By Matt Markham
You could even go as far as to say that what unfolded at Addington Raceway just after 5:20pm last night could be one of the greatest performances by a harness racing horse on this side of the world.
Because what Lazarus did to win the New Zealand Trotting Cup of 2016 was quite simply stunning.
Not only did it defy the basic theories of logic on so many levels. But it was done with such an ease – a scarcely believable feat considering that when the stopwatches ceased clicking, Lazarus had just run the fastest ever two miles in New Zealand, clocking one and a half seconds faster than any time ever recorded before.
Oh, and did we mention he did it all in a 10 length winning margin with Purdon flourishing his whip in both euphoria and pure admiration from 100 metres short of the winning post?
The New Zealand Trotting Cup has long been regarded as one of the hardest races in the world of harness racing to win and here’s Lazarus – a mere four-year-old who rocks up and does the majority of the work in the race at a breakneck speed – winning it like a $1.10 favourite should win their maiden on a cold Sunday afternoon in Oamaru.
Staggering really isn’t it?
Even Purdon, who isn’t one to get caught up in the hoopla of big victories allowed himself a few seconds to compose himself before answering the first of probably 1,000 questions he was asked in regards to the performance.
“It’s a really emotional moment, just one of the greatest moments in harness racing for me,” he said.
Stopping the clock at a time of 3:53.1, Lazarus etched his name into the annals of harness racing.
And it’s going to take a long time to see something quite as special.
“The time just outstands me, I just had a handful of horse around the corner.
“I said come on boy, let’s get a break now and he put it beyond doubt within 50 metres.”
Purdon wouldn’t commit to exactly where Lazarus currently sits on his list of stars throughout the decades he’s been training. When you’re competing against Il Vicolo, Auckland Reactor, Adore Me and Have Faith In Me there’s a bit to live up to, but Lazarus is doing it and doing it very well.
His win gave a grand result to part-owners, Phil and Glenys Kennard and also Kevin Riseley after they won the Sires’ Stakes Final with Ultimate Machete while their other co-owner Trevor Casey is on this unstoppable train of success.
While it all looked easy, there was pressure leading into the Cup and this season for Purdon and his training partner, Natalie Rasmussen thanks to a comment made months ago in relation to this horse.
The night was April the 8th, New Zealand Derby Night at Addington Raceway.
Purdon had just won another race, fittingly the Derby and en route back to the stables with Lazarus in front of him he beamed and talked of the potential of this raw, but brilliant son of Bettor’s Delight.
The usual superlatives flowed – things like ‘he’s a nice wee horse’ and “he’s just got such a great will to win’ flowed freely from the master horseman. But it was a comment at the conclusion of the interview that struck the sweetest chord.
“He’s that good I think he could win the Cup in November,” he said.
How right you were Mr Purdon. How right you were….
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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