Historical information

These plaques were once on display at the Warrnambool racecourse with the smaller one originally affixed to a seat. These plaques commemorate the winner of the Grand Annual Steeplechase in Warrnambool in 1931. The Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase was first held in June 1872. Today it is part of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival and is run over 5,500 metres with 32 fences. In 1931 Welcome Stranger's jockey was D. Wraight. The name "Welcome Stranger" is an echo of the name of the famous gold nugget found in Victoria in the 1850's.

Significance

These plaques are of interest as mementoes of the Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase one of Australia's most significant hurdle races.

Physical description

.1 Silver coloured metal plaque in a rectangular shape with four holes in each corner for attachment to a surface. There is black printing on the plaque.
.2 A rectangular shaped metal plaque with ten perforations along the longer sides. The plaque has a sketch of a jockey's cap and silks in blue and pink.

Inscriptions & markings

.1 MESSRS. M.R. McCRAE & H. BETTON
WELCOME STRANGER
.2 WINNER OF THE GRAND ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE
1931

,2 WELCOME STRANGER 1931