Auckland Pacing Cup

The Auckland Pacing Cup which is sometimes referred to as the Auckland Trotting Cup or merely the Auckland Cup is a race held at Alexandra Park in Auckland, New Zealand for Standardbred horses. It is one of the two major harness races, along with the New Zealand Cup, held in New Zealand each year for the highest grade (Open class) pacers. It is a Group 1 championship race and has been won by many of the champion pacers in New Zealand.

Auckland Pacing Cup
Group I race
LocationAlexandra Park
Auckland, New Zealand
Inaugurated1890
Race typeStandardbred - Harness racing
Websitewww.alexandrapark.co.nz
Race information
Distance2,700m
SurfaceDirt
TrackOval, right-handed, mobile barrier
QualificationThree-year-olds and up
PurseNZ $180,000 (2023)

Cup history

For most of its history the Auckland Cup has been raced in December, however at times it has been moved to other calendar dates such as:

  • March, from 2006 until 2015, when it formed part of Auckland Cup Week, a carnival which included feature Thoroughbred races such as the gallops Auckland Cup and greyhound racing. As well as the March 2015 race (won by Christen Me) there was a second 2015 Auckland Cup raced in December (Have Faith In Me). Neither Christen Me or Have Faith In Me competed in the other race that year.
  • January, in 1987 when won by Master Mood over 2,700m. In 1987 there was a second Auckland Cup in December, reverting to the 3,200m distance, won by Luxury Liner. Perhaps evidencing the competitiveness of the fields the January 1987 winner Master Mood could only place 9th in the December race whereas Luxury Liner, the winner in December could only achieve 6th in the earlier race.
  • February, for the 1978 to 1986 (inclusive) years.

From 2022 it was moved to late May, on the same race-card as the Rowe Cup for Open Class trotters.

Distance

The Auckland Cup is currently run over 3,200 metres from a mobile start.

The race started as a 3-mile event in 1890 to 1894 (inclusive) but it has traditionally been a 3,200m or 2 mile event apart from being a 2,700m journey for the races held from:

  • March 2007 (won by Flashing Red) to March 2015 (Christen Me) before reverting to 3,200m for the 2016 year onwards.
  • February 1978 (Sole Command) to January 1987 (Master Mood).

Stake money

The stake money for the Auckland Cup has fluctuated over the years:

  • $180,000 for the 2023 year.
  • $400,000 for the 2022 year.
  • $196,000 for the 2020 year.
  • $245,000 for the 2019 year, which compared to $750,000 for the New Zealand Trotting Cup.
  • $600,000 for the 2009 Auckland Cup[1] ($1 million for the New Zealand Cup).

Famous winners

Champion horses which have won the Auckland Cup include Hall of Fame inductees and champions like:

The above horses went on to succeed in the United States and/or Canada.[2]

It has been uncommon for female horses (mares) to win the Cup, the most recent being:

  • Amazing Dream (2020).
  • Flight South (2000).
  • Kate's First (1997).

However the “Queen of the Park” Delightful Lady won the race twice, in 1980 and 1981.

Australian participation

As with the New Zealand Trotting Cup Australian trained horses sometimes make the journey to Alexandra Park, such as the following winners:

Records

Most wins by a driver:

  • 8 - Tony Herlihy (1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2008)
  • 7 - Mark Purdon (2002, 2009, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023)
  • 6 - P T Wolfenden (1960, 1961, 1963, 1978, 1983, 1984)
  • 4 - J (James) Bryce jnr (1943, 1945, 1948, 1949)

Most wins by an owner:

  • 4 - R A McKenzie (1957, 1959, 1971, 1985)

