The Melbourne Racing Club has evolved from a swampland into the most progressive and richest racing establishment in the nation. The club has weathered wars, fires, financial woes and other setbacks to become a goliath of the racing industry. However, the fabric of the club’s history revolves around those who have contributed to the core business of racing: the horses, trainers, jockeys and administrators.
Add the colour of the bookmakers, the skill of the starters and handicappers, the flamboyance of race broadcasters and the dedication of the stewards and the club clearly has been fortunate to have had a wide mixture of talented professionals.
This book pays tribute to all of the Heroes of the Heath.
Rod Nicholson is a multi-award-winning racing writer and one of Australia’s leading sports writers. In 2000 he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal by The Queen and the Australian Government for his contribution to sports journalism.
Rob Nicholson has been a regular at Caulfield racecourse for more than three decades and was the trackwork clocker at the club for the final 10 years of training at the track. He is the vice-president of the Victoria Racing Media Association, and a member of the
Thoroughbred Club of Victoria.
The book, written by Rod and Rob Nicholson is a 368-page, hard-cover coffee table book filled with historic photographs dating back to the 1876 first meeting at Caulfield, known throughout its history as The Heath.
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The book traces the early days of clearing a swamp and snake infested area and developing it into a first-class racecourse up until the latest chapter, the new inner track, stalls, parade ring and mounting yard which opened last week.
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Provides colourful and entertaining insight into the champion horses, trainers and jockeys who have graced The Heath and who had provided the excitement and entertainment that is an integral fabric of Victorian, and indeed, Australian racing.
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Champion trainer Peter Moody, who wrote the introduction to the book, highlighted the significance of The Heath during his career.
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Captures the essence of racing at The Heath, its development and a record of the champion horses, trainers and jockeys, while also acknowledging stewards, handicappers, broadcasters and bookmakers
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Media & Publicity: Launched by Melbourne Racing Club chairman Matt Cain at the opening of the track’s $300 million redevelopment’s first stage. Coverage in national newspapers, publications and radio all throughout Australia.
