Henry Redwood Explained

Henry Redwood (24 January 1823 – 9 November 1907) was a New Zealand farmer, politician and racehorse breeder.

Biography

He was born in Tixall, Staffordshire, England in 1823. He was a brother of Francis Redwood, a brother in law of Joseph Ward,^[1] and an uncle of Vernon Redwood.^{[2] [3]} He lived at Stafford Place in Appleby near Richmond. He was a member of the Nelson Provincial Council from 1863 and of the Marlborough Provincial Council from 1868. He contested the in the electorate against the incumbent, William Henry Eyes, but received just 38% of the votes and was thus unsuccessful.^{[4] [5]}

Racehorses

Henry Redwood was prominent in the thoroughbred racing industry. He was called the 'Father of the New Zealand Turf' and established a stud at Hednesford, likely the first in New Zealand. He imported the stallion, Sir Hercules, along with other bloodstock from Australia and France.

His wins included:^[6]

• On 4 March 1863 his mare, Ladybird, won the first New Zealand Champion Race against horses from Australia and New Zealand.
• the Wellington Cup twice: Korari in 1876 and Guy Fawkes in 1877.
• the Dunedin Cup with Lurline in 1874.
• the Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap (which later became the New Zealand Cup): Peeress (1871), (1873), Guy Fawkes (1876) and Mata (1877).
• the Canterbury Derby with Manuka (1869), Papapa (1873) and Songster (1876).
• the Nelson Cup with Clogs (1885), Alpine Rose (1886) and Awarua Rose (1892).
• the Marlborough Cup.

He was a steward for the Nelson Jockey Club from 1848.Henry Redwood also raced in partnership with Hugh Stafford, and later with George Stead.

His racing colours were a black jacket and red cap. These were also carried on by son, Joseph.

Henry Redwood was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2008 and he was the great great uncle of fellow member Murray Baker.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Book: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts . 1906 . Cyclopedia Company Limited . 11 April 2012 . Christchurch . Former Members Of The House Of Representatives.
2. News: The Late Mrs Charles Redwood . 29 March 2016 . . XLVI . 287 . 3 December 1912 . 3.
3. News: Vernon Charles Redwood . 29 March 2016 . . XLIV . 38 . 18 February 1910 . 8.
4. News: Marlborough . 17 October 2015 . Colonist . XIV . 1385 . 3 January 1871 . 3.
5. News: The Nelson Evening Mail . 16 October 2015 . VI . 23 . 26 February 1861 . 2.
6. Tapestry of Turf – The History of New Zealand Racing. 1988 Costello, John & Finnegan, Pat. Moa Publications, Auckland.
7. Web site: A – Z of New Zealand greats – Murray Baker. loveracing.nz.