Wellington Cup

The Wellington Cup is a Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race in New Zealand held annually in late January at Trentham Racecourse in Trentham by the Wellington Racing Club.

Wellington Cup
Group 3 race
Cluden Creek winning the 2004 Wellington Cup
LocationTrentham Racecourse
Trentham
Wellington Region New Zealand
Inaugurated1874
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
WebsiteTrentham Racecourse
Race information
Distance3200 metres
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-Year-Olds and Up
WeightHandicap
PurseNZ$300,000 (2022)

History

Inaugurated in 1874, the Wellington Cup has been raced over various distances:

  • 2 miles : 1874-1889
  • 1+12 miles : 1890-1941
  • 2 miles : 1942-1973
  • 3200 metres : 1974-2008
  • 2400 metres : 2009-2015
  • 3200 metres : 2016 onwards

There were two prior Wellington Cups in 1867 and 1868. These were unofficial events run by the first Wellington Jockey Club and not recognised by the NZ Turf Register.[1]

The Wellington Cup is one of New Zealand's most famous and popular races and currently offers a purse of NZ$300,000 which belies its Group Three status. Wellington Cup day attracts large crowds to Trentham Racecourse and the other races on the card include the Group One Thorndon Mile, the Group Three Desert Gold Stakes and the Douro Cup.

The Wellington Cup was a Group 1 race until 2008. Given the prestige of the race, there was some disappointment at the news that the race would lose its Group One status from 2009. The Wellington Racing Club responded to the downgrade by reducing the distance to 2400 metres in order to attract a higher quality field. The race reverted to 3200m from 2016 to help encourage New Zealand stayers.[2] However, in 2017 the race was downgraded again to Group Three status.[3]

Queen Elizabeth II attended in 1970.[4]

One of the most famous winners of the Wellington Cup was Kiwi, ridden by Jimmy Cassidy. The pair went on to win the 1983 Melbourne Cup for trainer, Snow Lupton of Waverley.[5] Snow's grand-daughter Jaimee-Lee Lupton trained the 2020 Wellington Cup winner Soleseifei.

In past years the Wellington Racing Club arranged celebrity guests of honour such as:

The 2023 Wellington Cup is the 150th edition of the race.[6]

The biggest dividend paid for a Wellington Cup winner was $180 for Simon de Montfort, ridden by Brian Dodds in 1972.[7]

Records

Speed record:

  • 3:15.59 - Daria's Fun (1988) for 3200 metres.
  • 3:16.2 - Il Tempo (1970) for the pre-1974 distance of 2 miles.
  • 2:26.65 - Maygrove (2015) over the 2400m journey raced from 2009 and 2015.

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners of the Wellington Cup since 1960

