Horses, Poetry, and Scandal in Petunia’s Promise

Respected historian Geoffrey Blainey once said, “Perhaps no country in the world worshipped the horse with the same fierce veneration as Australia in the nineteenth century.” As I wrote Petunia’s Promise, I was captivated by this unique Australian devotion to racing—especially through the eyes of Petunia, the sister who loved horses most of all.

A Real-Life Scandal Inspires Fiction

One of the most thrilling plotlines in Petunia’s Promise draws from a fascinating real-life tale: the Peeress scandal in New Zealand, the first of its kind in the country’s racing history. The “Peeress scandal” involved withdrawing a favourite horse close to race day, despite heavy betting—a ruse mirrored in the book’s race-fixing subplot.

The story is recounted by Miriam Macgregor Redwood, granddaughter of Henry Redwood, in Proud Silk: A New Zealand Racing History (1979). The historical drama of horses, owners, and wagers gave me a rich foundation to weave intrigue and suspense into Petunia’s own racing adventures.

Strop: A Horse Immortalized in Poetry

Central to the story is Strop, a New Zealand-bred horse who ran second in the 1868 Melbourne Cup. In Petunia’s Promise, Strop is celebrated in Adam Lindsay Gordon’s poem Hippodromania; or, Whiffs from the Pipe in the Melbourne Cup, which plays a prominent role in the narrative. The poem’s verses echo throughout the plot, linking racing, literature, and the characters’ personal stakes.

By bringing Strop and Gordon’s poetry into the story, readers experience the exhilaration of the race, the drama of high society gambling, and the elegance of verse all at once—capturing the spirit of the 1860s racing world.

Trans-Tasman Racing Connections

During the period, close links existed between Australian and New Zealand racing circles. Horses, breeding stock, and trainers crossed the Tasman frequently, creating a lively exchange of talent and competition. Petunia’s adventures unfold against this vibrant backdrop, blending historical accuracy with fiction, and adding depth to the challenges she faces both on and off the track.

A Story for Horse Lovers and Literary Fans

From the thrill of the Melbourne Cup to the rhythmic lines of Gordon’s poetry, Petunia’s Promise celebrates the enduring bond between horses, humans, and storytelling. Readers will find themselves swept up in the races, the poetry, and the intrigue, all while exploring Petunia’s courage and wit as she navigates love, family secrets, and society’s expectations.

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Step into Petunia Barclay’s world, where poetry, horse racing, and mystery collide. Petunia’s Promise is available now.

Did You Know?

1. Hednesford, the Redwood home (now known as Stafford Place, at 61 Redwood Road, Appleby, Nelson) still stands. Built in 1866, it reflects the Carpenter Gothic style and the Redwoods’ high social status.
2. Eat out at the Stables Tavern and Restaurant in Richmond, Nelson and you’ll see bricks and heritage listed floor from the Redwood Stables, built alongside Henry Redwood’s house made with bricks from their own kiln. 

3. Melbourne Cup Legacy: There have been 41 Kiwi-bred Melbourne Cup winners, including legends Carbine and Phar Lap.