The statue of legendary galloper, Patrobas, the locally owned winner of the 1915 Melbourne Cup and the first horse owned by a female to ever win the Cup, has returned to Rosedale after a recent renovation.
Patrobas, showcasing the number 19 saddle cloth and jockey in rose pink silks, has been absent for several months receiving a well-deserved make over, with locals wondering if he would ever return.
But the monument is now proudly back on display in the entrance to Prince Street Reserve and sure to again attract plenty of attention from locals and visitors to the region.
Patrobas was busy in 1915, also victorious in the Caulfield Guineas and the VRC Derby.
This feat has not been repeated since and is unlikely to be ever achieved again.
Patrobas was owned by a local lady Mrs Edith Widdis, who resided at Nambrok House, made famous in recent times by the McGauran family.
Widdis received Patrobas as a birthday present from her husband and after been beaten in a two horse race at the Rosedale racecourse, was sent to Charlie Wheeler a significant trainer in that era.
The result of this action is now in the annals of racing history, Patrobas giving jockey Bobby Lewis his fourth victory in the Australia’s most famous race.
The Patrobas statue was erected as a result of the dedication of the Rosedale Chamber of Commerce and is constructed from plate steel.
The statue was unveiled and dedicated by Mr Peter Hall MLC on November 4, 2007.
The cup won by Patrobas is on display at the Arts Centre in Sale.
