John Messara, Bob Charley, Les Bridge, the late Darby McCarthy and the late Guy Walter are among the list of 10 thoroughbred racing greats to be elevated to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame (ARHOF) in Adelaide next month.
The ARHOF spreads across four categories – horses, trainers, jockeys and associates – and induction is regarded as racing’s ultimate achievement with the ceremony an opportunity to formally honour those who have left indelible marks on the sport.
The eyes of the Australian racing world will be on Adelaide on Friday, May 14 when Racing South Australia hosts the 2021 induction ceremony.
Fellow outstanding industry contributor John Messara will also be inducted acknowledging his impressive contribution to Australian racing, particularly through breeding with the world class Arrowfield Stud, which has stood some of the greatest stallions of their time including Danehill (USA), Redoute’s Choice and Snitzel.
"John Messara will be inducted acknowledging his impressive contribution to Australian racing."
The distinguished career of racing administrator Robert (Bob) Charley will be outlined during his induction. Charley’s industry involvement has included roles as a trainer, owner, breeder, punter, commentator, magazine publisher, historian and advocate of Banjo Patterson. He was also Chairman of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame from 2011 to 2018.
Trainers acknowledged
Veteran Sydney trainer Les Bridge has collected many major victories during his 60-year career, including The Everest last year with Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt). His honour will coincide with the induction of the late Guy Walter, who trained more than 1300 winners from his Sydney stable.
He prepared Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}), a 13-time Group 1 winner who claimed stakes races from 1200 metres to 3200 metres, will be inducted, as will fellow champion gallopers Beau Vite (NZ) (Beau Pere {GB), Red Anchor (NZ) (Sea Anchor {Ire}) and Sailor’s Guide (Lighthouse {Fr}).
Les Bridge
The remarkable life of the late Darby McCarthy will also be recognised. The career of Australia’s most celebrated indigenous rider spanned three decades and saw him compete at the highest level in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and internationally, ultimately being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to racing.
Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Bill McLachlan is another to be inducted, joining his great grandson, trainer Lee Freedman who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
“I think everyone will agree that the calibre of this year’s inductees into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame is outstanding,” Chair of the ARHOF Selection Panel, Brendan Parnell, said.
“We look forward to honouring those living and past by acknowledging their impressive achievements on and off the turf and their world-renowned contributions to the world of racing.”
