Teddy and I left Kogarah, Sydney, before noon on Tuesday June 15 2021, stopping briefly at Eastwood. Then, a stop at a road-side garage near Ourimbah for lunch.
Then we took the Toronto turnoff, ultimately turning left to Freemans Waterhole at the next intersection. Teddy and I arrived at the Hunter Valley Retreat in Sandy Creek Road, Quorobolong after 3pm. There were extensive road works on our way into the Retreat.
It was a cold night. I had brought dinner, as I was aware that there were no shops around. And i had two sleeping bags for additional warmth. Teddy had his lambswool-lined Royal Stewart Tartan jacket on to keep warm.
On Wednesday morning June 16 2021, Teddy and I left before 10am for Cessnock. We took Allandale Road (swimming pool corner according to the locals) to Branxton and then to Singleton on the Hunter Expressway. We had lunch in down-town Singleton, before proceeding to Scone.
The next stop was Muswellbrook. I noted where the Remington Motel was located, as this was the meeting point for the Thursday tour. My next stop was at the vets – Pet Medical, where I checked Teddy into doggy day care for Thursday morning at 8am. The paper work was organised in advance to save time on Thursday morning.
I arrived at the Scone Caravan Park in Kelly Street at 1:30pm. John had already arrived from Gulargambone. Dinner that night was at the Royal Hotel in Scone. We chatted about matters country: wheat farming, the mouse plague, the piggery, share farming and farm equipment. I was gaining an education on country life!
Thursday morning, June 17 2021 was an early start at 6am as we left Scone at 7:15am for Muswellbrook. Teddy was dropped off for his fun day at day care and John and I proceeded to the Remington Motel. After a quick tea /coffee we were ready to leave at 8:45am.
There were 6 on the tour: two couples from Ulverstone, Tasmania and John and myself. The Tasmanians had brought their vans over on the Spirit of Tasmania, and were planning to holiday on the mainland. They indicated that “next year the port in Melbourne will shift to Geelong, where it will be much easier for parking. The Spirit of Tasmania is currently heavily booked “they said.
I had told Craig, who was the tour guide, that I had written the History of Moorefield Racecourse Kogarah (1888-1951) and published it in 2016. Craig himself has 5 horses – one trained in Newcastle and a couple in Muswellbrook. He has his 5 horses in syndicates, and suggested to us that we watch the recent movie, Dream Horse.
We visited Kelvinside –Godolphin Stud, where Emma spoke to us in the lounge room inside Kelvinside about the background to the operations. Emma had previously worked for Godolphin in Dubai.
She explained that the stallions are kept here at Kelvinside, and the mares are kept at Woodlands. It was a Godolphin decision to do this.
Emma took us around the property – the stables, where we got to see Shooting to Win in his stall. Emma warned of getting too close as he may bite! Then on to room where the mating takes place. To ensure that the correct horses are mated, they have a tag placed on them.
Then we saw the various horse yards. Lonhro, Exceed and Excel and Bivouac were outside in their yards, well protected with warm coats. We were fortunate that Lonhro’s handler was taking the horse for exercise. On their return, we were able to get some great close-up photos.
The next stud was Vinery, where Harry welcomed us and spoke about their operations.
The handler brought out All Too Hard for us to see. Ole Kirk was in his yard. I have always been fascinated with the name as Kirk means Church in Scotland. However, the horse was named after the inventor of Lego in 1932, Ole Kirk Christiansen and his son, Godfrey Christiansen.
Ole Kirk’s mother is a sister to Black Caviar, and a half-sister to All Too Hard. Exceedance commenced his new career in the breeding season of 2020, and will have his first foal in 2021.
NOTE: Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 2021 – 8:30am for 9am Stallion Parade – 684 Segenhoe Road , Scone.
Then on to Denman, a lovely country town where we lunched in a delightful café.
In the afternoon, Craig took us to Woodlands, which had been owned by the Inghams. It was sold in 2008 to Godolphin for $500 million. The locals regarded this amount as somewhat undervalued. Jack Inghams’ ashes are located behind Octagonal’s statue. Jack passed away in 2003, and Bob Ingham passed away in 2020.
Godolphin has chosen to keep their mares here at Woodlands.
Craig drove us around the property, and explained where things took place. We drove to higher ground. The view from the “lookout” was magnificent. You could clearly see the name Goldolphin sculptured into the main lawn.
On each stud, the lawns and gardens are beautifully manicured. The team of gardeners is kept busy maintaining huge areas. Some studs have accommodation for their clients.
We returned to Muswellbrook for 4pm. We wished the Tasmanians well with their trip as they venture north, and thanked Craig. Craig can be reached on cbenjamin7@bigpond.com or 0417439776. There is a minimum of 3 and maximum of 7 passengers on the tour, which is held only on Thursdays and Fridays.
Friday, June 18 2021, John, Teddy and I drove to Gundy. Then we kept driving to Belltrees. It is private property, which is owned by the White family. You are able to have a tour of the property if you stay there. On the return trip to Scone, we stopped at the front of Arrowfield Stud for some photos. Arrowfield is not allowing people on site for tours.
When I am now sitting in heavy traffic in Sydney, I sadly remind myself that “I am not on the road to Gundy, where I passed very few cars.”
We had lunch at the Thoroughbred Hotel in Scone. Then we drove to the Hunter Cheese Centre, where I bought the most delightful fudge. Then, a visit to the Muswellbrook Art Gallery. On our return, we visited a nursery in Scone, where I purchased a horsey item for the garden.
Dinner was again at the Royal Hotel in Scone. Entertainment was provided after dinner on Friday nights and the weekend. After our dinner, Teddy lay on a wooden stool, and enjoyed the music too!
Saturday, June 19 2021
I left for Cessnock, and John had to go to Gunnedah to give a friend, who is connected to the Gunnedah Museum, some photos of farming equipment. Then, he had a long drive to the farm gate.
I had lunch in Singleton and decided to collect some takeaway for my dinner – a wise decision. Then, onto Cessnock, arriving at 1:30pm at the Ingenia Caravan Park. At 3pm, I drove down the main street of Cessnock to find all of the shops shut. I drove on to Bellbird, and had a look at the Bellbird Hotel. There are some wonderful old pubs in this area. I noticed the new housing subdivisions being developed.
I had a lovely cabin and Teddy and I enjoyed our night at Ingenia.
Sunday, June 20 2021
Teddy and I left about 10am for Kurri Kurri. My grandfather had a barber shop in the main street, Lang Street, Kurri Kurri. Times were tough and he lost the business in the Depression. My dad, as a young man, worked in the business cutting the miners’ hair. He told me that this is where he first learned about horses and racing.
I was last in Kurri Kurri over ten years ago with my Uncle Keith and my Aunt Joan, who lived in Perth. We visited his father’s grave in the cemetery. Teddy and I visited my grandfather’s grave on Sunday morning (my grandfather was always called Ted by his family).
We then returned to Sydney arriving mid-afternoon. Another road trip successfully completed.
The Upper Hunter is a unique historic, agricultural, mining and equine area. It should be promoted as a destination holiday. You can also drive across to Barrington Tops, which adds to the unique environment of the area.
My Cavalier, Teddy and I had a wonderful time, as did John. Horses are not his scene, but he appreciates their beauty and their qualities. And the countryside was lovely.
I hope that on my next visit there are more dog friendly accommodation types available. Teddy and I will return.
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