5 ANZAC DAY RACE DAY The Air Force Steeple became the William Newton Steeplechase in 1988, and the name continues with the Newton Handicap. Flight Lieutenant William Newton of 22 Squadron RAAF, an accomplished sportsman, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery, repeatedly diving through intense anti-aircraft fire to bomb enemy positions on the north coast of New Guinea. When shot down on 18 March 1943, aged 23, he was captured and ceremonially beheaded. He was one of 20 Australians awarded the VC in the Second World War. Much has been written of the role of the brave Australian war horses, including thoroughbreds and former racehorses. They are never forgotten at Flemington on Anzac Day. Eight VRC committeemen held office as Chairman across the 57 years from 1935: seven had been officers in either the First or Second World War – or in the case of Sir Chester Manifold, in both. The exception, Richard Turnbull, lost both of his sons on active service. Hilton Nicholas, Sir Rupert Steele and Peter Armytage all flew with the RAF, as did Armytage’s Vice Chairman, Ian Bayles who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. General Sir Thomas Blamey was on the VRC Committee from 1947 until his death in 1951. Behind the scenes at Flemington, and rarely told, are many other stories of war service. Racing continued at this racecourse during both the First and Second World Wars, but there were officials, staff, trainers, jockeys, stablehands and their families who enlisted and served. One of the highlights of modern VRC Anzac Day race meeting is an official commemoration centred on the Mounting Yard. To this, everyone brings their own memories. It’s racing’s way of saying, “Lest we forget”.
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