Winners list
Year
Month
Distance
Horse
Hcap
Owner(s)
Driver
Time
Second Place
 Third Place
2023May3200mAkutaFr (9)Cullen Breeding Limited, Mark PurdonMark Purdon4:00.55Self AssuredSmiffy's Terror
2022May3200mSelf AssuredFr (6)Mrs J L FeissNatalie Rasmussen3:58.96SpankemKango
2021Not held due to COVID 19
2020 Dec 3200m Amazing Dream Fr (3) Mark Purdon 3:56.56 Spankem Copy That
2019 Dec 3200m Self Assured Fr (3) Mrs JL Feiss Mark Purdon 3:59.4 Thefixer Triple Eight
2018 Dec 3200m Turn It Up[3] Fr (6) JA Gibbs MNZM, L Pilcher, Mark Purdon, Mrs A Gibbs Mark Purdon 4:03.0 Star Galleria Ashley Locaz
2017 Dec 3200m Vincent (Aust)[4] Fr (4) W R Feiss Natalie Rasmussen 4:04.7 Titan Banner Heaven Rocks
2016 Dec 3200m Dream About Me[5] Fr (9) CJ Roberts, Est Mrs JL Roberts, P G Kenny, Mrs ML Kenny Mark Purdon 3:55.4 Hug The Wind Arden's Choice
2015 Dec 3200m Have Faith In Me[6] Fr (U1) DM Dunford & MD Dunford Tim Williams[7] 4:06.0 Hughie Green Smolda
2015 Mar 2700m Christen Me[8] Fr (11) CJ Roberts & VL Purdon Dexter Dunn 3:13.8 Adore Me Ohoka Punter
2014 Mar 2700m Terror to Love Fr (11) McDonald Bloodstock Ltd Ricky May 3:15.8 Adore Me Saveapatrol
2013 Mar 2700m Themightyquinn Fr (8) Mrs B Richardson,G L Moore,G Ralston,M Congerton Gary Hall 3:16.7 Terror to Love Better Cover Lover
2012 Mar 2700m Sir Lincoln Fr (4) Lincoln Farms Ltd Maurice McKendry 3:19:5 Terror to Love Pembrook Benny
2011 Mar 2700m Themightyquinn Fr (9) Mrs B Richardson,G L Moore,G Ralston,M Congerton Gary Hall 3:16.72 Mr Feelgood Pembrook Penny
2010 Mar 2700m Monkey King Fr (4) Cavalla Bloodstock Limited Ricky May 3:21.0 Tintin in America Baileys Dream
2009 Mar 2700m Auckland Reactor Fr (8) Auckland Reactor Ltd Mark Purdon 3:18.5 Monkey King Awesome Armbro
2008 Mar 2700m Gotta Go Cullen Fr (11) I D Dobson Tony Herlihy 3:20.0 Monkey King Baileys Dream
2007 Mar 2700m Flashing Red Fr (1) Ravelyn Pty Ltd, Jenkscraft Pty Ltd Anthony Butt 3:17.2 Classic Cullen Sly Flyin
2006 Mar 3200m Mi Muchacho Fr (7) R C Anderson, Ms P C Larsen Peter Ferguson 4:05.7 Mainland Banner Lord Vader
2005 Dec 3200m Howard Bromac Fr (4) Michelle Larsen, L Philpott, D Hardie Kirk Larsen 4:03.0 Alta Serena Napoleon
2004 Dec 3200m Elsu 10m (U2) J Walters/Double Up Synd/Est D Hudson/P Small David Butcher 4:05.1 Oscar Wild Howard Bromac
2003 Dec 3200m Elsu Fr (10) J Walters/Double Up Synd/Est D Hudson/P Small David Butcher 4:00.5 Just An Excuse Holmes D G
2002 Dec 3200m Young Rufus Fr (3) Manolitsis/V, T & W Lynch/G Carey/K Hyslop Mark Purdon 4:00.6 Yulestar Facta Non Verba
2001 Dec 3200m Holmes D G Fr Second Five Syndicate Barry Purdon 4:03.4 Yulestar Gracious Knight
2000 Dec 3200m Flight South Fr J Yardley, K J McNamara, A P Neal Andrew Neal 4:02.6 Yulestar Holmes DG