Year
Winner
Age
Jockey
Trainer
Owner
Time
Second
Third
2023 [9]Leaderboard 538gJoe DoyleMark WalkerFortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin)3.33.01 (heavy)Contemplation 54Dionysus 57
2022 [10]Lincoln King 567gCraig GryllsStephen MarshLincoln Farms Bloodstock Ltd, Wellfield Holdings Ltd, Exempt Bloodstock Ltd, Stephen Marsh & Peter Gillespie3:23.21Starrybeel 55.5He No Opilio 54
2021 [11]Waisake 53[12]6gSamantha CollettAlan Sharrock, New PlymouthLR Butler, JM & KA Horner, A & NJ Macdonald, B & E Menzies, PV Mullen, BC & MC Schumacher & SA Sharrock3:22.85Bluey's Chance 53Justamaiz 53
2020 [13] Soleseifei 53 [14] 7m Trudy Thornton Jaimee-Lee Lupton, Waverley [15] L Ridge & Ms M Slagter 3:20.03 The Good Fight 54Toms 55.5
2019 [16] Gorbachev 53 [17] 5g Ryan Elliot Bryce Newman, Bulls P Bardell, F J P Huwyler, B K O'Dea & K T O'Donnell 3:22.49 Dee And Gee 53Prince Jabeel 59
2018 [18] Magic Chai 53 [19] 5g Michael McNab Tony Pike, Cambridge MA & Mrs SL Treweek 3:25.19 Sampson 53Alinko Prince 53
2017 [20] Savaria 56.5 [21] 5m Hayden Tinsley Roydon Bergerson, Awapuni DP & Mrs KC Fleming 3:21.90 Jackstar 58Perfect Start 56.5
2016 [22] Mister Impatience 52.5[23] 6g Sam Spratt Michael Moroney & Chad Ormsby, Matamata R Legh, GG Syndicate Ltd, K Millar, G Sharp, A Locantro, H Hansen, J O'Neill, G Van Ameyden, P Merton & L Neradovsky 3:21.60 Pentathon 53Sampson 56
2015 [24] Maygrove 52.5[25] 5g Matthew Cameron Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge JML Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr L Petagna) & PW O'Rourke 2:26.65 (2400m) Perfect Start 53She's Insatiable 52
2014 [26] Graphic 52 5g Craig Grylls Michael Moroney & Chad Ormsby, Matamata Christopher R & Susanna Grace[27] 2:29.30 (2400m) Skysoblue 53Guns At Five 57
2013 [28] Blood Brotha 54 7g Lisa Allpress Raymond Connors, Bulls M S & R M Connors 2:31.32 (2400m) Annie Higgins 52.5Dolmabache 54
2012 [29] Six O'Clock News 56 7g Leith Innes Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young, Cambridge Six O'Clock News Syndicate 2:31.33 (2400m) Spiro 58The Jungle Boy 56
2011 [30] Spiro 53 5g Kane Smith Sylvia Kay, Levin P J & Mrs S L Kay, Mrs A J, B T, J E & R L Maetzig 2:28.82 (2400m) Six O’Clock News 54.5Loose Change 52.5
2010 [31] Red Ruler 57 5g Mark Du Plessis John Sargent, Matamata R J Arculli, A R Meehan & G B Sargent 2:27.42 (2400m) Awesome Planet 52.5Manonamission 55
2009 [32] Megapins 52.5[33] 5m Trudy Thornton John & Karen Parsons, Balcairn W R Campbell et al. 2.28.32 (2400m) Borninthestates 53Young Centaur 56.5
2008 [34] Young Centaur 53.5 5g Michael Walker John Sargent, Matamata J G Sargent & A Soon Shiong 3.22.15 Resolution 52.5Mirkola Lass 57
2007 [35] Willy Smith 55 5g Matthew Cameron Mark Todd, Cambridge Mrs M K Hain & M McPhail 3.22.11 Mirkola Lass 53.5Everswindell 53
2006 Envoy 57.5 7 Grant Cooksley Ken Kelso, Matamata K & B Kelso, R & J White 3:22.38 Viz Vitae 58Kajema 55.5
2005 Zabeat 53.5 5 Peter Johnson Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka A.M. Goodwin & Mrs. D.M. Logan 3:20.73 Gorgeous George 52From Heaven 52
2004 Cluden Creek 51.5 5 Andrew Calder John Boon, Waverley B Barber, W Purvis & A MacDonald 3:26.49 Bel Air 53.5Ebony Honour 52.5
2003 Oarsman 52.5 5 Gary Grylls Paul Duncan B E & R W Punch 3:19.53 Wolf Creek 51.5Mojo 52
2002 Cyclades 54.5 6 Lance O'Sullivan Cydne Evans, Waverley D N & W E Pye 3:20.20 Ebony Honor 54Blanchard 54
2001 Smiling Like 52 6 Michael Walker Graeme Rogerson Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan 3:22.04 Ebony Honor 52Starina 52
2000 Second Coming 55 5 Michael Coleman Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott, Matamata A J Burton, P S Lindberg, Paul Moroney & G G Peterson. 3.20.93 McDa Knife 51The Gifted Shifta 50.5
1999 Miss Bailey 51 7 Leanne Isherwood Grant Cullen, Hastings Grant Cullen et al. 3:21.91 Emerald 51Beechwood Road 53
1998 Aerosmith 52 5 Grant Cooksley Peter & Nikki Hurdle, Awapuni AB & DG Smith 3:22.62 Magnet Bay 52Altrista 56
1997 Ed 53 7 Lance O'Sullivan Noel Eales, Awapuni AJ & Mrs LM Crooks 3:17.39 Bonsai Pipeline 51.5Magnet Bay 56
