Uncle Remus captured the imagination of the New Zealand public in the 1970's with 10 straight victories

I remember the great racehorse UNCLE REMUS being such a prominent figure in New Zealand during the 1970s, frequently discussed at social gatherings such as barbecues or family events and around the lunch tables at workplaces up and down the country. His influence was significant, leaving a lasting impression on individuals excited by his exploits. In a bygone era, Uncle Remus participated in races during a time when racing held a significantly stronger grip on the public's sporting psyche compared to the present day, and where horses ran more frequently, allowing the powerful young galloper to build a phenomenal race record in one barnstorming season of success. He was a sight to behold.

The presence of UNCLE REMUS at any racing event invariably drew substantial crowds, underscoring his immense popularity and the captivating nature of the sport during that period. A striking black colt, Uncle Remus became enormously popular during his wonderful three-year-old campaign in the 1977/78 season. His popularity grew to such an extent, that on certain race days, the horse was discreetly kept at undisclosed nearby locations to prevent potential disruptions caused by enthusiastic admirers who want to see and touch the horse and get photos taken with him.

UNCLE REMUS did not have a long career due to wind problems, but it was certainly one to remember. Trained by Colin Jillings at Takanini, and usually ridden by young stable apprentice, Bob Vance, Uncle Remus only won twice as a two-year-old juvenile, but his three-year-old season where he reigned supreme was something extraordinary. Uncle Remus won 13 of 15 starts as a three-year-old and had excuses in the other two. He was late clear when a luckless second in the Great Northern Guineas, and then went on to win 10 races straight, capturing the imagination of not only race-goers, but the entire wider public. As his wind issues became a problem later in the season, Uncle Remus ran 3rd in the International Stakes at Te Rapa, his last run prior to a much needed rest.

Not only did Uncle Remus dominate his age group, the horse beat much older, more seasoned horses at WFA, winning black type races from 1200m to 2400m. He also completed the NZ 2000 Guineas/NZ Derby double, with only four other legendary horses since 1973 achieving the feat - FURY'S ORDER, BALMERINO, SURFERS PARADISE and JIMMY CHOUX. Uncle Remus also won the Wellington Derby and Guineas, Avondale Guineas, Cambridge Breeders and he beat the older horses in the Canterbury Gold Cup, Thames Valley Stakes, Clifford Plate and the Rotorua Challenge Stakes. In his other three-year old races he was second in the Great Northern Guineas (1600m) behind the Hawke's Bay Guineas winner, CREST STAR and third in the New Zealand International Stakes (2200m) behind the brilliant LA MER and CARLAW when ridden by Tony Williams, who only rode him that one time when Bob Vance was suspended.

He often strode to the front and dictated the pace on his own terms with five of his wins coming by at least five lengths or further. Most importantly, no other horse has completed 13 wins in a New Zealand racing season, and none probably will based on the planned strategies of the modern equine athlete and how campaigns are now so well balanced. Vance claimed, he was the perfect racehorse with a perfect temperament, he wasn’t colty at all and just a terrific galloper.

Uncle Remus was raced by Kim Clotworthy in close partnership with the horse's Northland breeder, Grace Donaldson, who raced him for pleasure rather then profit. They resisted overseas offers for the horse and he begun his stud career in New Zealand. Uncle Remus, a son of BANDMASTER II out of the dam TUSITALA, had stints at stud in both New Zealand and Australia but he only left a few minor stakes-winners. The best probably being MISS REMUS, winner of the McKell Cup in Sydney and the Queen's Cup in Brisbane. However the talent of Uncle Remus was undeniable and the sight of him striding away from his rivals is something many will remember in the golden age of New Zealand racing.

The Group 3 UNCLE REMUS STAKES race at Ellerslie for three-year-olds offers the opportunity for a trip down memory lane and a toast to one of the racing’s greats of yesteryear.

RACE RECORD - 28: 15-4-1

EARNINGS - $137,275

New Zealand Derby (1977)

New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1977)

Wellington Derby

Wellington Guineas

Cambridge Breeders Plate

Canterbury Gold Cup

Avondale Guineas

Wellington Stakes

Rotorua Challenge Stakes

Thames Valley Stakes