Alec Robinson - Australian Song

“Alec Robinson” is the traditional Australian song but the composer of the song was unknown.

The real name of the jockey was Alec Robertson, not Robinson.

The Australian newspaper, The Queenslander, 21 July 1888 published the following:

“A graceful tribute of respect (says the Sydney Mail) has been paid to the memory of the late Alec Robertson by Mr. William Cooper, to whose order a handsome monument has been erected over the last resting-place of the deceased jockey in Waverley cemetery. It consists of a marble cross, artistically wreathed with floral embellishments, and supported on a massive bluestone base.

The plinth bears the following inscription —

“In memory of Alec Robertson, aged 27, who was accidentally killed at Randwick on January 2, 1888, whilst riding Silvermine in Tattersall’s Cup. This memorial was erected by William Cooper as a mark of esteem and respect.”

The Death Of Alec Robertson is another song that talks about this accident.

A good man has gone, he has drawn his last breath,
Cut down in the midst of his prime,
Poor Alec Robinson met his sad fate,
From his own favourite horse Silvermine.

Gather round jockey boys, hang down your heads,
Sad tears will silently fall.
We’ll all shed a tear for the boy who is dear,
The best and the bravest of all.

No more in the straight for the finish he’ll wait,
No more will he come with the run,
To the front with his jacket of orange so gay,
His young life is finished and done.

And often at even a soft wind shall tell,
Sad news to sorrowing bride,
For we marked the spot well where Silvermine fell,
And the place where poor Robinson died.

Oh merciful Father, his life was so brief,
His young life had only begun.
Now he has left us in sorrow and pain,
Oh dear Lord they will be done.