1996 Yes Indeed 54.5 6 Jock Caddigan Michael Moroney, Matamata DJ & Mrs MA Deegan 3:17.85 Magnet Bay 54Sapio 55
1995 Ed 52 5 Damien Oliver Cecil Beckett, Riverton AJ (Bert) & Mrs LM (Margaret) Crooks 3:18.25 Yes Indeed 50.5All In Fun 57
1994 Castletown 58 7g Noel Harris Patrick Busuttin, Foxton PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris 3:18.63 Tawbeau 48.5Ultimate Aim 52.5
1993 Dancing Lord 48.5 6 Leanne Isherwood MI Pearson, Hastings KS Lee 3:18.19 Ebury 48Tall Emperor 49
1992 Castletown 58 5g Noel Harris Patrick Busuttin, Foxton PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris 3:19.33 Schnapps 50.5The Yapper 50
1991 Castletown 55 4g Noel Harris Patrick Busuttin, Foxton PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris 3:18.37 Shuzohra 55.5Coconut Ice 53
1990 Flying Luskin 54.5 5 Peter Johnson Stephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini Joe Karam, Trevor McKee, Peter J Walker, John A Wells 3:20.52 Lord Mellay 54All Nighter 52.5
1989Noble Khan 487Peter AyresDon Sellwood, HastingsR J Fleetwood, Mrs M C Kuzmich, D G Terry & J A Willmott3:19.21Fleetward Lad 50.3Bouillan 48.5
1988Daria's Fun 53.56Gary StewartMrs S E H EllisD A Hodgetts, D W Mayers & M D Richardson3:15.59Banderol 49.5Double Lang 51.5
1987Rastes 496Paul TaylorDanny WalkerN K Allen, Miss P S Brough, P J Marron Jnr & R D Seivers3:22.56Blovinski 53.5Lu 51.5
1986Samasaan 545Chris JohnsonGarth Jackson, RiccartonM R Bell, I H Harrison, G A Jackson3:23.22Curved Air 52Whitole 56
1985Imaprince 514Philip MercerMick Preston, OtakiJ C Bell3:22.27Secured Deposit 57Duanette's Girl 49
1984Secured Deposit 51.54Neil HainNeville Atkins, WaiukuEileen Mackley, Dale Ralph & Neville Atkins3:22.6Isle of Man 54.5Suttle Knight 50.5
1983Kiwi 50.55gJimmy CassidyE S (Snow) Lupton, WaverleyE S & Mrs Lupton3:20.29Maurita 50.5Macloud 50.5
1982Ruakuna 536Stephen AutridgeLeonie Pratt, CambridgeM H Tims & Estate W J Pratt3:19.25Azawary 50Unique 48.5
1981Koiro Trelay 53.55Phillip SmithEric Temperton, AwapuniD G Canning3:18.75Arethusa 50Eruption 52.5
1980Cubacade 526Jim WalkerDon Couchman, HaweraR & Mrs Gallagher3:23.51Zamalou 53Koiro Trelay 51.5
1979Big Gamble 515Toby AutridgeHowie Mathews, MatamataD P McLennan, H J & Mrs Tapper3:19.25Northfleet 49Magistrate 53
1978Good Lord 586gDavid PeakeRay Verner, TakaniniM L Hines3:18.00Big Gamble 49.5Caruba 51.5
1977Good Lord 535gBruce ComptonRay Verner, TakaniniM L Hines3:24.5Show Gate 57Our Countess 53
1976Guest Star 53.55Maurice CampbellIvan & I R Tucker, TakaniniI J Tucker3:20.75Royal Dell 49.25Oopik 56.5
1975Timon 526Gary WilletsFrederick Phillips, MatangiG R Pollock3:23.00Guest Star 52Apollo Eleven 53
1974Battle Heights 546gAlwin TweedieTim Douglas, MorrinsvilleR F & Mrs Douglas3:23.5Manchero 48Rose Mellay 55.5
1973Rustler 7.114David PeakeMerv Ritchie, TakaniniJ C & Mrs Fletcher3:20.75Glengowan
1972Simon de Montfort 7.86Brian DoddsFred Meynell, HaweraMrs T G Whenlan3:17.75SuttleDuty Free
1971Ansin 7.45David PeakeJack Winder, Te RapaM I Matulich3:19.25Princess MellaySpectre
1970Il Tempo 7.127Neil RiordanBruce Priscott, Te AwamutuW B Priscott3:16.75
1969City Court 8.04Bob SkeltonRay Wallace, TakaniniA K Sharp3:17.50Il TempoSpring Filou
1968Loofah 8.54Bill SkeltonBuster O’Malley, LevinA O’Malley3:20.25Bright ChiefIl Tempo
1967Michael Molloy 7.54Murray LongJim Hely, Te RapaS Caddigan & Estate H P Long3:19.75PalisadeRed Siren
1966Red Crest 7.75Brian Andrews[36]Jack Winder, Te RapaI A McMullin & J F Rendle3:27.5Eiffel TowerClipjoint
1965Eiffel Tower 7.54Midge DidhamBill Hillis, RivertonW E Hazlett3:22.75DandeineeCalm Court
1964Gay Filou 8.36Grenville HughesIvan McClure, RiccartonD D Fea & R Smith3:21.25Polo PrinceSummer Regent
1963Great Sensation 9.710gBob SkeltonMick Brown, WingatuiD W Brown3:19StipulateBlue Blade
1962Great Sensation 9.69gBob SkeltonMick Brown, WingatuiD W Brown3:20RuatoMarwon
1961Great Sensation 9.28gBob SkeltonMick Brown, WingatuiD W Brown3:17.5Quite AbleIlumquh
1960Jalna 7.54Billy SmithDave Arnott, Te ArohaH C Adams & P G Henwood3:18SparklerGreat Sensation

