The stallion St Albans is immortalised in racing history as the sire of Tasmania’s greatest horse, Malua, who was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame in 2003.
But to recognise him for just that one feat is grossly unfair. During his time in Tasmania, St Albans sired a list of big-race winners that is probably unsurpassed in this state.
St Albans was an English horse leased to John Field of Calstock Stud in 1877.
He stood in the Deloraine district for several years.
As well as Malua, he sired —
* Stockwell who was sold to the premier of Tasmania Thomas Reibey in 1880 for just 45 guineas and went on to win the 1882 Launceston Cup before unluckily being beaten a half head by The Assyrian in the Melbourne Cup the same year.
* Sheet Anchor, another cheap buy for 71 guineas, who won the 1885 Melbourne Cup.
* Blink Bonney, winner of the 1884 Deloraine and Caulfield Cups.
* Ringwood, winner of the 1885 Hobart and Australian Cups, and later a famous jumper.
* Tasman, winner of 31 races, including the New Zealand and Wellington Cups, and £5577 in stakes, which was a huge amount at the time.
St Albans’ progeny also went on to become successful sires and broodmares, with Malua himself siring the 1891 Melbourne Cup winner Malvolio.
Although his deeds may have faded somewhat with time, the historical records show that St
Albans is a worthy addition to the Tasmanian Racing Hall Of Fame.