1999 Dec 3200m Happy Asset Fr J J O'Donnell, M K Rodgers, D J MacDonald Anthony Butt 4:01.8 Yulestar Breeny's Fella
1998 Dec 3200m Christian Cullen 10 m I D Dobson, Mrs D A Dobson, Brian A O'Meara Danny Campbell 3:59.7 Bogan Fella Kate's First
1997 Dec 3200m Kate's First Fr G H Beirne, P R Bielby Peter Ferguson 4:01.2 Brabham Happy Asset
1996 Dec 3200m Sharp and Telford Fr A J Parker, P R A Parker, N I Gillanders Tony Herlihy 4:02.2 Anvil Vance Surprise Package
1995 Dec 3200m Burlington Bertie Fr P D Bagrie, A G Bagrie, A Spark, S Spark Colin De Filippi 4:02.1 Desperate Comment Brabham
1994 Dec 3200m Chokin 15 m Pacers Australia/M Joyce/J Loughlan/B De Boer Tony Herlihy 4:02.6 Franco Ice Christopher Vance
1993 Dec 3200m Chokin 10 m Pacers Australia/M Joyce/J Loughlan/B De Boer Tony Herlihy 3:59.5 Franco Ice Christopher Vance
1992 Dec 3200m Master Musician Fr Robert J Dunn, Ken L McDonald, Eugene C Storck Robert Dunn 4:03.2 Christopher VanceThe Bru Czar
1991 Dec 3200m Christopher Vance 10 m R R Reid, Lorna Reid Syndicate, J C Reid Tony Herlihy 4:04.2 Starship The Bru Czar
1990 Dec 3200m The Bru Czar Fr Geoff A West, Jenny G West Gary Hillier 4:02.4 Christopher VanceTight Connection
1989 Dec 3200m Neroship Fr G John Webber, Neil W Webber John Langdon 4:10.0 Gypsy VanceKylie's Hero
1988 Dec 3200m Luxury Liner 15 m Robert Reid, Lorna Reid Syndicate, J C Reid Tony Herlihy 4:03.8 Kylie's HeroGina Rosa
1987 Dec 3200m Luxury Liner Fr R Reid, Est L F Reid, J C Reid Tony Herlihy 4:05.3 Gaelic SkipperSkipper Dale
1987 Jan 2700m Master Mood Fr K L & B A Williams, S F & F B Wong Kevin Williams 3:24.4 Skipper DaleQuiet Touch
1986 Feb 2700m Comedy Lad Fr (6) M L Harvey Tony Herlihy 3:22.4 Roydon GlenDirect Kiwi
1985 Feb 2700m Roydon Glen Fr Roy A McKenzie W Fred Fletcher 3:25.8 Hilarious GuestComedy Lad
1984 Feb 2700m Enterprise Fr P D & C T Heffernan Peter Wolfenden 3:27.4 Our ManaDillon Dale
1983 Feb 2700m Armalight Fr H (Brent) Smith Peter Wolfenden 3:20.7 Hilarious GuestHands Down
1982 Feb 2700m Gammalite Fr Leo F O'Connor W Bruce Clarke 3:24.6 Bonnie's ChanceDelightful Lady
1981 Feb 2700m Delightful Lady Fr A & Paul Grant Mike J Stormont 3:22.9 IdolmiteLord Module
1980 Feb 2700m Delightful Lady Fr A & P Grant Mike J Stormont 3:25.1 Lord Module Sapling
1979 Feb 2700m Sapling Fr George C and Gladys M Cruickshank & Lionel Given Henry W Skinner 3:30.5 Belmer's ImageRoyal Wardorf
1978 Feb 2700m Sole Command Fr B J & M I Walker & R C Purdon Peter Wolfenden 3:26.4 Captain Harcourt Nimble Yankee
1976 Dec 3200m Bolton Byrd Fr Jim Dalgety, West Melton Robert Dunn 4:13.7 Forto ProntezzaClassic Move
1975 Dec 3200m Captain Harcourt Fr E J Bennett Tommy H Knowles 4:10.2 Speedy Guest Noodlum
