Tinagroo Stud Dispersal Sale 1957
Mr W H Mackay died in 1956. The mercurial, magnetic and charismatic scion of the hegemonic Mackay clan of the Hunter Valley had enjoyed a full and varied; albeit eccentric and quirky life. Among his many passions which included poetry, polo, piping, pastoral properties, racing, ornithology and ‘romancing’ was thoroughbred breeding. His Tinagroo Stud at Scone was his personal Xanadu. ‘Freckles’ broke the course record at Randwick for 7 furlongs at 1 min 22 secs in 1942. This will stand for all time because the equivalent metric distance is now 1400 metres. Brilliant 2yo ‘Dark Elegance’ was another exceptional product of the stud.
Mr Mackay’s Executors determined that the stud should be dispersed. This sale took place on the property on Monday 13th May 1957. In all 21 broodmares with foals at foot, 23 ‘dry’ broodmares, three stallions, four yearlings, one 2yo and four racehorses were on offer. ‘Sunbloom’ (Lot 19) at 1,700 Guineas was the top priced mare. The three stallions were ‘King’s Own (imp), Lighthouse II (imp) and Wayside Inn (imp). The latter was the sire of ‘Karendi’ prodigious winner of the QTC Stradbroke Handicap, AJC Doncaster Handicap, C W Cropper Handicap, Carrington Stakes and 8 other races.