FIRST EDITION. The Australian thoroughbred is, of course the British thoroughbred, modified to a greater or lesser extent by the Australian environment. In the first half century a few different elements – mostly Arabs of the highest quality – were added to the mixture, but these have been continually diluted by the import of thoroughbred stallions from England, the United States and New Zealand.

In 1956 Douglas M Barrie published his book The Australian Bloodhorse. His purpose was twofold and in both respects patriotic. He wished to demonstrate that the Australian horse was a special breed, the equal or better of any in the world; at the same time he sought to prove that the bloodlines of the Australian thoroughbred were as noble as those of any thoroughbred in the world. (The History of the Australian Thoroughbred Vol 1, Freedman, H & Lemon, A. 1987 p70) Note: Wrinkled appearance of cover in image is due to removable cellophane protective wrapper. SCARCE 21114