History was created when Arden Rooney driven Great Western (Victoria) reinswomen Kerryn Manning took out the New Zealand Trotting Cup, in doing so Manning became the first female driver in the history to win the Cup.
Manning claims the win was the highlight of her career
Arden Rooney began brilliantly and quickly found the top and was never headed. Manning got away with some cheap early sectionals before Arden Rooney ran his last 800m coming home in 55 flat and 28.1.
Arden Rooney won by a long neck from Smolda who put in a huge effort after missing the start and then had to sustain a three wide run for the last 1400 metres..
Outsider Mossdale Connor (Ricky May) was third after trailing Arden Rooney all the way, Franco Nelson (Craig Thornley) was fourth and , Messini (Natalie Rasmussen) after doing all the work outside Arden Rooney finished fifth.
Arden Rooney paced the 3200m stand in 3:58.4 with a 1:59.4 mile rate.
The Hunter Cup, Kaikoura Cup and now New Zealand Cup winner is owned by Merv and Meg Butterworth. Arden Rooney, has now won 21 of his 48 races and just over $1 million in stakes.
Mark Purdon and his partner Natalie Rasmussen the All Stars, have again dominated the day with six winners and three quinellas but it is Kerryn Manning’s day.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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