Still the best 70 years later!

AUSTRALIA’S second eldest Oaks will mark its 70th year next week.

Launched in 1956, the New South Wales Oaks is scheduled to be contested at Club Menangle on May 2, with heats of the Group One to be run at the world class venue on Saturday night.

A host of outstanding fillies have captured the Blue Riband, such as Richmond Lass, Bonnie Frost, Provocative, Jane Ellen, Under Cover Love and Our Dream About Me to name just a handful.

Yet seven decades after winning the inaugural edition, Argent is still widely-regarded as the greatest filly on the honour roll.

By inaugural A G Hunter Cup winner Silver Peak from handy producer Scottish Maiden, Argent was foaled in 1952.

Trained by Jack McKay, Argent was unbeaten from four two-year-old starts, with her wins including the Victoria Breeders’ Plate and Saplings Stake.

It was the following year that Argent achieved immortality in what was a vintage season for three-year-olds.

Argent’s 10 wins for the term not only include the New South Wales Oaks, but also the Victoria Oaks and the Derbys from both states – she remains the only filly to achieve such a remarkable feat!

A 1/5 favourite in the 1000 pound NSW Oaks, Argent led throughout the 12-furlong (2400 metres) trip to beat Highland Jan and Lily Craig.

With Bill McKay in the cart, Argent rated a record 2:10.2 at Club Menangle’s former home, Harold Park.

Argent also won the New South Wales and Victoria heats ahead of the classics, along with three races against open age company at the Ascot Vale Showgrounds – including her first start for the season!

Amazingly on January 6, 1956 – just five months into her three-year-old year and first-up from a spell – Argent beat her older rivals as the 4/5 favourite.

Leading throughout, the filly accounted for Summer Van and Pay Load, which went on to win the A G Hunter Cup, in 2:09.2 over 11 furlongs.

On the same card, Cheyenne captured the fast class event in 2:11.8 over a similar distance.

Argent raced her way into open company as a four-year-old before being retired to stud.

Sadly, she only produced four foals – all winners – before being found dead one morning, with her best progeny being Gyro, which was plagued by injuries throughout his career.

Limited to just 48 starts, which netted 19 wins and 14 placings, Gyro joined his mum on the Victoria Sapling Stake honour roll in 1963 before emulating her New South Wales Derby triumph in 1964.