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 (2024)

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.

History

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

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]

The 2024 edition was on the last race-day of calling by Tony Lee, after a 40 year careeer.[8]

Records

Speed record:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners of the Wellington Cup since 1960

Year
 Winner
 Wgt
 Age
 Jockey
 Trainer
 Owner
 Time
 Second
 Third
2024[10] Mary Louise[11] 56 5m Craig Grylls Robbie Patterson, New Plymouth E M & N A Bourke & A R Piercy 3:23.65 (soft) Fierce Flight 58 Canheroc 53
2023 [12] Leaderboard 53 8g Joe Doyle Mark Walker Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin) 3.33.01 (heavy) Contemplation 54 Dionysus 57
2022 [13] Lincoln King 56 7g Craig Grylls Stephen Marsh Lincoln Farms Bloodstock Ltd, Wellfield Holdings Ltd, Exempt Bloodstock Ltd, Stephen Marsh & Peter Gillespie 3:23.21 Starrybeel 55.5 He No Opilio 54
2021 [14] Waisake 53[15] 6g Samantha Collett Alan Sharrock, New Plymouth LR Butler, JM & KA Horner, A & NJ Macdonald, B & E Menzies, PV Mullen, BC & MC Schumacher & SA Sharrock 3:22.85 Bluey's Chance 53 Justamaiz 53
2020 [16] Soleseifei [17] 53 7m Trudy Thornton Jaimee-Lee Lupton, Waverley [18] L Ridge & Ms M Slagter 3:20.03 The Good Fight 54 Toms 55.5
2019 [19] Gorbachev [20] 53 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 53 Prince Jabeel 59
2018 [21] [22] Magic Chai [23] 53 5g Michael McNab Tony Pike, Cambridge MA & Mrs SL Treweek 3:25.19 Sampson 53 Alinko Prince 53
2017 [24] [25] Savaria [26] 56.5 5m Hayden Tinsley Roydon Bergerson, Awapuni DP & Mrs KC Fleming 3:21.90 Jackstar 58 Perfect Start 56.5
2016 [27] Mister Impatience[28] 52.5 6g Samantha 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 53 Sampson 56
2015 [29] Maygrove [30] 52.5 5g Matthew Cameron Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge JML Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr L Petagna) & PW O'Rourke 2:26.65 (2400m) Perfect Start 53 She's Insatiable 52
2014 [31] Graphic 52 5g Craig Grylls Michael Moroney & Chad Ormsby, Matamata Christopher R & Susanna Grace[32] 2:29.30 (2400m) Skysoblue 53 Guns At Five 57
2013 [33] Blood Brotha 54 7g Lisa Allpress Raymond Connors, Bulls M S & R M Connors 2:31.32 (2400m) Annie Higgins 52.5 Dolmabache 54
2012 [34] Six O'Clock News 56 7g Leith Innes Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young, Cambridge Six O'Clock News Syndicate 2:31.33 (2400m) Spiro 58 The Jungle Boy 56
2011 [35] 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 54.5 Loose Change 52.5
2010 [36] 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 52.5 Manonamission 55
2009 [37] Megapins [38] 52.5 5m Trudy Thornton John & Karen Parsons, Balcairn W R Campbell et al. 2.28.32 (2400m) Borninthestates 53 Young Centaur 56.5
