1923 Racehorse named Bribie

The annual running of the Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday November 4, 2025. 

One hundred years ago, there was a racehorse named Bribie, owned by James Clark. 

James Clark and his family owned the Toorbul Point property for most of the twentieth century, the land now being the location of the suburb of Sandstone Point. 

A Racehorse named Bribie

Photo: Berry and Whalley.
The Telegraph 1.6.1923 p.4

This is Bribie, who, like Lady Aura, will represent Sydney in the Stradbroke Handicap [in 1923]...  Bribie, however, is owned by a Queenslander in Mr James Clark, but has done all his racing in Sydney.  He also is engaged in the Sires' Produce Stakes.  

Bribie is a nice-looking colt out of Kummulla, and was bought by his present owner, Mr J. Clarke, for 800 guineas. Mr Clark named him after an island in Moreton Bay, Queensland.

Bribie has only started twice, but it would be strange if he could not gallop for he is a brother to that brilliant sprinter, Glenacre. His dam, Kummulla, . . . This family has been a very successful one, having produced countless good performers. Bribie finished in impressive style, and in this colt there is every probability of Mr Clarke having another Tangalooma. 

J. Clark’s Bribie winning the Claret Stakes from Ardglen and Belle of Crecy.

Photo: King Arnold
The Telegraph 11.6.1923 p.4

Mr J. Clark's Bay Colt Bribie, winner of the Claret Stakes at Ascot on Saturday last, about to be swung aboard the Kanowna yesterday on his way to Sydney.  

Photo: Berry and Whalley
The Brisbane Courier 12.6.1923 p.16

Mr James Clark (1858-1933) "nothing but the best"

From his obituary 10.7.1933: In his day Mr. Clark was a famous yachtsman, and right up to the close of last season’s sailing calendar he could be found regularly every Saturday following with the closest interest the sailing races on the Brisbane River, sometimes in his own launch, but more often on the flagship of one of the clubs.  He was a sound cricketer, one of the best rifle shots in Australia, and did not neglect the turn, for he owned many good racehorses.  It was characteristic of Mr. Clark that he had but one standard for his varying diversions, and that was “nothing but the best”.

REFERENCES

Bribie. [Photo] This is Bribie, who, like Lady Aura, will represent Sydney in the Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday.  Photo: Berry and Whalley.
The Telegraph, Fri 1 Jun 1923, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177041048  

J. Clark’s Bribie winning the Claret Stakes. [Photo] Photo: King Arnold
The Telegraph, Mon 11 Jun 1923 p. 3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177042928 

Shipping a racehorse. [Photo] Photo: Berry and Whalley.
The Brisbane Courier, Tue Jun 12, 1923, p. 16 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20627185 

Racehorse Bribie owned by James Clark.
Referee (Sydney) Wed 13 Dec 1922, p. 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127923486

Obituary. Mr James Clark (1858-1933)
The Brisbane Courier, Mon 10 Jul 1933, p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22193812