Elephant race down Murray street
| Type of thing | Elephant race |
| Date made or found | {{#set:Date approximate={{{Date approximate}}}}}1964
|
UPSET WIN IN "JUMBO DERBY"
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Bunyip front page Thursday, Feb. 27, 1964
Some 3,000 spectators vied for vantage points along Murray street last Saturday at noon as five lively elephants and their five perturbed riders competed in the Jumbo Derby. Contrary to predictions, Big Beaut, ridden by Mr. Ken Barnet, editor of "The Bunyip," gained an early lead over the favourite, Tiny Tim, ridden by the Mayor, Mr. E. C. Goodger, and won the race by a "trunk." Third was Lightfoot' (Robert Macalister), fourth Trunkline (Mr. J. L. Curnow) and fifth Ballerina (Brian Thom). The line of spectators along the "course" was three or four deep in some parts, a big percentage of the crowd concentrating at the starting point near the intersection of Calton road and Murray street.
It was originally planned that the local Scouts would sell programs to raise money for their funds, but Bullen's Circus, which provided the elephants, was unable to supply programs, and the Scouts' constitution forbids them to ask for donations. Mr. Stafford Bullen apologised for the oversight and donated 10 pounds to the Scout Group. It was the first time the circus had been without programs, he said.
A number of senior citizens of Gawler said the race reminded them of "the good old days", when Murray street was frequently packed for public functions, as it was last Saturday.
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