James “Jimmy” Munting is one of the truly unsung heroes of Tasmania’s thoroughbred racing industry.
Born in 1855 into a farming family he was quick to find his niche with horses and it was his love of the equine species that led him to find his way to Calstock, which was regarded as the most successful thoroughbred stud in Australia of its time.
He spent 41 years working for Calstock and remained domiciled on the property until his death in 1942.
Jimmy rode with success throughout Tasmania in the late 1800s scoring multiple wins aboard The Rake on the flat and over hurdles.
He won four races in succession aboard The Rake in the space of six days winning twice on New Year Day in 1880 at Deloraine winning firstly over 2400 metres and over 1200 metres later that day.
In 1887 he rode winners at Flemington in consecutive meetings aboard Pearson and he partnered Thomas to victory in Adelaide the following month on Adelaide Cup day.
Jimmy also was regarded as an astute trainer with a keen eye for a horse.
His horse husbandry and training skills are demonstrated by his ability to train both sprinters and stayers with success coming in both flat and hurdle racing.
His involvement spanned over 70 years, during which time he not only rode and trained but he also was a mentor, advisor, guide and friend to many.
His obituary published in The Advocate Newspaper in 1942 described Jimmy Munting as Tasmanian turf’s best known and most colorful characters.
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