Since 1981 I have been privileged to witness forty of the last forty one New Zealand Trotting Cups (missed 1984), this year’s edition being the 119th. Not one of them have disappointed and several have added to the folklore that is Addington’s NZ Cup Day. Like many others I have my own favourite “Cups” and without distracting from those not referenced, here are my personal ten of the best.
1981 ARMALIGHT (5m Timely Knight/Ar Miss, N31 Lady Antrim), 36 : 18-6-5, $277,520, 1:55.4; owner/trainer Brent Smith; driver Bob Negus
Armalight’s performance on 10 November 1981 was one of the best ever by a mare and as with the first of anything it’s always rather special.
With Armalight drawing the outside of the front line in a select field of ten, Bonnies Chance was first away relinquishing the lead to Watbro after 300m who then led. Armalight having parked outside the leaders for the opening 2500m boxed Bonnies Chance into the trail before dashing away at the 700m. Eventually winning by seven lengths in a time of 4:08.7/2:05.4/57.0, last mile in 1:58.8, her overall time a mares Addington track record. Bonnies Chance having been dragged back through the field by a tiring Watbro flashed home late to edge Hands Down out of second by a neck, with half a length to Idolmite and Australian visitor Gammalite.
Interesting facts concerning Armalight’s win :
- had not won for 18 months (injuries restricting her)
- never raced over 3200m before
- Bob Negus’s first NZ Cup drive (only other was Armalight’s second in 1982)
- Brent Smith was second equal youngest trainer at 27yo of Cup winner
- First mare to win since Loyal Nurse in 1949
- Winning distance of seven lengths only equaled or bettered by six others
- Second pair of mares to quinella the Cup (Armalight/Bonnies Chance)
- first NZ Cup winner sired by a Nevele R Stud stallion (Timely Knight)
On Show Day Friday 13 November in the NZFFA Armalight established a world record over 2000mM of 2:23.5/1:55.4 smashing Robalan’s previous record set in 1974 by 3.1 seconds (2:26.6). This time was finally beaten by Yulestar in the 2002 NZFFA twenty one years later, 2:22.9/1:55.0. Armalight was the eighteenth horse to complete the Cup/FFA double (29 as at 2021).
1988 LUXURY LINER (7g Mercedes/Miranda Belle, N41 Lady Clare), 104 : 37-21-16, $1,721,984, 1:56.9; owners Robert Reid, Lorna Reid Syndicate, Janice Reid; trainers Roy and Barry Purdon; driver Tony Herlihy
My overwhelming memory of the 1988 Cup was the home straight cut and thrust battle fought out between two great contemporaries, Luxury Liner and (Our) Maestro. This two horse war splendidly capped the illustrious career of the greatest NZ stayer of the late twentieth century. Growing another leg over the extreme 3200m distance; in twelve starts he won on seven occasions (NZ/Easter Cups – Addington; Auckland Cup twice, Thames Cup, Air NZ Pace – Alexandra Park; Wilfred Johnstone Memorial – Cambridge), three seconds (NZ Cups twice/Franklin Cup), a fifth (NZ Cup) and a sixth (Auckland Cup).
Addington owed Luxury Liner this win, having finished second in two previous Cups to Master Mood and My Lightning Blue and fifth in the 1987 Interdominion Grand Final. The win made him the first millionaire racing in NZ alone, joining Cardigan Bay along with thoroughbreds Bonecrusher, Empire Rose and Poetic Prince as millionaire racehorses bred in New Zealand.
Luxury Liner started off 10m, victory from a mark had not been achieved since Humphrey (6 yds) in 1968. The Cup was not one for the faint hearted with several lead changes over the opening mile with first Skipper Dale showing out before Gina Rosa took them through 2500m, Lord Lenny the 2200m with Elmer Gantry taking over at the 1800m. The big guns Luxury Liner and Master Mood then came around to ensure the remaining mile would be frantic. Meanwhile Vin Knight and Maestro sat back watching the race unfold, ready to pounce. Luxury Liner found the front with Master Mood in close attendance a lap out at which point another Australian Quite Famous attacked three wide.
Lord Lenny was the first to weaken at the 600m allowing a struggling Master Mood to drop onto the fence at which point Knight unleashed Maestro whistling him past Quite Famous four wide at such speed that his sprint carried him quickly past Luxury Liner into a length lead turning for home. Another Aussie victory like My Lightning Blue in 1987 seemed likely with Australian trained, NZ bred export Maestro.
Knight had gone 200m too soon and when he started to flounder at the furlong Herlihy fully wound up Luxury Liner. This rally proved too hard for Maestro to respond to with Luxury Liner pulling clear to win by almost two lengths in a stunning world record time of 4:00.4 – 1987 race record My Lightning Blue’s 4:05.1 (1987) and Luxury Liner’s national record of 4:04.8 (Thames Cup, 30m, 1986), almost but not quite the first sub four minute 3200m, eventually attained by Yulestar, 3:59.1 in 2000). Speedy Cheval followed Maestro in, then Gina Rosa and dead heaters Gaelic Skipper and Frangelico.
