Stamps featuring racehorses inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2002, designed by Otto Schmidinger, and printed by McPherson’s Printing Group, Mulgrave. Issued 15 October 2002.
Wakeful (1896–c.1923) was a champion Australian mare celebrated for her versatility and toughness at the turn of the 20th century. Trained by Walter Hickenbotham, she won major races from sprint to staying distances, including the 1900 Newmarket Handicap and 1901 Australian Cup against male rivals. She later became an outstanding broodmare whose descendants shaped Australian breeding. Wakeful is revered as a pioneer of elite mares and a foundational figure in Australian racing history.
Rising Fast (1949–1978) was an exceptional stayer who achieved Australian racing’s rare spring triple crown in 1954, winning the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, and Melbourne Cup in the same year. Trained by TJ Smith, he combined stamina with a strong finishing sprint. His historic treble elevated him to national fame and established a benchmark for spring campaigns that remains unmatched.
Manikato (1975–1984) was one of Australia’s greatest sprinters, renowned for speed, durability, and elite consistency. Trained by Bart Cummings, he famously won the William Reid Stakes four times (1979–1982), an achievement unmatched in the race. Dominant through the late 1970s and early 1980s, he became the standard for top-level sprinting. The Manikato Stakes was named in his honor.
Might & Power (1993–2020) was a fearless front-running champion known for sustained speed and dominance over staying trips. Trained by Jack Denham, he captured the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in 1997, then added the Cox Plate in 1998. His aggressive racing style and ability to win Australia’s greatest handicap and weight-for-age races secured his status as a modern great.
Sunline (1995–2009) was a champion mare who dominated Australasian weight-for-age racing with brilliance and toughness. Trained by Trevor Mallard, she won two Cox Plates and numerous elite races in Australia and New Zealand. Her explosive acceleration, resilience, and longevity made her a fan favorite and one of the greatest mares in racing history, honored with Hall of Fame status.
Australia