George Main (horse racing)
George Main | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Ardrossan, Scotland |
| Died | August 31, 1948 (aged 69) |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, horse breeder |
| Known for | Chairman of the Australian Jockey Club (1937–1945) |
George Main (9 July 1879 – 31 August 1948) was an Australian pastoralist and horse breeder who served as chairman of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) from 1937 until 1945.
History
Born in Ardrossan, Scotland, George Main was the eldest son of Hugh Main (c. 1831 – 1885) from Saltcoats, Ayrshire. He received his education at Troubridge School, where he participated in the cadet corps and took part in shooting competitions at Bisley.
In 1884, George and his brother Hugh relocated to South Australia, settling at "Lisnamorra" in Medindie, South Australia. Both brothers pursued studies at Roseworthy Agricultural College.
George enlisted in the Bushmen's Contingent during the Boer War in 1900 and later joined the 7th Contingent in 1902, living then at Victor Harbor.
Their father owned several rental properties in North Adelaide and a city block at the intersection of Hurtle Square and Hanson Street. These holdings were auctioned in 1908 as the brothers moved to Illabo, New South Wales.
Around 1906, George and Hugh established the pastoral station "Retreat" near East Illabo or Bethungra, New South Wales, situated southwest of Cootamundra. During World War I, Hugh served overseas in France while George managed the property. After the war, Hugh’s share became known as "Retreat East".
George Main gained recognition as a prominent horse breeder and studmaster. Among his notable stallions was Featherstitch (1905–1923), originally imported by James N. Hart and acquired by Main in 1909; Featherstitch won the 1909 Tattersall's Stakes at Randwick and sired numerous successful horses. Main also bred Limelight but experienced limited success on the racetrack with his own horses.
On 3 March 1908, he married Mary "Polly" Weston from Kadlinga Station at Mintaro, South Australia. They made their home at "Retreat". Their family included Jean Main, who wed RAAF ace Clive Caldwell in 1940.
Main became a member of the AJC in 1911 and was appointed to its committee in 1921. He acted as temporary Chairman during Sir Colin Stephen’s illness before serving as Chairman himself from September 1937 until November 1945, when he was succeeded by A. G. Potter.
He passed away at "Retreat" on 31 August 1948 and was interred at the Cootamundra Cemetery. Survived by his wife Mary; sons George and Hugh; daughters Molly, Agnes "Toots", and Jean Caldwell, his estate was valued at £32,036 for probate.
Further reading
- Terry Cowled & Graham Levett (2018), History of Bethungra: Community and Place
- Edith Pratt, Helen Hamilton, Illabo Public School Centenary Committee (1984), A History of the Illabo District to commemorate the centenary of Illabo Public School, 1884–1984