Luxury Liner was the first of three NZ Cup wins for 30yo Tony Herlihy, others being Purdon trained millionaires Christopher Vance 1991 and Chokin 1993. For trainers Roy and Barry Purdon, he was the second of four NZ Cup winner – Sole Command 1977, Luxury Liner 1988, Christopher Vance 1991, Chokin 1993. Luxury Liner finished second to stablemate Tax Credit, beaten a nose in NZFFA later in Cup Week.
1989 INKY LORD (4h Lordship/Miss Bromac, N8 Hoods Polly), 50 : 21-7-3, $756,740, 1:56.5; owner Gavin Saunders; trainer Brian Saunders; driver Ricky May
Horses are not meant to win races especially over 3200m after being knocked back to near last with 500m to run and losing a conservative ten lengths. That was what Inky Lord achieved in providing Ricky May with his first of a record seven NZ Cup winning drives. Inky Lord’s victory was similar to “Kiwi’s” finish in the 1983 Melbourne Cup (last to first).
Leading early from the 200m Inky Lord settled three back on the rails as Kylies Hero led from the 2200m before slipping clear on the home turn. Checked when Debbies Boy broke in front of him nearing the home turn Inky Lord unwound an explosive finish recording 27 seconds for his final 400m to swamp northerners Dillon Dean and Bold Sharvid in a blanket finish by a head and a long head. Kylies Hero was a further three quarters of a length in arears with defending Cup champion Luxury Liner a close fifth having run his last 2400m at a 1:58 rate.
Inky Lord’s overall time of 4:02.2 was second only to Luxury Liner’s world record a year earlier with the leaders sprinting their last 800m in 56.9 (Inky Lord 56.4/27.0). Inky Lord finished third to Dillon Dean in the NZFFA held on Show Day.
1992 BLOSSOM LADY (8m Farm Timer/Lumber Lady, N69 Fashion Queen), 155 : 43-20-18, $1,334,808, 1:56.0; owner Polly Syndicate; trainer Derek Jones; driver Anthony Butt
Blossom Lady made it third time lucky in 1993 after finishing fifth in 1991 and second last in 1992 after breaking at the start. The darling of loyal Canterbury fans, she was owned in the Central Districts (Ralph Kermode syndicate manager), trained by legendary Templeton trainer Derek Jones (won the 1980 Cup with Hands Down) and driven by grandson Anthony Butt.
Giovanetto led early before It’s Motor Power swept around into the lead 1800m from home. Sogo then gained the lead from just off the pace while Blossom Lady, handy midfield on the inner moved out and around to be parked briefly before obtaining the perfect 1/1 position when Master Musician improved to sit parked outside leader Sogo. Giovanetto tracked Blossom Lady with It’s Motor Power holding the trail while defending champion Christopher Vance was at the rear after cantering away from his 15m back mark and adding at least 30m to his handicap after breaking.
The opening mile had taken 2:04.6 before the speed went on the final time down the back straight. Giovanetto moved first with Blossom Lady going with him, these two sorting themselves out from the rest of the field. Blossom Lady edged ahead of the 4yo Giovanetto storming to a 1¼l victory with the unlucky Christopher Vance third a length back after making one run at them from 500m out.
Blossom Lady clocked 4:05.0 with the leaders covering their final 800m in 58.4, Christopher Vance was timed his last mile in 1:58, 800m in 56.7 and 400 in 27.1. The Cup was Anthony Butt’s fifteenth race win with Blossom Lady at that time, going onto win the NZFFA on Show Day.
1998 CHRISTIAN CULLEN (4h In The Pocket/Pleasant Franco, N1 Pride Of Lincoln), 31 : 22-2-2, $1,249,150, 1:54.1; owners Ian and Doreen Dobson, Brian O’Meara; trainer Brian O’Meara; driver Danny Campbell
It was expected to be a two horse war between the defending champion and the young pretender and it certainly did not disappoint. Iraklis was a great stayer but had to concede a ten metre start to Christian Cullen.
Christian Cullen settled well back as did Iraklis with Roymark and Franco Enforce showing out early. “Cullen” seized a three wide cart into the race settling in front shortly after the first lap was completed taking charge at the 1900m. The speed eased and Iraklis came around to sit at Cullen’s wheel a lap from home. After Roymark dropped off Cullen’s back at the 400m, Iraklis took the trail hoping for a late run at Christian Cullen. He got to his wheel but Christian Cullen never looked likely to be beaten holding a length and a quarter advantage at the finish.