1974 Dec 3200m Young Quinn 10 m D J & R O Baynes Charlie Hunter, Cambridge 4:16 RobalanHi Foyle
1973 Dec 3200m Arapaho 20 m Laurie Forde Jack Smolenski 4:11.2 Young QuinnBlack Watch
1972 Dec 2 mi Royal Ascot Fr C J McLaughlin & F E Newfield Felix Newfield 4:14-8 Scottish CharmManaroa
1971 Dec 2 mi Garcon Roux Fr R A McKenzie John B Noble 4:22.4 Bella's CommandRain Again
1970 Dec 2 mi Stella Frost Fr L H Tilson Doody Townley 4:11.8 Scottish Charm Holy Hal
1969 Dec 2 mi Leading Light Fr H S Kruse, T Lock & J G Power Derek G Jones 4:27 Holy Hal Stella Frost
1968 Dec 2 mi Cardinal Garrison Fr R C Nelmes & P G Trigg Tommy H Knowles 4:09.2 Loyal Knight Cuddle Doon
1967 Dec 2 mi Allakasam Fr C J McLaughlin Alan M Harrison 4:14.4 Chequer Board Julie Hanover
1966 Dec 2 mi Waitaki Hanover 24 yd J & F Smith Doody Townley 4:13.6 Tobias Viking Water
1965 Dec 2 mi Robin Dundee 12 yd J W Hewitt M F (Maurice) Holmes 4:13 Gay Robin Orbiter
1964 Dec 2 mi Lordship 36 yd D G Nyhan Denis Nyhan 4:11.4 Jay Ar Great Adios
1963 Dec 2 mi Cardigan Bay 78 yd A D Dean Peter Wolfenden 4:11.2 Tactile Vanderford
1962 Dec 2 mi Dandy Briar Fr J Steel C S (Ces) Donald 4:21.8 Cardigan Bay Susan Blue
1961 Dec 2 mi Cardigan Bay Fr A D Dean Peter Wolfenden 4:18 King Hal Samantha
1960 Dec 2 mi Damian 24 yd L J R Barrett Peter Wolfenden 4:23 Smokeaway Sebabu
1959 Dec 2 mi Scottish Command 60 yd R A McKenzie Ian W Hunter 4:17 Caricature Great Reveller
1958 Dec 2 mi Macklin Fr J H, R H & M T Butterick John H Butterick 4:25 Derive Scottish Command
1957 Dec 2 mi Highland Air 12 yd R A McKenzie George B Noble 4:24.4 Gentry Trueco
1956 Dec 2 mi Unite 12 yd V Leeming Doug C Watts 4:26.6 Mighty Fine Worthy Chief
1955 Dec 2 mi Prince Polka Fr G Carmichael Noel L Berkett 4:20.6 Secure Greek Brigade
1954 Dec 2 mi Caduceus Fr D D & D R Moore Jack D Litten 4:19 Bartender Goldina
1953 Dec 2 mi Thelma Globe 12 yd A C & A S Sandston Jack B Pringle 4:16.6 Pleasant Smile Soangetaha
1952 Dec 2 mi Soangetaha 36 yd M A Ryland Derek G Jones 4:12 Laureldale Adorian
1951 Dec 2 mi Soangetaha Fr M A Ryland Derek G Jones 4:19 Mighty Song Scimitar
1950 Dec 2 mi Victory Globe Fr E L McKeon R (Bob) Young 4:14 First Lord Parawa derby
1949 Dec 2 mi Captain Sandy 36 yd J M Bain James Bryce jnr 4:21.4 Dundee Sandy Plunder Bar
1948 Dec 2 mi Captain Sandy Fr J M Bain James Bryce jnr 4:18 Local Gold Maudeen
1947 Dec 2 mi Single Direct 12 yd M R & Bruce Elliott Edgar N Kennerley 4:24.8 Sprayman Ingle Belmer
1946 Dec 2 mi Loyal Nurse 12 yd C V May Clarry V May 4:22.4 Great Belwin Aberhall
1945 Dec 2 mi Sea Born 12 yd C Johnston James Bryce jnr 4:27.2 Volo Senwod Double Peter
1944 Dec 2 mi Betty Boop 12 yd P Reid Denny McKendry 4:21 Lady Dawn Black Label
