Important donation to the John Oxley Library by the Brisbane Racing Club

The Board of the Brisbane Racing Club recently donated to the John Oxley Library the magnificent silver Corinthian Cup, one of Queensland's most important and historic sporting trophies.

The cup was the prize for the Corinthian Handicap, a feature race for gentleman riders which was run at the first race meeting of the Queensland Turf Club at Eagle Farm Racecourse in August 1865. It was presented by the Hon. John Bramston (Leader of the Queensland Legislative Council) to his friend Robert George Wyndham Herbert, first Premier of Queensland, whose grey gelding "Grasshopper" won the event.

The cup is a splendid complement to other items in the John Oxley Library associated with Herbert, including a selection of his personal correspondence and the grand ceremonial robes which he wore following his appointment in 1893 as Chancellor of the Royal Order of St Michael and St George. It also is a testimony to the generosity of the Brisbane Racing Club and their commitment to preserving Queensland's rich racing history.