Just to have a horse race in one of those feature races is a major achievement for a Bendigo trainer.

That's what makes the story of the "Bendigo Bulldog" Sailor's Guide even more remarkable.

In the 1950s, the George Daniel-trained Sailor's Guide won all four of those feature races and plenty more in a decorated career that took the horse to the international stage where he triumphed in the United States and Canada.

When he won the Washington International - now known as the Breeders Cup Turf - Sailor's Guide joined Phar Lap as the only Australian horse to win in the United States.

Small in stature, Sailor's Guide's fighting qualities made him a darling of racing crowds around Australia.

More than 60 years later, Sailor's Guide has earned induction to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Daniel's grandson Morrie Hesse said the family was elated that Sailor's Guide's brilliant career had been recognised.

"It's a great honour for the family and for Bendigo as well,'' Hesse said.

"To be in the Hall of Fame alongside the champions of Australian turf like Tulloch is wonderful and richly deserved."

If it wasn't for Tulloch, Sailor's Guide's career would have been even more remarkable. The champion gallopers went head-to-head several times over their careers.

In Australia, Daniel prepared Sailor's Guide for 18 wins and 21 placings from 58 starts.

On top of his VRC Derby, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Mackinnon Stakes and Sydney Cup triumphs, his feature wins included the Craiglee Stakes, Blamey Stakes, VRC ST Leger, AJC ST Leger and the Sandown Classic. He also ran third in the Cox Plate as a three-year-old and an unlucky third behind Tulloch in the 1957 Caulfield Cup.

Arguably Sailor's Guide career-highlight came the following year in 1958.

After a winter campaign in Brisbane, Sailor's Guide spent 21 days on a ship in transport to the United States.

The horse was transferred to the care of American trainer J. Bowes Bond, however on arrival Sailor's Guide fell ill.

It was feared he would miss the Washington International, which was a 2400m weight-for-age race featuring horses from America, Russia, Ireland, Germany, Argentina and Venezuela.

After being declared fit for the race, Sailor's Guide actually finished second past the post behind American galloper Tudor Era.

However, jockey Howard Grant lodged a protest for several alleged instances of interference throughout the run.

The stewards upheld the protest and Sailor's Guide was awarded the race and first prize of $70,000.

Behind Sailor's Guide that day was the champion galloper Ballymoss, who went on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and was named the European Horse of the Year.

Sailor's Guide had 12 starts in North America for five wins and four seconds.

When his racing career concluded, Sailor's Guide had an overall record of 72 starts for 23 wins and 25 placings.

At the time he rose from relative obscurity in Bendigo to become the highest stake winning thoroughbred foaled in Australia.

"He won more than 220,000 pounds in those days, but you could multiply that by at least 10 in comparison to what the races are worth these days,'' Hesse said.

"His achievement to win Group One races across Australia was quite remarkable... and he was held in such high esteem.

"For Bendigo to have a horse in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame for our families sake is a great honour."

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Memorabilia from Sailor's Guide stunning career will be displayed at the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG.

Sailor's Guide's induction to the Australian Racing Hall of Fame will be made official at a gala function in Adelaide on May 14.

Sailor's Guide will be inducted alongside three other champion gallopers - Red Anchor, Tie The Knot and Beau Vite.

Jockeys Darby McCarthy and Bill McLachlan and trainers Les Bridge and Guy Walter will also be inducted.

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