2008 [39] [40] Young Centaur 53.5 5g Michael Walker John Sargent, Matamata J G Sargent & A Soon Shiong 3.22.15 Resolution 52.5 Mirkola Lass 57
2007 [41] Willy Smith 55 5g Matthew Cameron Mark Todd, Cambridge Mrs M K Hain & M McPhail 3.22.11 Mirkola Lass 53.5 Everswindell 53
2006 Envoy 57.5 7 Grant Cooksley Ken Kelso, Matamata K & B Kelso, R & J White 3:22.38 Viz Vitae 58 Kajema 55.5
2005[42] Zabeat 53.5 5 Peter Johnson Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka A.M. Goodwin & Mrs. D.M. Logan 3:20.73 Gorgeous George 52 From Heaven 52
2004[43] Cluden Creek 51.5 5 Andrew Calder John Boon, Waverley B Barber, W Purvis & A MacDonald 3:26.49 Bel Air 53.5 Ebony Honour 52.5
2003 Oarsman 52.5 5 Gary Grylls Paul Duncan B E & R W Punch 3:19.53 Wolf Creek 51.5 Mojo 52
2002 Cyclades 54.5 6 Lance O'Sullivan Cydne Evans, Waverley D N & W E Pye 3:20.20 Ebony Honor 54 Blanchard 54
2001 Smiling Like 52 6 Michael Walker Graeme Rogerson Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan 3:22.04 Ebony Honor 52 Starina 52
2000[44] 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 51 The Gifted Shifta 50.5
1999 Miss Bailey 51 7 Leanne Isherwood Grant Cullen, Hastings Grant Cullen et al. 3:21.91 Emerald 51 Beechwood Road 53
1998 Aerosmith 52 5 Grant Cooksley Peter & Nikki Hurdle, Awapuni AB & DG Smith 3:22.62 Magnet Bay 52 Altrista 56
1997[45] Ed 53 7 Lance O'Sullivan Noel Eales, Awapuni AJ & Mrs LM Crooks 3:17.39 Bonsai Pipeline 51.5 Magnet Bay 56
1996 Yes Indeed 54.5 6 Jock Caddigan Michael Moroney, Matamata DJ & Mrs MA Deegan 3:17.85 Magnet Bay 54 Sapio 55
1995[46] Ed 52 5 Damien Oliver Cecil Beckett, Riverton AJ (Bert) & Mrs LM (Margaret) Crooks 3:18.25 Yes Indeed 50.5 All In Fun 57
1994[47] Castletown 58 7g Noel Harris Patrick Busuttin, Foxton PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris 3:18.63 Tawbeau 48.5 Ultimate Aim 52.5
1993 Dancing Lord 48.5 6 Leanne Isherwood MI Pearson, Hastings KS Lee 3:18.19 Ebury 48 Tall Emperor 49
1992 Castletown 58 5g Noel Harris Patrick Busuttin, Foxton PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris 3:19.33 Schnapps 50.5 The Yapper 50
1991[48] Castletown 55 4g Noel Harris Patrick Busuttin, Foxton PM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris 3:18.37 Shuzohra 55.5 Coconut 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 54 All Nighter 52.5
1989 Noble Khan 48 7 Peter Ayres Don Sellwood, Hastings R J Fleetwood, Mrs M C Kuzmich, D G Terry & J A Willmott 3:19.21 Fleetward Lad 50.3 Bouillan 48.5
1988 Daria's Fun 53.5 6 Gary Stewart Mrs S E H Ellis D A Hodgetts, D W Mayers & M D Richardson 3:15.59 Banderol 49.5 Double Lang 51.5
1987[49] Rastes 49 6 Paul Taylor Danny Walker N K Allen, Miss P S Brough, P J Marron Jnr & R D Seivers 3:22.56 Blovinski 53.5 Lu 51.5
