Wollomai was the winner of Melbourne Cup 1875 and bred & trained by John Cleeland of Phillip Island. Historical Framed print of sketch of racehorse, Wollomai, at various stages during the race [ Melbourne Cup ] in wooden frameThe winner, saddling paddock, the preliminary, at the post, the favourite, the race, returning to scale.john cleeland, melbourne cup, black and white type print., horses, horse racing, woolamai

John Cleeland JP of Newhaven, 1826-1914, a native of County Down, Ireland, came to Victoria in 1840 with his parents and settled at Darebin Creek. After a few years spent there he went to sea in his schooner yacht of 200 tons, the Harriet, visiting the South Sea Islands and the west coast of South America. In 1859 he took the well known Albion Hotel, Bourke-street east, Melbourne, the starting place for all Cobb and Co's lines of up-country coaches, and kept it for 22 years, marrying whilst there Miss Blake, of Mornington. Shortly before leaving the hotel he purchased 7000 acres of land at Phillip Island for breeding purposes, and there bred Wollomai, who won the Melbourne Cup in 1875. In 1881 he retired to his magnificent estate, besides which he has another 1000 acres at Bass and other properties. He also once owned racing stables at Brighton, where he had Barwon (which won the Champion race) and other valuable horses. Mr Cleeland is a member of the Phillip Island Council and is a justice of the peace for the central bailiwick. Taken from Victoria and its Metropolis: past and present, 1888. Donated by Ivy Cleeland, John Cleeland's grand-daughter.Portrait of John Cleeland of Wollomai House, Phillip Island.On front: Paris, 119 Swanston Street, Melbourne On back: John Cleeland of Wollomai House.john cleeland, ivy cleeland