Canberra Celebrates Beau Zam, Bonecrusher And The Queen

Thirty years ago today (Tuesday) Canberra was graced by royalty and witnessed an extraordinary racing occasion.

Queen Elizabeth II was track side in the capital to attend the one-off running of the Queen Elizabeth II Bicentennial Stakes and to open a new grandstand named in her honour.

The Queen was principally in Australia for the bicentennial celebrations and to open new Parliament House.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke was instrumental in organising the race meeting in her honour and accompanied the Queen.

Some 16,000 people crowded the course to see Beau Zam — trained by Bart Cummings — just prevail over New Zealander Bonecrusher, with Dandy Andy third.

Racing journalist Barry Lichter recalls it was a real Australia versus New Zealand occasion, with a sea of red — “Crush ‘Em Crusher” — and green — Beau Zam — badges, displayed proudly by the supporters of each horse.

Bone Crusher had a special police escort to the track and fell short by a half length in defeating the Australian champion. Blood tests later revealed the New Zealander was nowhere near his best.

Hawke later described the race as one of the “great fights of the decade”.