Sydeston was regarded as the best horse to come out of Tasmania since the mighty Malua in the 1880s. Adept in all conditions, he was a versatile racehorse who could both sprint and stay.

Biography

TRAINER: Lee Dixon & Bob Hoysted

OWNERS: David Yaxley

RACE RECORD/STAKE MONEY: 65 starts: 19 wins, 7 seconds, 10 thirds/ $3,105,545

Major Wins 

• St Leger (Tasmania) (1989)
• Moonee Valley Cup (1989)
• Sandown Cup (1989)
• BMW International Stakes (1990)
• Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1990)
• Liston Stakes (1990)
• Caulfield Stakes (1990)
• Caulfield Cup (1990)
• St George Stakes (1991)

About

Sydeston showed promising form as a two and three-year-old with seven wins including the Tasmanian St Leger, and a second in the Tasmanian Derby. At four he campaigned on the mainland under the guidance of new trainer Bob Hoysted. Following victories in the 1989 Moonee Valley and Sandown Cups, Sydeston travelled to Sydney for the 1990 autumn carnival. After running second behind Better Loosen Up in the STC Segenhoe (now Ranvet) Stakes, he registered decisive weight-for-age wins in the STC BMW and the AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

At five Sydeston was successful in the VATC Liston Stakes and then beat Super Impose in the VATC Caulfield Stakes. In the 1990 Caulfield Cup he started 11/2 favourite and won in his typical effortless style. Then followed a close second behind Better Loosen Up in the MVRC W.S. Cox Plate, a race in which he ran third in 1991.

His form declined thereafter, and he was retired in 1992. His final tally showed 19 wins and 17 placings from 65 starts, with earnings of $3.1 million.

"The greatest horse to come from Tasmania since Malua a century before" (Peter Pierce & Rett Kirkwood).

Image Source: Copyright: Collin Bull