2009 News and Information
Bronze of Minoru, Party to Mark Centenary
12 August 2009In 1909, a thoroughbred horse named Minoru, named after the son of Lord Wavertree’s Japanese master gardener, triumphed in two of England’s most famous horse races: the 2,000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby.
Later that year, in recognition of Minoru’s success, Richmond’s first thoroughbred horseracing park, a business venture of H. & T. Springer, Suckling, Lewis and Marpole, was christened Minoru Park Racetrack. Opening day, August 21, 1909, attracted 7,000 spectators, and Minoru became the centre for social life in early Richmond. One hundred years later, the horses are gone, and the oval track is for human sprinters, but Minoru Park, located along Granville Street between Minoru Boulevard and Gilbert Road, is still the cultural and athletic centre of the city.
To mark the centenary, and to celebrate the park’s namesake, a bronze, life-size statue of the racehorse will be unveiled in Minoru Park on Friday, August 21 at 1:30 p.m. The statue, created by Richmond artist, Sergei Traschenko, was commissioned by the Milan & Maureen Ilich Foundation, and has been proudly and generously donated to the City of Richmond.
This project was spearheaded four years ago by Jack Lowe and Graham Turnbull, two local representatives from the Friends of the Richmond Archives. They approached local businessman, Milan Ilich, to ask if he would assist financially with the cost of a public sculpture commemorating the historic racetrack. Ilich generously agreed to fund the entire project. Familiar with the work of local sculptor, Sergei Traschenko, Ilich’s only proviso was that Sergei be commissioned to do the work. “Sergei did a tremendous amount of work in design, and learned all there was to know about “Minoru” the horse and “Minoru” the park,” says Ilich.
In conjunction with the commemorative unveiling ceremony, a free, old-fashioned “Off To The Races” themed garden party, complete with big hats, fine dresses, and big band music, will be offered by Richmond Senior Services and community partners.
This event is organized by the Richmond Museum Society, Friends of the Richmond Archives, Minoru Seniors Society, and the City of Richmond Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.
For further details about the unveiling, please call 604-247-8333.
