IN a short, but spectacular, career on Victorian racetracks, Always There was unbeaten at Sandown and will be remembered there on Sunday.
During a two-year-old campaign and a three-year-old season that only took in the spring of 1968, Always There recorded eight wins and four of those were at Sandown.
It is fitting that he will be recognised with the running of the $25,000 Always There Handicap (1600m) at Sandown on Sunday.
Always There was owned by the famed big betting Felipe Ysmael and trained by Charlie Waymouth.
As a two-year-old, he won five times with three of those at Sandown.
He won the Rawdon Stakes (1000m) on November 18, 1967, the Chadstone Handicap (1200m) on April 20, 1968 and the Springvale Handicap (1400m) on June 15, 1968.
As a three-year-old, Always There only raced five times for three wins. His two defeats were in open company, the second of those being the 1968 Caulfield Cup.
His wins, however, were all classic three-year-old events.
He won the Moonee Valley Stakes (1600m) before running 14th to Bunratty Castle in the Caulfield Cup and then won the Victoria Derby (2400m).
At his final appearance on a Victorian racetrack, Always There defeated Double Steel and Storm Ruler in the Sandown Guineas (2100m).
In all three wins the three-year-old was ridden by the golden boy of Victorian racing, Geoff Lane, who went on to become a leading rider in Hong Kong and subsequent official and trainer in the former British colony.
Double Steel and Storm Ruler had outstanding racing careers in their own right.
Sandown racecourse is the perfect place for the entire family to enjoy a day at the races.
Whether it is a family picnic or lunch in one of the excellent food outlets, amenities for members and public alike are superb.
Sandown is not just recognised for the finest racing surface in the nation but also for its fantastic facilities.
It is the major sporting venue in the south-eastern suburbs and provides a complete entertainment package with quality horse racing and ample family entertainment.
Entertainment on Sunday will include a modelling competition, a betting promotion with the chance to win betting vouchers to the value of $2000, and free pony rides.
Even with all the great facilities and entertainment available at Sandown, the feature of the day remains the thoroughbreds and some outstanding racing is guaranteed.
Course admission is just $7 for adults, $4 concession and children U17 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.