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Realm, who figures in a number of NZ pedigrees today, was bred by Mr T W McMahon, of Kurrajong, NSW, in the memorable year of 1914; Realm was a great performer both in NSW and NZ, but rather a disappointment as a sire. An odd winner by him occasionally crops up in NSW and Victoria. In NZ he was represented by Shadowland, winner of the NZ Derby (1926); Regime, and Royal Serene. The latter had records of 2.12 1/5 and 4.36 1/5. In addition to winning the Derby in 3.27 2/5, Shadowland was successful over two miles.
One of Realm's greatest performances was in 1924, when from a flying start in a Free-For-All he paced the mile in 2.03 4/5, being beaten a length by Acron. A couple of days prior to his sensational mile, Realm, off 72yds had run fourth to Sheik (36yds), Great Hope (24yds), and Taraire (48yds) in the 1924 NZ Cup. Of these four Realm's time of 4.24 3/5 was the fastest.
During August, 1922, soon after he reached NZ, Realm won twice in 4.32 4/5 and 4.26 4/5. He was also successfully placed in other races of varying distances, including a win over 10 furlongs in 2.44. On December 5, 1925, Realm ran second off 72yds to Great Bingen (108yds) in 4.29 1/5. Great Bingen's time was 4.25 4/5 and three lengths separated them.
In NSW he was also a good winner, and put up a winning record of 2.13 in a mile race at Victoria Park in 1922. Hoplessly left, he was credited with running the last half in under a minute. Driven by P Riddle, Realm, then raced by Mr J Barrett, won a division at Harold Park (then Epping) in 2.37 1/2, equal to a mile rate of 2.20. Subsequently he won at Victoria Park in 3.35, 3.31 and 2.53, but probably his best long-distance performance in Australia was his second to Box Seat at Victoria Park in 1922. The latter was on 140yds and Realm on 90yds, and the verdict was a yard. Box Seat averaged 2.13 1/2 for two miles and Realm better than 2.16.
In his racing career Realm was credited with winning over £4500 in stakes. Though his full-brother, Childe Wood, was a great success as a sire, Realm, a mighty racehorse, was a comparative failure.
Credit: 'Old Timer' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 24May50 |