Christian Cullen’s 4:00.4 equalled Luxury Liner and Il Vicolo’s race/track/world record of 4:00.4 (Iraklis timed in 3:57.5 off 10m). The pair finished 7l and 2¼l clear of the Wayne Francis owned pair of Franco Enforce and There’s A Franco. Christian Cullen became the sixth 4yo to win the Cup after Lookaway (1957), Lordship (1962), Stanley Rio (1977), Inky Lord (1989) and Il Vicolo (1995).
It was Christian Cullen’s fourteenth win from twenty starts, followed with wins in the NZFFA (Show Day), Miracle Mile and Auckland Cup within two month period. Injured following a win on the first night of the Auckland Inter-Dominions, he had been unbeaten in a 12 start campaign which led to his being an overwhelming choice for Harness Horse of the Year even though Courage Under Fire remained unbeaten in 22 races and won six Derby’s.
2004 JUST AN EXCUSE (6g Live Or Die/My Excuse, N4 Millie C), 39 : 17-4-11, $1,035,068, 1:55.6; owners Ollie and Irene Haines; trainer Robert Mitchell; driver Todd Mitchell
“Lordy” (Just An Excuse) produced a repeat beating of favourite Elsu in the 2004 Canterbury Draught New Zealand Cup as he had done in the one hundredth running of the Cup in 2003. In doing so he became the eleventh horse to win dual NZ Cups; there have been three more since then (Flashing Red, Monkey King, Lazarus), in addition to the three three time NZ Cup winners, all in consecutive years – Indianapolis (1934 – 1936), False Step (1958 – 1960), Terror To Love (2011 – 2013).
Scorching led early with Howard Bromac in the trail. Elsu circled round to lead with two laps to go while Just An Excuse settled back in the field. With 2000m to run Just An Excuse moved around levelling up with Elsu at the halfway mile point. With a lap to run Mister DG moved to the death position outside Elsu giving Just An Excuse 1/1 cover, Scorching trailed and Howard Bromac was three back the rails.
Just An Excuse pulled out on the home turn breezing past Elsu 100m out while Howard Bromac ran on past Mister DG to finish third. From a 10m handicap Just An Excuse paced 4:01.2/2:01.2/55.8/27.0, winning by a neck from Elsu, 3½l to Howard Bromac and a half neck to Mister DG, he ran the 3200m journey 4.5 seconds quicker than in his 2003 Cup victory.
After also winning Friday’s NZFFA, owners Ollie and Irene Haines had only ever raced two horses at Addington but in doing so they had won six Group races – Just An Excuse’s two Cups, NZFFA and 4yo Superstars as well as Smooth Performer’s NZ Oaks and DB Fillies Final.
2007 FLASHING RED (10h Echelon/Courvy Kazi, A139 Fairy Dame), 171 :38-31-26, $2,000,502, 1:55.3AUS; owners Ravelyn Pty Ltd, Jenkscraft Pty Ltd; trainers Tim Butt and Phil Anderson; driver Anthony Butt
Once Tim Butt and Phil Anderson took over the training of Flashing Red, he asserted his toughness by winning consecutive NZ Cups (2006, 2007), an Auckland Cup and was awarded Aged Pacer of the Year, something achieved by few Australian pacers since 1974 (first year awarded) – Steel Jaw, Golden Reign, Our Sir Vancelot, Cruz Bromac.
Ten year old Flashing Red ran a 3200m record (3:57.8/1:59.5/58.2/28.4) becoming only the second pacer to break four minutes (Yulestar 2000), overcoming a 15m handicap and previous leg ailments to produce what was acknowledged as the “greatest staying performance” recorded in the Cup. Making a fair beginning with Changeover leading until Classic Cullen assumed control two laps out leaving Baileys Dream parked, Roman Gladiator trailing and Sly Flyin three back.
Sitting back at the rear until the 1000m Flashing Red moved with Tribute and Money King following him. Making steady progress until the home turn he was looking as sharp as any being joined in battle by Monkey King, Sly Flyin and Changeover. By the 100m Monkey King had gone past him together with stablemate Tribute and with Flashing Red appearing beaten. Stephen Reid and Monkey King seemed to have the race won but tough old Flashing Red thought otherwise. With great determination Flashing Red sensed Monkey King had not delivered the king hit to win, gradually closing the gap and slowly grinding to a nose victory in race record time with stablemate Tribute running third.
Flashing Red’s victory was trainer Tim Butt’s second (both Flashing Red) and brother Anthony Butt’s third (Blossom Lady, Flashing Red twice) NZ Cup success.
2013 TERROR TO LOVE (6h Western Terror/Love To Live, N2 Bessie B), 76 : 31-16-7, $2,377,125, 1:51.0; owner McDonald Bloodstock Ltd (Terry McDonald), trainers Graham and Paul Court; driver Ricky May
Terror To Love became just the third horse to win three consecutive NZ Cups in its one hundred and eighteen year history. It was also Ricky May’s record setting seventh winning drive in the NZ Cup (Mark Purdon has six).
