MILLER'S GUIDE
Since the 1880s, the 'Sport of Kings' has had one trusted companion. Now, after 150 years, Australia's definitive racing almanac returns to settle debates and guide punters once more.
150 Years of Racing History
From J.J. Miller's original pamphlet to the modern era, Miller's Guide has been the definitive source for Australian racing
J.J. Miller's Sporting Annual
Modern design, timeless content
One of the final years
2015/16
The Final Edition
140 years of racing history
Click any cover to view larger • Authentic Miller's Guide editions from our archives
The Story of Miller's Guide
Cr. James John Miller J.P.
Founder, 1831-1922
Born at Bayswater, London, on 13th May 1831, James John Miller arrived in Victoria in 1848 at just 16 years old. After striking gold in the Castlemaine fields in the early 1850s, Miller came to Melbourne where he purchased a hotel that became the gathering place of Melbourne's sporting fraternity.
A popular bookmaker and racehorse owner with a string of thoroughbreds between 1868 and the early 1880s, Miller took over a printing firm from a relative around 1875. Under his direction, the business flourished - the imprint of J.J. Miller was found on nearly all theatrical printing in Melbourne for many years.
In 1875, Miller published the first "J.J. Miller's Racing Guide" - initially a modest 80-page pamphlet designed to aid punters betting on the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. By the early 1880s, it had evolved into an 800-page comprehensive almanac containing place getters for all Australian Group races and thousands of sporting results.
Beyond racing, Miller was a civic leader. Elected to Ferntree Gully Shire Council, he served as its first Shire President from 1889 to 1891. The Council honored his service by naming the Riding he represented "Bayswater" after his birthplace. He owned several hundred acres including much of what is now The Basin, where his home "Melrose" (later Miller's Homestead) still stands today.
Miller died at Hampton, Victoria, on 30th November 1922, aged 91, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy - not just the Guide that bore his name, but a lasting impact on Melbourne's sporting culture and civic development. To many, it was simply "Miller's Guide" - the book that settled arguments and made fortunes.
150 Years of Excellence
The Beginning
First edition published as "J.J. Miller's Racing Guide"
Founder's Passing
J.J. Miller dies aged 91, Guide continues his legacy
Mainstream Success
The Herald and Weekly Times acquires Miller's Guide
New Custodian
Dennis Huxley purchases masthead, continues tradition
End of an Era
Final print edition after 140 years
The Revival
Miller's Guide returns for the digital age
The Sportsman's Bible
The Miller's Guide has settled pub debates on racing and sport for more than a century. The 800-page book contains place getters for all Australian Group races as well as thousands of sporting results dating back to the 1880s.
This sporting annual has been associated with the 'Sport of Kings' since the early 1880s when racehorse owner, breeder and bookmaker J.J. Miller printed his first guide to aid punters betting on the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Initially called J.J. Miller's Sporting Pamphlet and later the J.J. Miller's Sporting Annual, this publication came to be known to its many readers simply as the Miller's Guide.
"From settling arguments to making fortunes, Miller's Guide has been the punter's trusted companion for 150 years"
Why We're Bringing Miller's Guide Back
As the new custodians of the Miller's Guide brand, we believe this legendary publication deserves to live on for future generations of racing enthusiasts.
Our vision combines the trusted heritage and comprehensive coverage that made Miller's Guide essential for 140 years with modern technology that today's punters expect.
The 2025 revival will feature:
- Complete digitization of historical records dating back to 1875
- AI-powered analytics and predictions based on 150 years of data
- Real-time updates and live race coverage
- Mobile app for access anywhere, anytime
- Premium print edition for collectors and traditionalists
Join us in writing the next chapter of Australia's racing bible.
Racing Heritage
150 years of Melbourne Cup history, form guides & champion bloodlines
Modern Analytics
AI-powered predictions, real-time odds & advanced performance metrics
World Records
J.J. Miller's original vision - comprehensive sports records vault
Join the Revival
Be first to access Miller's Guide when we launch in 2025
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© 2025 Miller's Guide. Continuing the legacy of J.J. Miller since 1875.