The Tasmanian Malua raced from 1884 to 1889 and could sprint or stay over extreme distances

Malua could be considered arguably the most versatile Australian thoroughbred racehorse in history. Malua won over distances ranging from 5 and a half furlongs to 3 and a quarter miles (1100 metres to 5200 metres). While this equine athlete is widely regarded as one of the most adaptable Australian racehorses in history, it is crucial to acknowledge that the thoroughbred population in 1879 was considerably smaller than it is today. Consequently, horses were routinely entered in races of varying distances, a practice that would be considered unconventional in the contemporary era of specialised distance classifications. He was a son of St. Albans (GB) from Edella by Peter (GB) and bred by John Field of "Calstock" in Deloraine, Tasmania. As a yearling was sold to Thomas Reibey, the former Premier of Tasmania.

As a two-year-old the colt raced in Tasmania, where his name was Bagot. He won on three different tracks, but was then sold on the mainland for 500 guineas to J.O. Inglis, who changed the colt's name to Malua. The horse made five starts as a three-year-old, winning just once in an eight furlong race at Flemington, the VRC Yan Yean Stakes. In 1884, Malua won the 6 furlongs Newmarket Handicap and Oakleigh Plate (1200m) carrying 9 st 7 lb (60 kg). Malua's jockey set a precedent when he took him to the outside (grandstand side) rail to win the Newmarket, a tactic not used before. The term "Malua's track" was coined to name that portion of Flemington Racecourse.

After a trip to Sydney, where he won the Spring Stakes, Malua returned to Melbourne for the 1884 Caulfield Cup, in which he carried 9 st 12 lb (63 kg). He was not placed but finished strongly and convinced his connections to run him in the Melbourne Cup. He won the Melbourne Stakes and became favourite for the big race. Carrying 9 st 9 lb (61 kg), Malua fought out the finish with Commotion (9 st 12 lb) to win the Melbourne Cup by half a length. Two days later he won the six-furlong weight-for-age Flying Stakes on Oaks Day. For over a century, journalists around Australia have compared contemporary champions to the 1884 Melbourne Cup winner, although it is difficult to estimate the similarities, characteristics or qualities.

Malua had a marvellous constitution and in 1886 carried 9st 9 lb to win the Australian Cup. In 1888 he was switched to jumping, (not so unusual in those days), and he won the VRC Grand National Hurdle, ridden by his owner, J.O.Inglis. Malua continued racing combining it with his stud career until 1889. His last win came in the Geelong Cup in February, 1889, soon after which he was retired to stud where he had a successful career. He sired the winner of the 1891 Melbourne Cup, Malvolio. Another successful progeny was Mora, winner of the Melbourne Stakes, the Adelaide Cup, and the October Stakes. Another offspring, Ingliston, took out the 1900 Caulfield Cup. Malua died in September of 1896

This was an extraordinary horse that was able to carry heavy weights and defeat the best racehorses in top sprint and staying races during the formative days of Australian racing.

RACE RECORD - 47: 12-10-3
EARNINGS - £7,264

Adelaide Cup (1884)
Newmarket Handicap (1884)
Oakleigh Plate (1884)
Melbourne Cup (1884)
AJC Spring Stakes (1884)
VRC Melbourne Stakes (1884)
Australian Cup (1886)
Geelong Cup (1889)
Grand National Hurdle (1889)