Ingham family’s contribution to poultry, horseracing and medical research

THE Ingham family’s contribution to the chicken, horse racing and medical research industries in Sydney’s south west all started 99 years ago with 42 acres of land, a rooster and six hens.

Bob and Jack Ingham with former PM Bob Hawke at Rosehill races in 1989.

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THE Ingham family’s contribution to the chicken, horse racing and medical research industries started with 42 acres of land, a rooster and six hens.

Inghams Enterprises grew from its inception in 1918 by Walter Ingham, the father of Bob and the late Jack Ingham.

After their father’s death in the 1950s they continued to grow the poultry operation with up to 9000 employees.

The family sold the business in 2013 but not before turning their passion for horse racing into the largest Australian-owned thoroughbred stud.

Bob and Jack Ingham in the 1960s.

Jack and Bob with their mum Dorothy.

They sold the bloodstock operation in 2008 in the biggest deal ever recorded in the history of thoroughbred racing and breeding.

Bob’s vision for an independent non-profit medical research organisation came true in 2012 with Liverpool’s Ingham Institute.

The family’s anecdotes, achievements and history is now at Liverpool Regional Museum.

The exhibition will be on display for the next 12 months and includes one of Octagonal’s saddles and plenty of jersey silks and photos and stories from their time in poultry, including the Chick Chat newsletter the brothers created.

Chick Chat, a newsletter put together by Bob and Jack Ingham during their time at Inghams Enterprises.

A snippet from Chick Chat. It’s on display at the Liverpool Regional Museum.

Bob’s son John Ingham spoke at the exhibition unveiling last week.

He reflected on how much the area had changed over the years.

“When I was younger, Liverpool was at the edge of Sydney ... the Hume Highway had dirt either side of it and where we’re standing now was part of the golf course,” he said.

“They couldn’t get workers out here so Dad and Jack would house them and feed 40 workers, seven days a week.

“They treated the workers like family, even as they grew, they always kept that feeling.”

Bob and Jack Ingham after winning the Golden Slipper Race at Rosehill.

Bob Ingham's children from left, Robby Ingham, Lynn Ingham, John Ingham and Debbie Kepitis. Picture: Brianne Makin

Liverpool Council mayor Wendy Waller said the family had played a huge role in contributing to the historical and present Liverpool.

THE CHICKEN KINGS

● Walter Ingham started Ingham Enterprises in 1918

● His two sons Bob and the late Jack took over in the 1950s when he died and grew the business. They expanded into horse racing

● The family’s history is part of an exhibition at Liverpool Regional Museum

● Details: 9602 0315