AMOUNIS

When we talk about the greatest horses of the Australian Turf, one name that is often forgotten is that of Amounis. He raced at a time of some of the greatest champions in our history including Windbag, Spearfelt, Valicare, Mollison and the immortal Phar Lap. Not only did he compete against these greats, but he beat them all, including the mighty Phar Lap at the peak of his powers. Amounis also beat Gloaming’s Australian record for stakes money until his record was surpassed by Phar Lap. Amounis had a great record of carrying weight but was kept away from a lot of the handicap races because of the impost he would have been given. Trainer Frank McGrath never attempted a Melbourne Cup with the wonderful stayer despite saying that he would have won the 1929 Cup won by Nightmarch. McGrath described Amounis as one of the greatest all-rounders to race in Australia. His wife declared Amounis to be one of the kindliest, most lovable animals you could ever wish to have around the house. Amounis was famous for his paralysing burst at the end of his races. McGrath described him as being like Eurythmic in that regard, although many years later it was Bernborough who became famous for his withering finishes. But we are getting well ahead of our story.

Amounis had been bred by Percy Miller and was one of the first progeny