1986 Samasaan 54 5 Chris Johnson Garth Jackson, Riccarton M R Bell, I H Harrison, G A Jackson 3:23.22 Curved Air 52 Whitole 56
1985[50] Imaprince 51 4 Philip Mercer Mick Preston, Otaki J C Bell 3:22.27 Secured Deposit 57 Duanette's Girl 49
1984[51] Secured Deposit 51.5 4 Neil Hain Neville Atkins, Waiuku Eileen Mackley, Dale Ralph & Neville Atkins 3:22.6 Isle of Man 54.5 Suttle Knight 50.5
1983 Kiwi 50.5 5g Jimmy Cassidy E S (Snow) Lupton, Waverley E S & Mrs Lupton 3:20.29 Maurita 50.5 Macloud 50.5
1982[52] Ruakuna 53 6 Stephen Autridge Leonie Pratt, Cambridge M H Tims & Estate W J Pratt 3:19.25 Azawary 50 Unique 48.5
1981[53] Koiro Trelay 53.5 5 Phillip Smith Eric Temperton, Awapuni D G Canning 3:18.75 Arethusa 50 Eruption 52.5
1980[54] Cubacade 52 6 Jim Walker Don Couchman, Hawera R & Mrs Gallagher 3:23.51 Zamalou 53 Koiro Trelay 51.5
1979[55] Big Gamble 51 5 Toby Autridge Howie Mathews, Matamata D P McLennan, H J & Mrs Tapper 3:19.25 Northfleet 49 Magistrate 53
1978 [56] Good Lord 58 6g David Peake Ray Verner, Takanini M L Hines 3:18.00 Big Gamble 49.5 Caruba 51.5
1977 Good Lord 53 5g Bruce Compton Ray Verner, Takanini M L Hines 3:24.5 Show Gate 57 Our Countess 53
1976[57] Guest Star 53.5 5 Maurice Campbell Ivan & I R Tucker, Takanini I J Tucker 3:20.75 Royal Dell 49.25 Oopik 56.5
1975 Timon 52 6 Gary Willets Frederick Phillips, Matangi G R Pollock 3:23.00 Guest Star 52 Apollo Eleven 53
1974 Battle Heights 54 6g Alwin Tweedie Tim Douglas, Morrinsville R F & Mrs Douglas 3:23.5 Manchero 48 Rose Mellay 55.5
1973 Rustler 7.11 4 David Peake Merv Ritchie, Takanini J C & Mrs Fletcher 3:20.75 Glengowan
1972 Simon de Montfort 7.8 6 Brian Dodds Fred Meynell, Hawera Mrs T G Whenlan 3:17.75 Suttle Duty Free
1971 Ansin 7.4 5 David Peake Jack Winder, Te Rapa M I Matulich 3:19.25 Princess Mellay Spectre
1970 Il Tempo 7.12 7 Neil Riordan Bruce Priscott, Te Awamutu W B Priscott 3:16.75
1969 City Court 8.0 4 Bob Skelton Ray Wallace, Takanini A K Sharp 3:17.50 Il Tempo Spring Filou
1968 Loofah 8.5 4 Bill Skelton Buster O’Malley, Levin A O’Malley 3:20.25 Bright Chief Il Tempo
1967 Michael Molloy 7.5 4 Murray Long Jim Hely, Te Rapa S Caddigan & Estate H P Long 3:19.75 Palisade Red Siren
1966 Red Crest 7.7 5 Brian Andrews[58] Jack Winder, Te Rapa I A McMullin & J F Rendle 3:27.5 Eiffel Tower Clipjoint
1965 Eiffel Tower 7.5 4 Midge Didham Bill Hillis, Riverton W E Hazlett 3:22.75 Dandeinee Calm Court
1964 Gay Filou 8.3 6 Grenville Hughes Ivan McClure, Riccarton D D Fea & R Smith 3:21.25 Polo Prince Summer Regent
1963 Great Sensation 9.7 10g Bob Skelton Mick Brown, Wingatui D W Brown 3:19 Stipulate Blue Blade
1962 Great Sensation 9.6 9g Bob Skelton Mick Brown, Wingatui D W Brown 3:20 Ruato Marwon
1961 Great Sensation 9.2 8g Bob Skelton Mick Brown, Wingatui D W Brown 3:17.5 Quite Able Ilumquh
1960 Jalna 7.5 4 Billy Smith Dave Arnott, Te Aroha H C Adams & P G Henwood 3:18 Sparkler Great Sensation

