Straight Draw (foaled 1952) was a New Zealand bred thoroughbred racehorse, that is most notable for winning the 1957 Melbourne Cup.

Straight Draw
SireFaux Tirage
GrandsireBig Game
DamSunbride
DamsireTai-Yang
SexGelding
Foaled1952
CountryNew Zealand
ColourBay
OwnerEzra Norton
TrainerJack Mitchell
JockeyNoel McGrowdie
Record48: 12-6-3
Earnings£37,479[1]
Major wins
Melbourne Cup (1957)
The Metropolitan (1957)
Sydney Cup (1958)

Background

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Straight Draw was bred by Little Avondale Stud in New Zealand.[2]

Racing career

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Straight Draw started at the odds of 13/2 in the 1957 Melbourne Cup. For some time the race favourite that year was the legendary Tulloch, however connections decided to not run him in the race. Under the guidance of Australian Racing Hall of Fame jockey Noel McGrowdie, Straight Draw won the race by a neck margin.[3]

His owner, Ezra Norton, a strictly private man, remained in Sydney rather than go and watch the race. The horse's trainer Jack Mitchell was sent to collect the Cup on his behalf, avoiding having to make a speech.[4]

Straight Draw also became the first horse to ever win The Metropolitan, Melbourne Cup and Sydney Cup in the same season.[5]

Pedigree

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Pedigree of Straight Draw (NZ) 1952
Sire
Faux Tirage (GB)
1946
Big Game (GB)
1939
Bahram Blandford
Friar's Daughter
Myrobella Tetratema
Dolabella
Commotion (GB)
1938
Mieuxce Massine
L'Olivete
Riot Colorado
Lady Juror
Dam
Sunbride (GB)
1942
Tai-Yang (GB)
1930
Solario Gainsborough
Sun Worship
Soubriquet Lemberg
Silver Fowl
Graceful Bride (FR)
1936
Golden Grace Blandford
Grace Mary
May Bride Dark Legend
Wedding Chime

References

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  1. ^ "Past Champions". millersguide.com.au. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Little Avondale Our Origins". littleavondale.co.nz. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  3. ^ "Melbourne Cup history". races.com.au. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  4. ^ "Ezra Norton Australian Media Hall of Fame". halloffame.melbournepressclub.com. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Sydney Cup won by Straight Draw". Retrieved 27 August 2020.