Malua

Malua is a small village on the Samoan island of Upolu. The name originates from the Samoan word "Maluapapa" which is translated 'shelter under the rock'. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island in the electoral constituency (faipule district) of Sagaga Le Falefa which forms part of the larger political district Tuamasaga. The village is part of the electoral constituency (Faipule District) Gaga'emauga III which forms part of the larger political district of Gaga'emauga.

The population of Malua is 394 (2006 Census).

Malua is the centre for the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa and also the site of the famous Malua Theological College which was the second theological college to be established in the South Pacific in 1844, the first being Takamoa Theological College in Cook Islands. Founded by the London Missionary Society, Malua quickly became the centre for training pastors and missionaries in the Pacific. Today Malua is where all activities for the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa are centred, especially its General Assembly held annually in May.

Malua (horse)

Malua was the most versatile Australian Thoroughbred racehorse in history. Malua won over distances ranging from 5 ¹⁄₂ furlongs to 3 ¹⁄₄ miles (1,100 – 5,200 metres).

Breeding

He was a son of St. Albans (GB) from Edella by Peter Wilkins (GB). Malua was bred by John Field of "Calstock" in Deloraine, Tasmania, and as a yearling was sold to Thomas Reibey the former Premier of Tasmania.

Racing record

As a two-year-old the colt raced in Tasmania, where his name was Bagot. He won on three different tracks, but was then sold on the mainland for 500 guineas to J.O. Inglis, who changed the colt's name to Malua.

In 1884, Malua won the Newmarket Handicap (6 furlongs or 1,200 metres) and Oakleigh Plate (6 furlongs or 1,200 metres) carrying 9 st 7 lb (60 kg; 133 lb). Malua's jockey set a precedent when he took him to the outside (grandstand side) rail to win the Newmarket, a tactic not used before. The term "Malua's track" was coined to name that portion of the Flemington Racecourse.

After a trip to Sydney, where he won the Spring Stakes, Malua returned to Melbourne for the 1884 Caulfield Cup, in which he carried 9 st 12 lb (63 kg; 138 lb). He was not placed but finished strongly and convinced his connections to run him in the Melbourne Cup. He won the Melbourne Stakes and became favourite for the big race. Carrying 9 st 9 lb (61 kg; 135 lb), Malua fought out the finish with Commotion (9 st 12 lb) to win by half a length. Two days later he won the six-furlong weight-for-age Flying Stakes on Oaks Day.