Earlier winners

See also

References

  1. ^ "Wellington Cup Winners". Wellington Racing Club.
  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. ^ HYSLOP, LIAM (21 January 2016). "Broadcaster Des Coppins returns to Wellington Cup for 45th time". Stuff.
  5. ^ Teixeira, Kelvin (10 November 2017). "Flashback: Kiwi flies to legendary Melbourne Cup win in 1983". Stuff.
  6. ^ Boyack, Nicholas (20 January 2023). "150 years of thrills, spills and celebrity spotting at the Wellington Cup". Stuff.
  7. ^ Reporter, Timaru Herald Staff (14 March 2013). "Wellington Cup win high point of career". Stuff.
  8. ^ "Stuff". www.stuff.co.nz.
  9. ^ "Flashback: When Wellington's cup went south". 19 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Race 9 NZ CAMPUS OF INNOVATION & SPORT WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 20 JAN 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  11. ^ "Stuff". www.stuff.co.nz.
  12. ^ "Race 9 NZ CAMPUS OF INNOVATION SPORT WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 28 JAN 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  13. ^ "Race 9 NZ CAMPUS OF INNOVATION & SPORT WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 29 JAN 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  14. ^ "Race 9 NZ CAMPUS OF INNOVATION & SPORT WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 30 JAN 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  15. ^ Desk, New Zealand Racing. "Waisake wins Wellington Cup". RACING.COM.
  16. ^ "Race 9 NZ CAMPUS OF INNOVATION & SPORT WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 18 JAN 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  17. ^ "Racing: Waverley's Soleseifei wins another Wellington Cup for the Lupton family". NZ Herald. 16 December 2023.
  18. ^ "Soleseifei wins Wellington Cup in fairytale for Lupton family". 18 January 2020.
  19. ^ "Race 9 NZ CAMPUS OF INNOVATION & SPORT WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 19 JAN 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  20. ^ "Lightweight Gorbachev wins in desperate finish to Wellington Cup". 19 January 2019.
  21. ^ "Race 9 WALLACEVILLE ESTATE CASTLETOWN WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 20 JAN 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  22. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2018 (47th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
  23. ^ "Magic Chai and Michael McNab grab Wellington Cup". 20 January 2018.
  24. ^ "Race 10 WALLACEVILLE ESTATE WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 21 JAN 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  25. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2017 (46th edition). Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
  26. ^ "Savaria just gets the better of Jacksstar to win the Wellington Cup". 21 January 2017.
  27. ^ "Race 9 WALLACEVILLE ESTATE WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 23 JAN 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  28. ^ "Racing: Mister Impatience digs deepest for Wellington Cup victory".
  29. ^ "Race 9 PLATINUM HOMES WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 24 JAN 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  30. ^ 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
  31. ^ "Race 9 PLATINUM HOMES WELLINGTON CUP (GROUP II) at WELLINGTON RC on 25 JAN 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  32. ^ "Graces hope Graphic designs Cup victory". 24 January 2014.
  33. ^ "Race 9 PACIFIC JEWELLERS WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 26 JAN 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  34. ^ "Race 8 PACIFIC JEWELLERS WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 28 JAN 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  35. ^ "Race 8 CENTURY CITY WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 29 JAN 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  36. ^ "Race 8 CENTURY CITY WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 30 JAN 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  37. ^ "Race 8 CENTURY CITY DEVELOPMENTS WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 24 JAN 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  38. ^ "Taranaki breeders celebrate Megapins' Wellington Cup win".
  39. ^ "Race 7 CENTURY CITY DEVELOPMENTS WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 26 JAN 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  40. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2008 (37th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
  41. ^ "Race 7 CENTURY CITY DEVELOPMENTS WELLINGTON CUP at WELLINGTON RC on 27 JAN 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  42. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2005 (34th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
  43. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2004 (33rd edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
  44. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2000 (29th edition). Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
  45. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1997 (26th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
  46. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1995 (24th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
  47. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1994 (23rd edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Meadowset Publishing, Auckland, New Zealand.
  48. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1991 (20th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  49. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1987 (16th edition). Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  50. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1985 (Fourteenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  51. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1984 (Thirteenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  52. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1982 (Eleventh edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  53. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1981 (Tenth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  54. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1980 (Ninth edition). Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  55. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1979 (Eighth edition).Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  56. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1978 (Seventh edition).Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
  57. ^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1976. Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland.
  58. ^ "News Article - Australian Harness Racing".
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