Russia (horse)

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For other uses, see Russia (disambiguation).
Russia
Russia winning the Melbourne Cup in equal record time.
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
Last updated on 10 September 2010

Russia was a hardy Australian bred Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1946 Melbourne Cup and other staying races.

Breeding

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]

Racing record

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]

Stud record

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]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cavanough, Maurice, The Melbourne Cup, Jack Pollard P/L, North Sydney, 1976
  2. ↑ ASB - Russia (AUS) Retrieved on 2009-7-1
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Pring, Peter; Analysis of Champion Racehorses, The Thoroughbred Press, Sydney, 1977, ISBN 0-908133-00-6
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