Carbine was born at Sylvia Park Stud on 18.9.1885, sired by Musket out of imported mare, Mersey. Carbine, nicknamed 'Jack' had an impressive track record in New Zealand and Australia including a Melbourne Cup victory in 1890. Following an injury he was retired to stud the following year. In 1895 the Duke of Portland paid Carbine's Australian owner 13,000 pounds and took the horse back to England. Carbine continued his career as a successful stud.

Carbine died in June 1914. The Duke of Portland gave his skeleton to the Melbourne Museum, and in 1916 wrote to the Auckland Racing Club that Carbine's skin was being prepared by London taxidermist Rowland Ward Ltd. so that it could be sent out to New Zealand.

In 1918 the taxidermy was completed by Museum staff member Mr Griffin, and the head and tail were mounted to be included in the Museum displays. while part of the skin covered a chair for the Auckland Racing Club.