MAIN, George
| Service Number: | 992 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 6 January 1902, delaide |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse |
| Born: | Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Scotland, 9 July 1879 |
| Home Town: | Victor Harbor, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Roseworthy Agricultural College, South Australia, Australia |
| Occupation: | Station Hand |
| Died: | Natural causes, East Illabo, New South Wales, Australia, 31 August 1948, aged 69 years |
| Cemetery: |
Cootamundra General Cemetery Presbyterian. Row B, Plot 14 |
| Memorials: |
Boer War Service
| 1 Oct 1899: | Involvement Private, 992, 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Jan 1902: | Enlisted Australian and Colonial Military Forces - Boer War Contingents, Private, 992, 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, delaide | |
| 20 Feb 1902: | Embarked Australian and Colonial Military Forces - Boer War Contingents, Private, 992, 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, SS Manchester Merchant, Port Adelaide - disembarking Durban 14 March 1902. | |
| 14 Aug 1902: | Discharged Australian and Colonial Military Forces - Boer War Contingents, Private, 992, 2nd Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Michael Silver
Born in Scotland in 1879, George Main was an Australian pastoralist and horse breeder, and chairman of the Australian Jockey Club (AJC)(later Australian Turf Club) from 1937 to 1945.
He came to Australia in 1884 with his parents, sisters Mary and Agnes and their infant brother Hugh. Their father, also Hugh Main, died at Medindie, South Australia the following year. Raised by their mother Mary Fullarton Sim [1845-1920] the two boys were later educated at Roseworthy Agricultural College.
George Main enlisted with the 2nd Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse in January 1902 to fight in the Boer War, at which time he was resident with his mother at Victor Harbor, South Australia. He left for South Africa with the 7th Contingent on 20 February 1903.
After seeing action around Newcastle and Botha's Post the battalion was part of the last great drive of the war in operations from Klerksdorp to Devondale Siding.
In association with his brother, Hugh, he had established the pastoral property "Retreat" at East Illabo (Bethungra) south west of Cootamundra, around 1906. He married Mary "Polly" Weston of Kadlinga Station at Mintaro, South Australia on 3 March 1908.
Hugh Main enlisted with the 1st AIF and served in France during WWI before returning to the property in 1919. He was later elected to the NSW parlaiment.
George Main became a member of the AJC in 1911 and was elected to the committee in September 1921. He was appointed Chairman on 16 September 1937, resigning in November 1945.
The George Main Stakes held at Randwick racecourse over 8 furlongs or 1600 metres at weight for age was named in his honour and inaugurated in 1945. In 2023 the race was renamed the King Charles III Stakes.
George Main died at "Retreat" on 31 August 1948 survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.
References:
https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/general-news/snippets/facts/george-main-stakes-history-and-past-winners/163017
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Main_(horse_racing)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Charles_III_Stakes_(Australia)
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