Earlier winners

  • 1959 - Ark Royal
  • 1958 - Yeman
  • 1957 - Sombrero
  • 1956 - Fox Myth
  • 1955 - Golden Galleon
  • 1954 - Golden Tan
  • 1953 - Crimson King
  • 1952 - Reformed
  • 1951 - Almora
  • 1951 - Prawns
  • 1950 - Beaumaris
  • 1949 - Royal Tan
  • 1948 - Spare Part
  • 1947 - Bruce
  • 1946 - Golden Souvenir
  • 1945 - Lambourn
  • 1944 - Don Quex
  • 1943 - The Joker
  • 1941 - Kindergarten
  • 1941 - Happy Ending
  • 1940 - Old Bill
  • 1939 - Defaulter
  • 1938 - Padishah
  • 1937 - Ponty
  • 1936 - Queen of Song
  • 1935 - Vintage
  • 1934 - Grand Jury
  • 1933 - Royal Artist
  • 1932 - Compris
  • 1931 - Stanchion
  • 1930 - Concentrate
  • 1929 - Vertigern
  • 1928 - Star Stranger
  • 1927 - Rapier
  • 1926 - Enthusiasm
  • 1925 - Surveyor
  • 1924 - Loughrea
  • 1923 - Rapine
  • 1922 - Insurrection
  • 1921 - Maioha
  • 1920 - Kilmoon
  • 1919 - Red Ribbon
  • 1919 - Rewi Poto
  • 1919 - Oratress
  • 1918 - Nobleman
  • 1917 - Bunting
  • 1916 - Bee
  • 1915 - Pavlova
  • 1914 - Kilrain
  • 1913 - Sir Solo
  • 1912 - Undecided
  • 1911 - Miss Mischief
  • 1910 - Crucinella
  • 1909 - Blue Ribbon
  • 1908 - Moloch
  • 1907 - Achilles
  • 1906 - Ropa
  • 1905 - Nightfall
  • 1904 - Gladsome
  • 1904 - Convoy
  • 1903 - Advance
  • 1902 - St. Michael
  • 1901 - Renown
  • 1900 - Djin Djin
  • 1899 - Daunt
  • 1898 - Uniform
  • 1897 - Strath Braan
  • 1896 - Brooklet
  • 1895 - Mahaki
  • 1894 - Vogengang
  • 1893 - Retina
  • 1892 - Cynisca
  • 1891 - Cynisca
  • 1890 - Cynisca
  • 1889 - Dudu
  • 1888 - Beresford
  • 1887 - Pasha
  • 1886 - Nelson
  • 1885 - Tasman
  • 1884 - The Poet
  • 1883 - Mischief
  • 1882 - Hilda
  • 1881 - Natator
  • 1880 - Foul Play
  • 1879 - Maritana
  • 1878 - Lara
  • 1877 - Guy Fawkes
  • 1876 - Korari
  • 1875 - Tambourini
  • 1874 - Castaway
  • 1868 - Numa
  • 1867 - Policy

