The popularity of horse racing was evident in the early years.
The first recorded events took place on a course near the Shepparton cemetery.
The Shepparton Turf Club, Kialla Turf Club, and later the Shepparton Jockey Club operated race meetings over the years at various locations, and early fixtures were not confined to well-bred (or station-bred) thoroughbreds.
By way of example, the Shepparton Turf Club’s Spring Meeting in November 1892 featured seven events — The Publican’s Purse, Mares Produce Stakes, Handicap, Trot, Mounted Rifle Race, Hack Race, and Pony Race.
Something for all equine racers.
Event five, the Mounted Rifle Race, resulted (pun unintended) in a “dead heat” between Maori Lad and Sailor Boy, with Musket third.
The newspaper report of the day noted that the “run-off” between the dead-heaters was won by Sailor Boy, with Maori Lad running off the course.
His rider was hooted by the crowd, and the stewards held an investigation.