1943 Dec 2 mi Loyal Friend 24 yd A J Wilson W J (Bill) Doyle 4:24.4 Black Label Parshall
1943 Jan 2 mi Shadow Maid 24 yd G Chesmar James Bryce jnr 4:22 Joan Conquest Katene
1941 Dec 2 mi Uenuku 12 yd R A McMillan R A (Alan) McMillan 4:28 Clockwork Te Roto
1940 Dec 2 mi Ned Worthy Fr H Hunter W J (Bill) Doyle 4:26 Bold Venture Molly Direct
1939 Dec 2 mi Marlene Fr C S Donald C S (Ces) Donald 4:22.4 Bayard Uenuku
1938 Dec 2 mi Navy Blue Fr Messrs Gough & Sanders M Stewart 4:28 Kenworthy Toorak
1937 Dec 2 mi Willow Wave Fr D Windle & W McDonald Ossie Hooper 4:20.4 King's Warrior Lucky Jack
1936 Dec 2 mi King's Warrior Fr B C Lincoln F J Smith 4:20.8 Rey Spec Red Shadow
1935 Dec 2 mi Graham Direct 12 yd J Westerman Free Holmes 4:26.4 Rey Spec Worthy Light
1934 Dec 2 mi Roi L'Or 48 yd P Brown Free Holmes 4:15.4 Worthy Light Blue Mountain
1933 Dec 2 mi Indianapolis Fr G J Barton W J (Bill) Tomkinson 4:26.4 Sir Guy Pegaway
1932 Dec 2 mi Great Parrish Fr J T Paul Jim T Paul 4:26.8 Nelson's Victory Peter Pirate
1931 Dec 2 mi Royal Silk Fr M Harrall Jack S Shaw 4:29.4 Muriel de Oro Pluto
1930 Dec 2 mi Carmel Fr J W Murphy C S (Ces) Donald 4:25.6 Harold Logan Jewel Pointer
1929 Dec 2 mi Gold Jacket 48 yd E J Parker Andrew Bryce 4:33.4 Peter Bingen Padlock
1928 Dec 2 mi Gold Jacket 12 yd E J Parker Andrew Bryce 4:30.2 Kohara Prince Pointer
1927 Dec 2 mi Ahuriri 36 yd R M Morten J (Scotty) Bryce 4.25.6 Jack Potts Machine Gun
1926 Dec 2 mi Talaro 12 yd C E Lindsay M F (Maurice) Holmes 4.31 Sea Pearl Queen's Own
1925 Dec 2 mi Nelson Derby Fr G J Barton W J (Bill) Tomkinson 4.29.4 Audacious First Carbine
1924 Dec 2 mi Locanda Mac Fr N Gunn A Fleming 4.36.6 Logan Chief Ahuriri
1923 Dec 2 mi Blue Mountain King 12 yd McKendrick Bros George A McKendrick 4.30.4 Steel Bell Linden
1922 Dec 2 mi Minton Derby Fr C W Griffin Peter Riddle 4.32.2 Comedy Chief Great Hope
1921 Dec 2 mi Man O'War 96 yd J R Corrigan Andrew Bryce 4.31 First Carbine Dean Dillon
1920 Dec 2 mi Man O'War 84 yd J Corrigan J (Scotty) Bryce 4.29.4 Oruarangi Dean Dillon
1919 Dec 2 mi Norah Creina 12 yd W Orange W (Bill) Orange 4.33.4 Colenut Gold Girl
1918 Dec 2 mi Harold Junior 24 yd A Brown A Brown 4.38 Steel Bell Moneymaker
1917 Dec 2 mi Steel Bell 96 yd T Roe James Lynch 4.33.8 Waverley Asturio
1916 Dec 2 mi Admiral Wood 144 yd A M Seymour A Julian 4.52.4 Childsdale Papanui
1915 Dec 2 mi Cathedral Chimes 9 sec J B Thomson J (Scotty) Bryce 4.40.2 Hal Zolock Master Park
1914 Dec 2 mi Steel Bell 7 sec T Roe James Lynch 4.38.4 Prince Rufus Harvey Huon
1913 Dec 2 mi Jewel Chimes 14 sec J D Piper Dan Nyhan 4.39.6 Pearl Child Gold Bell
1912 Dec 2 mi Mandarene scr J G Lecky W C Hird 4.40.4 Master Ilam Haldane
