Trainer: Stephen Moon
Jockey: Robert Batty
Silks: Grey, Gold Sleeves, Grey Cap
For the first time, in 1875 the Melbourne Cup was run on a Tuesday. The spelling of the winning horse’s name causes confusion. It derives from Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island where the horse’s owner-breeder, John Cleeland, owned property and subsequently built his ‘Woolamai House’ homestead. Cleeland had made his fortune from the Albion Hotel in Bourke Street, Melbourne, near the horse saleyards, Kirk’s Bazaar, a centre for racing enthusiasts. Wollomai raced in the ownership of ‘Mr H. Sharpe’, Cleeland’s racing name. Only months before the race, Stephen Moon took over the training of Wollomai from Billy Lang (trainer of 1870 winner, Nimblefoot). Scottish-born jockey Bob Batty, 20 at the time he won the Cup, was at the peak of his career, having won the first VRC Newmarket Handicap in 1874. Batty later turned to riding in jumps races, winning the VRC Grand National Steeplechase at Flemington, in 1881 and again in 1891.
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