Jane Ellen has long been regarded as one of the best standardbred mares ever produced in Tasmania and last Saturday night her efforts on the racetrack were recognised when she was inducted into the Tasmania Harness Racing Hall of Fame.
Jane Ellen ended her racing career with 30 wins and 10 minor placings from 50 starts for $374,993 in stakes from January 1988 to February 1991, which these days would equate to close to $1 million.
She had the distinction of having never been beaten in a race by another filly or mare and her feats when in the care of the late Vin Knight have been lauded by the harness racing historians.
Jane Ellen was bred in Tasmania by Karen Dornauf and she was trained by Peter Dornauf until she left the state to be prepared by the late Bob Knight at his Kilmore stables in Victoria.
Her major wins were a heat of the 1990 Inter Dominion in South Australia, the Victorian and NSW Oaks in 1989 and the following year she captured the Paleface Adios Print (NSW), Victoria Cup Consolation, Mildura Cup (Vic), Ladyship Cup (NSW) and the 19912 George Johnson in her state of birth (Tasmania).
Unfortunately Jane Ellen failed at stud with the exception of one of her three foals Golden Magic that won 15 and placed 14 times from 33 starts for John Justice in Victoria.
Other horses inducted to the Hall of Fame were Bandbox, considered one of the best of her time (1945-49) and Our Globe that won multiple heats of two Inter Dominion series' (1939-40) and he also sired 158 winners.
Peter Staples