Suggestions have been made to honour Northerly on the Busselton Jetty.
BUSSELTON’s most famous racehorse, Northerly, is set to be recognised by the city.
CEO Mike Archer has been asked to prepare a report on the wonder galloper for council consideration.
Among the spots suggested is, appropriately, the most northern part of the iconic Busselton Jetty, which has just been completed.
Mr Archer said he was unsure how Northerly would be recognised or where. That would be the subject of the report being prepared.
“The council is looking into it, but it’s not formal,” he said.
“Traditionally it would be a park or road, however there has been a suggestion that it be on the northern end of the jetty, which could be a befitting place, but it’s only a suggestion.
“I think the proposal of recognising Northerly has merit and the council thinks it’s a good idea.”
Northerly, who died last month, is considered one of the nation’s best-ever gallopers. He won 19 races and was placed nine times from 37 starts and won $9.3 million in stakes.
Among his great feats was winning two Cox Plates a Caulfield Cup and two Australian Cups. He gave an indication of what was to come when he won the Railway Stakes in 2000.
He was Australian Champion Race Horse of the Year in 2003 and was inducted into Australian Racing’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
His owner-breeder, Neville Duncan, said he was stoked it was decided to go ahead and recognise Northerly.
“I’m delighted with the possibility.”
He said that as time went by people probably didn’t realise how revered Northerly was in the eastern states.
He said some horses were recognised for winning only a couple of races, which he thought was crazy given the number of major races Northerly won.
“He won on different tracks, in different weather and over different distances,” Neville said.
“He won nine out of 10 races in two spring campaigns against the best horses in Australia.
“He didn’t need any luck, he made his own luck. He was just a doer. Even Bart Cummings acknowledged Northerly as one of the best.
“We are very proud of him and love this place. It’s where he was born and died.”
