The Briseis Club – which is named after the filly – in partnership with the Geelong Racing Club revealed the cabinet on Saturday December 15, coinciding with the Briseis Cup.

Founder and life member of the Briseis Club, John Craven, unveiled the cabinet alongside fellow life member John Chandley, current chairman Benn Ward, current vice chairman Adrian Buckley, president of the Geelong Racing Club Peter Murrihy, CEO of the GRC Daniel Slater and GRC’s marketing manager Jade Augustine.

Mr Craven said it was a privilege to be a part of such a special moment for the club.

“It’s wonderful to see Briseis acknowledged and honoured in such grand and respectful style by the Geelong Racing Club,” Mr Craven said.

The club was founded in 1995 by Mr Craven to create a social network for people in the community with a passion for horse racing, while also supporting local charities.

Dating back to the 1870s, Briseis remains one of the greatest fillies to ever race in Australia. She was bred, owned and trained by James Wilson at St Albans, Geelong.

In the spring of 1876 at just three-years-old, Briseis wrapped up a stellar career by winning the VRC Derby, Melbourne Cup and the VRC Oaks all in the same year.

The year earlier, Briseis was taken to Sydney where she won the Doncaster Handicap, the Flying Stakes and the All Aged Stakes.

Mr Murrihy said honouring Briseis in Geelong marked the significance the filly continued to have on the Australian horse racing industry.

“Briseis is a legend in Australian racing and is the greatest horse to come from Geelong,” he said.

“We are delighted to unveil this special tribute to Briseis and look forward to many racegoers understanding her amazing feats on the turf.”