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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Australian racing legends and best friends

Australian Love Stories online
 

Tommy Woodcock devoted his life to horses, and his unique connection and friendship with flighty racing thoroughbreds generated racecourse success and celebrity status.

Tommy Woodcock and Reckless
Tommy Woodcock and Reckless, 1977 (printed 2010) Bruce Postle. © Bruce Postle

Tommy Woodcock remains one of Australia’s most beloved horsemen, rising to fame as strapper of the legendary Phar Lap. In 1930 he protected ‘Big Red’ during an attempted shooting, and when the mighty horse died two years later in California – the victim of a suspected mob poisoning – it was in the arms of a heartbroken Woodcock. Through his career as a jockey, strapper and trainer, Tommy worked with many horses, including Reckless, whose distinguished career included wins in the Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide Cups of 1977. Photographer Bruce Postle remarked of the famous moment captured in this portrait: ‘Without a word of a lie, he looked at Reckless and Reckless looked at him, and this big stallion dropped down and put his head on his chest.’

That’s one to get your heart started! You are 9 stories away from seeing your love score...

Choose your next love story

John Newcombe and family
John Newcombe and family
John Newcombe and family
John Newcombe and family

The perfect match

Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol
Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol
Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol
Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol

Brothers in harms

Lillie Langtry
Lillie Langtry
Lillie Langtry
Lillie Langtry

Royal romps: illicit liaisons

Kath & Kim, c. 2011 (printed 2020) John Tsiavis
Kath & Kim, c. 2011 (printed 2020) John Tsiavis
Kath & Kim, c. 2011 (printed 2020) John Tsiavis
Kath & Kim, c. 2011 (printed 2020) John Tsiavis

Foxy ladies’ fame, friendship

Lan Wang
Lan Wang
Lan Wang
Lan Wang

Exile burnishes love’s bond

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

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