Terror To Love’s third win was his most dramatic, the result of another outstanding May drive coupling his typical blend of patience and aggression. Following an early break and catching the back of the field where they remained until launching a familiar three wide move from the rear with a round to go, May pressed onto the lead without challenge at the 800m rather than sit parked or take advantage of available cover.
At that stage Mark Purdon had the lead with Fly Like An Eagle who had begun to pull hard with a trail his only realistic option which also placed rival Christen Me three back. Around the top turn they grabbed a breather in the fast run race (3:57.0/1:59.1/56.0/27.7) that section taking a full twenty nine seconds. Fly Like An Eagle, not renowned as a true stayer flew late being given the same time as winner Terror To Love who held him out by a neck in the closest of finishes.
Terror To Love (7)
2014 ADORE ME (5m Bettors Delight/Scuse Me, U305 Nora by Glencoe), 36 : 26-5-2, $1,667,029, 1:47.7AUS; owners Charles Roberts, Paul and Mary Kenny; trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen; driver Mark Purdon
Adore Me became just the sixth mare (third in my chosen ten; not included Bonnies Chance, Kyms Girl, Mainland Banner) to win the NZ Cup over the past forty one years. The heroine produced arguably one of the greatest performances by a mare in Australasia (Armalight’s NZFFA performance compares favourably).
In the lead up to the 2014 Cup, Terror to Love’s attempt to win four consecutive Cups was the talking point overshadowing Adore Me’s chances. Pulled four wide at the 600m when trailing three wide she launched her winning bid on a 55.5 last 800m breakneck pace. It was the winning of the race, Franco Nelson waited for the passing lane behind Terror to Love, Adore Me was out and away just outlasting Franco Nelson by a half head with For A Reason third and Terror to Love fourth. Her overall time of 3:54.7/1:57.9/55.8/27.5 was the third fastest on record.
Adore Me was one of seven winners from twelve races on Cup Day for trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen – an incredible effort (November 2018, eight winners from twelve races on Cup Day).
2016 LAZARUS (4h Bettors Delight/Bethany, U307 Mona R), 51: 37-8-4, $4,125,988, 1:48.4US; owners NZ/AUS Phil and Glenys Kennard, Trevor Casey, Kevin Riseley (USA Lazarus N Syndicate); trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen; driver Mark Purdon
In what statistically would be classified as the most decisive ever NZ Cup victory, Lazarus strode to a convincing ten length winning margin in the first of his two NZ Cup successes in 2016. In doing so he established a world record time for the ultimate staying distance of 3200m of 3:53.1/1:57.2, half in 55.3/quarter 27.1.
Lazarus complete demolition was of the highest order of an extremely useful NZ Cup field that contained future double millionaires and ID Pacing Grand Final winners Tiger Tara (2018; NZFFA, Victoria/Hunter Cups) and Smolda (2016; Hunter/two Ballarat Cups) together with another double millionaire Christen Me (Hunter/Victoria/Auckland Cups, Miracle Mile, NZFFA) all finishing in the first five but beaten 10 – 16 lengths plus Have Faith In Me (Auckland Cup, Miracle Mile and second fastest ever pacer in Southern Hemisphere, 1:47.5). Lazarus became the ninth four year old to win the NZ Cup.
Tiger Tara led early from Smolda parked and Lazarus in the one by one. Smolda took the lead parking Lazarus for the next 800m before he took over with 2400m to run. From then on he set the pace running away from the field 300m out, winning by ten lengths with the rest of the field following at regular intervals.
His performance was next level, it stole the show during Cup week 2016 being that of a freak who went onto become a champion in New Zealand, Australia and North America prior to his current stud career. Horses do not do what Lazarus did to such a good field that early November day in 2016. It will be regarded as one of the best ever Cup victories for many long years to come. Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen trained six winners on Cup Day, apart from Lazarus they included Ultimate Machete, NZSS – 3c&g and Dream About Me, Junior FFA. Lazarus went onto to record the NZ Cup/NZFFA double, the twenty ninth occasion it has been completed in the same season on Show Day Friday, three days after his first NZ Cup success (also won 2017 NZ Cup).
Favourite Cup – has to be Luxury Liner’s fighting win over (Our) Maestro in 1988. Wouldn’t be everyone’s choice but this has been a subjective exercise based on my personal observations. I rue missing the dramatic 1980 Cup taken out by a particular favourite of mine in Hands Down following a straight length battle with the bonny northern mare Delightful Lady. That would have been my first Cup but for the inconsiderate timing of Accountancy exams that always clashed with Cup Week.
Peter Craig
2 November 2022
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