1911 Dec 2 mi Bingana 11 sec F Porangi J West 4.44.8 Cavalier Gold Bell
1910 Dec 2 mi Floranz 8 sec Preece & Hamilton S Hamilton 4.53.8 Papanui Baxter
1909 Dec 2 mi Havoc 17 sec D Nyhan Dan Nyhan 4.58.2 Papanui Floranz
1908 Dec 2 mi Scotia 5 sec J Parsons W (Bill) Orange 4.57.4 Woodbury Cavalier
1907 Dec 2 mi All Night 15 sec W A Scott W A Scott 5.15.2 Viscount Huon Leal
1906 Dec 2 mi Typewriter 14 sec C Baker Baker snr 4.54.2 Waitekauri Duke C
1905 Dec 2 mi Le Rosier 15 sec W C Watt S Hamilton 5.7.4 Waitekauri Harold Abdallah
1904 Dec 2 mi Rebel Boy 7 sec T Penny W C Hird 5.03 Specialist Rushlight
1903 Dec 2 mi Plain G 10 sec L Robertson Lou Robertson 5.07 Empress Typewriter
1902 Dec 2 mi Van Dieman 20 sec J Pettie E McCann 5.06 Taiho Bill
1901 Dec 2 mi Thorndean 26 sec H Grant Andy Pringle 5.14.6 Verice Miss Huon
1900 Dec 2 mi Cob 34 sec W Singleton E Murfitt 5.31.2 Viscount Larry
1899 Dec 2 mi Billy Wilson 32 sec W C Hird W C Hird 5.22.2 Albert Victor Cob
1898 Dec 2 mi Duke C scr R McBride H Chatteris 5.9.2 Pioke Otakeho
1897 Dec 2 mi Awahuri 38 sec C C Miles E Murfitt 5.32 Bellman (2nd equal) Vulture (2nd equal)
1896 Dec 3 mi Fibre 50 sec J Gage G Clarke 8.37 Bellman Maud
1895 Dec 2 mi Old Judge 28 sec E G Sandall E G (Ted) Sandall 5.31 Duke C Ruby
1894 Dec 3 mi Tom Hicks 75 sec E G Sandall E G (Ted) Sandall 8.48 Ida Rotherham
1893 Dec 3 mi Sandfly 64 sec B Tanner Sam Tanner 8.50.2 Hurricane Ruby
1892 Dec 3 mi Little Ben 53 sec H Lowe L Goodwin 8.36 Fairy Ike
1891 Dec 3 mi Rarus[9] 25 sec A E Green W Stevenson 8.49.6 Brandy (Disq Rel) Bess
1890 Dec 3 mi Commodore 40 sec S Heaney Dinny Hartford 10.06.6 Maud Lord William

See also

References
  1. "Prizemoney for Premier Ne Zealand Harness racing events". Archived from the original on 2009-08-25. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
  2. "Auckland Pacing Cup list of winners". Archived from the original on 17 June 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  3. "Turn It Up's meteoric rise | Harness Racing New Zealand". Archived from the original on 2019-12-29.
  4. "Vincent victorious in Auckland Cup - Harnesslink". 31 December 2017.
  5. "Racing: Dream About Me obliterates Auckland Cup record".
  6. "Have Faith In Me all class in Auckland Cup". Harness Link. 31 December 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  7. "Tim Williams owes Auckland Cup win to Have Faith in Me's connections". January 2016.
  8. "Christen Me all class in Auckland Cup - Harnesslink". 6 March 2015.
  9. Rarus promoted from 2nd after the 'winner' was disqualified for 'misdescription'.

Full list of Auckland Cup results - Welcome to HRNZ

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