Lucy Moody’s family’s winery is named after a horse called Somerled which won the Oakbank Von Doussa Steplechase and was ridden by her great grandfather. Picture: DAVE CRONIN
Source: News Corp Australia
WHEN Lucy Moody settles down on her picnic rug at Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival this weekend, she’ll toast her great-grandfather Stephen Bowd.
The Moody family has a connection to the world-famous event that dates back more than a century.
In 1908 Miss Moody’s great-grandfather, Stephen Bowd, rode a horse called Somerled, which won the prestigious Von Doussa Steeplechase.
Years later the family decided to open up their own winery and named it Somerled in honour of the winning horse.
When Miss Moody and her winemaker parents Rob and Heather raise a glass to the races this Saturday and Monday, it will contain their own wine.
“It’s a very special Oakbank for us this year,” said Miss Moody, 39, from Hahndorf.
“We’ve been going for years but always loved the idea of having Somerled wines poured there but never thought we’d be able to.”
All eyes are on Adelaide Hills producers this year — Somerled, Sidewood and Golding Wines are among the line-up of major sponsors.
Their wines will be available at food and wine precinct, The Paddock, along with food for picnics.
Miss Moody likes to think her late great grandfather, who died in Belgium during WWI, will be there in spirit.
“Funnily enough, my Dad never met him,” she said.
“His own daughter never met him because his wife was pregnant with Nana when he went off to fight in WW1.”
By all reports, Mr Bowd, a horseman at a station in the South East, was quite the character.
“From what we know he was friendly, well liked and a bit of a lad,” Miss Moody said.
“We think he would have approved of this cellar door in Hahndorf being named after his horse.”
There might even be some romance in the air.
“My parents had their first date at Oakbank back in the 1960s,” she said.
“Nana even made some cream puffs for Dad to take.”
Somerled winemakers raise a glass to the past at Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival
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