Community
27 March, 2026
Honouring Australia’s greatest steeplechaser
A BOOK celebrating the life of Sir Chester Manifold and steeplechase horse Crisp was launched last Saturday, with a strong crowd gathering to learn more about the pair.
Author Dr Andrew Lemon spoke to a crowd of 90 people about his book ‘Crisp and Sir Chester: The Story of Australia’s Greatest Steeplechaser’, presenting a number of images as well as videos of races.
Camperdown and District Historical Society secretary Maree Belyea said the historical society was pleased with the turnout.
“It was wonderful to see it so supported,” she said.
“Everyone who was there seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.
“The author, Andrew Lemon, did a wonderful presentation through including videos of some of the races.
“We were thrilled with the response from not only the people who came along, but also Andrew Lemon and the publishers who had come down with the books from Sydney.
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“They were thrilled with the venue, the setup and the way the day ran. It was a very successful event.”
The launch was opened by society president Lyle Tune before vice president Bob Lambell took the lectern and spoke about the author and the process behind the book.
Dr Lemon then presented, sharing a number of stories as well as thanking those who helped to bring the book together.
He also read passages from other relevant material, including his essay ‘A Steeplechase Mind’ and Graham McInnes’ ‘The Road to Gundagai’.
An afternoon tea was put on following the event, with copies of the book available for purchase.
“We just provided a very basic afternoon tea afterwards, but a lot of people didn’t really worry about that – they were keen to get in, talk to the author and publishers, pick up their books and chat with others,” Mrs Belyea said.
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