Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Murray Valley Hunt Club opening, 1957
... jumping race in Victoria, a distinction not since achieved by any other amateur. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event.
The Hunt was officially formed with a steering committee of Messrs Crawford, J T Sullivan (Chairman of the North Eastern District Racing Association), Mr Des Martin, Harold Boon and John Hamilton-Smith. ...jumping race in Victoria, a distinction not since achieved by any other amateur. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event.
The Hunt was officially formed with a steering committee of Messrs Crawford, J T Sullivan (Chairman of the North Eastern District Racing Association), Mr Des Martin, Harold Boon and John Hamilton-Smith. ...
Murray Valley Hunt Club’s formation stemmed from a conversation between Messrs Ken Crawford, then of "Nooroona", Holbrook, NSW and Des Martin of "Aherlo", Wodonga where they discussed bringing hunting to the people of the district around Wodonga and Albury in 1946.
After participating in events and activities in New South Wales with other clubs, the Murray Valley Hunt Club began Point-to-Point racing on "Aherlo" in 1957 at “Aherlo”, the property of Des Martin located on the outskirts of Wodonga in the Huon Creek Valley.
Des Martin was the only gentleman rider with permission to ride against professional jockeys within the metropolitan area in any type of jumping race in Victoria, a distinction not since achieved by any other amateur. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event.
The Hunt was officially formed with a steering committee of Messrs Crawford, J T Sullivan (Chairman of the North Eastern District Racing Association), Mr Des Martin, Harold Boon and John Hamilton-Smith. Miss Z Cox was appointed Honorary Secretary and Mr J C B Mckenzie McHarg Legal Officer.
In 1960 the Hunt Club meets moved to Wodonga Racecourse then in 1967 wet conditions called for a move to Chiltern and in 1968 they successfully applied to re-open the Old Rutherglen Racecourse in 1969.
Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.
This photograph is significant because it captures key people responsible for the founding of the Murray Valley Hunt Club.A black and white photo of key identities at the opening of the Murray Valley Hunt ClubA. McIntosh , Des Martin (Master) and Harold Boon (Whip),
at the Opening Meet of the Murray Valley Hunt Club.murray valley hunt club, des martin, harold boon
The Adam Lindsay Gordon Commemorative Committee Inc.
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc