| Russia | |
|---|---|
| Sire | Excitement (IRE) |
| Grandsire | Hurry On |
| Dam | Lady March |
| Damsire | Bonnement (GB) |
| Sex | Stallion |
| Foaled | 1940 |
| Country | Australia |
| Colour | Chestnut |
| Breeder | Mr J. G. Leeds |
| Owner | Mr J. G. Leeds and Ted Hush |
| Trainer | Ted Hush |
| Record | 89 starts: 22½-14-13 |
| Earnings | ₤39,273 |
| Major wins | |
| 1946 Melbourne Cup 1947 AJC Craven Plate 1947 P J O'Shea Stakes |
|
| Horse (Equus ferus caballus) | |
| Last updated on 10 September 2010 | |
Russia was a hardy Australian bred Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1946 Melbourne Cup and other staying races.
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He was a chestnut stallion foaled in 1940 by the unplaced, but good sire, Excitement (IRE) from the unraced Lady March by the useful broodmare sire, Bonnement (GB). Lady March also had two sets of twins that died and Brazen March, a filly that did not race. Russia was bred at Trangie, New South Wales by Mr J. G. Leeds and trained throughout his career by Ted Hush. During Russia's racing career Mr Leeds gave Ted Hush a half share in Russia prior to his Melbourne Cup win.[1]
A hardy competitor he competed for seven seasons over distances from 5 furlongs (1,000 metres) to 2¼ miles, starting 89 times for 22½ wins, which included victories in 19 principal races.[2] Racing under weight for age (w.f.a.) conditions he won 12½ races and defeated Shannon and Flight when they were at the peak of their racing careers.[3]
His biggest win was the 1946 VRC Melbourne Cup which he won by five lengths in a time of 3 minutes 21.25 seconds that equalled the then race record set by Wotan ten years earlier.
Russia won a further 10 races following his Melbourne Cup win. He won ₤39,273 during his racing career.[1]
Russia stood at stud in 1948 before he returned to racing in the autumn of 1949. He was sold to American interests after the conclusion of his racing career. Russia did not sire any principal race winners in Australia but did produce three stakes winners in the US, Carolas ($42,610), Georgie ($21,505) and Noredski ($72,410).[3]