See also

References

  1. https://wellingtonracing.co.nz/wellington-cup-winners
  2. "Staying power: Wellington Cup likely to return to 3200-metre distance". 21 September 2015.
  3. "Is poor field a pointer for Wellington Cup change?". 20 January 2018.
  4. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/76069364/broadcaster-des-coppins-returns-to-wellington-cup-for-45th-time
  5. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/98640007/flashback--from-farm-horse-to-famous
  6. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/130990603/150-years-of-thrills-spills-and-celebrity-spotting-at-the-wellington-cup
  7. https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/8428115/Wellington-Cup-win-high-point-of-career
  8. "Flashback: When Wellington's cup went south". 19 January 2018.
  9. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/51388/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  10. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/50524/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  11. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/49661/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  12. https://www.racing.com/news/2021-01-30/news-waisake-wins-wellington-cup
  13. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/48579/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  14. "Racing: Waverley's Soleseifei wins another Wellington Cup for the Lupton family".
  15. "Soleseifei wins Wellington Cup in fairytale for Lupton family". 18 January 2020.
  16. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/47468/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  17. "Lightweight Gorbachev wins in desperate finish to Wellington Cup". 19 January 2019.
  18. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/46503/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  19. "Magic Chai and Michael McNab grab Wellington Cup". 20 January 2018.
  20. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/45401/10/Race-Detail.aspx
  21. "Savaria just gets the better of Jacksstar to win the Wellington Cup". 21 January 2017.
  22. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/44566/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  23. "Racing: Mister Impatience digs deepest for Wellington Cup victory".
  24. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/43475/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  25. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/65388875/maygrove-wins-wellington-cup-in-what-could-be-part-one-of-memorable-double was-for-lib-petagna
  26. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/42236/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  27. "Graces hope Graphic designs Cup victory". 24 January 2014.
  28. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/40854/9/Race-Detail.aspx
  29. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/39825/8/Race-Detail.aspx
  30. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/38350/8/Race-Detail.aspx
  31. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/37415/8/Race-Detail.aspx
  32. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/36315/8/Race-Detail.aspx
  33. "Taranaki breeders celebrate Megapins' Wellington Cup win".
  34. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/35423/7/Race-Detail.aspx
  35. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/34486/7/Race-Detail.aspx
  36. "News Article - Australian Harness Racing".
  • Winners list at Thoroughbred Heritage
  • Wellington Cup Day at Trentham Racecourse
  • http://www.racenet.com.au
  • http://www.nzracing.co.nz
  • http://www.tab.co.nz
  • http://www.racebase.co.nz
  • The Great Decade of New Zealand racing 1970-1980. Glengarry, Jack. William Collins Publishers Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2018 (47th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2017 (46th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2008 (37th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2005 (34th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2004 (33rd edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2000 (29th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1997 (26th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1995 (24th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1994 (23rd edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Meadowset Publishing, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1991 (20th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1987 (16th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1985 (Fourteenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1984 (Thirteenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1982 (Eleventh edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1981 (Tenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1980 (Ninth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1979 (Eighth edition).Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1978 (Seventh edition).Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1976. Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland.
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