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 (2024)

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]

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

1954 racebook

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:

  • 6 - R Derrett (1880, 1881, 1885, 1892, 1894, 1898)
  • 6 - Roy Reed (1919, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1928, 1932)
  • 5 - Bob Skelton (1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1969)[10]


Most wins by a trainer:

Winners of the Wellington Cup since 1953

Year[11]
Winner
Wgt
Age
Breeding
Jockey
Trainer
Owner
Time
Second
Third
2024[12]Mary Louise[13]565mThe Bold One - Daisy Louise by Catbird (AUS)Craig GryllsRobbie Patterson, New PlymouthE M & N A Bourke & A R Piercy3:23.65 (soft)Fierce Flight 58Canheroc 53
2023 [14]Leaderboard538gStreet Cry (IRE) - Flower Fairy (USA) by Dynaformer (USA)Joe DoyleMark WalkerFortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin)3.33.01 (heavy)Contemplation 54Dionysus 57
2022 [15]Lincoln King567gShocking (AUS) - Shi Kin Fly by Shinko King (IRE)Craig GryllsStephen MarshLincoln Farms Bloodstock Ltd, Wellfield Holdings Ltd, Exempt Bloodstock Ltd, Stephen Marsh & Peter Gillespie3:23.21Starrybeel 55.5He No Opilio 54
2021 [16]Waisake53[17]6gZed - Kincia by KinjiteSamantha 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 [18]Soleseifei [19]537mShocking (AUS) - Evaline by Van Nistelrooy (USA)Trudy ThorntonJaimee-Lee Lupton, Waverley [20]L Ridge & Ms M Slagter3:20.03The Good Fight 54Toms 55.5
2019 [21]Gorbachev [22]535gGorky Park - Gimmeawink (AUS) by Carnegie (IRE)Ryan ElliotBryce Newman, BullsP Bardell, F J P Huwyler, B K O'Dea & K T O'Donnell3:22.49Dee And Gee 53Prince Jabeel 59
2018 [23] [24]Magic Chai [25]535gMagic Albert (AUS) - Chai (AUS) by Viscount (AUS)Michael McNabTony Pike, CambridgeMA & Mrs SL Treweek3:25.19Sampson 53Alinko Prince 53
2017 [26] [27]Savaria [28]56.55mSavabeel - Amathea by O'ReillyHayden TinsleyRoydon Bergerson, AwapuniDP & Mrs KC Fleming3:21.90Jackstar 58Perfect Start 56.5
2016 [29]Mister Impatience[30]52.56gHernando (FRA) - Katy Nowaitee (GB) by KomaiteSamantha SprattMichael Moroney & Chad Ormsby, MatamataR Legh, GG Syndicate Ltd, K Millar, G Sharp, A Locantro, H Hansen, J O'Neill, G Van Ameyden, P Merton & L Neradovsky3:21.60Pentathon 53Sampson 56
2015 [31]Maygrove [32]52.55gAuthorized (IRE) - Lady Zhivago by ZabeelMatthew CameronMurray Baker & Andrew Forsman, CambridgeJML Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr L Petagna) & PW O'Rourke2:26.65 (2400m)Perfect Start 53She's Insatiable 52
2014 [33]Graphic525gVolksraad - Taitanium by Kingdom BayCraig GryllsMichael Moroney & Chad Ormsby, MatamataChristopher R & Susanna Grace[34]2:29.30 (2400m)Skysoblue 53Guns At Five 57
2013 [35]Blood Brotha547gDanzigill (AUS) - Laura Dee (NZ) by Personal Escort (USA)Lisa AllpressRaymond Connors, BullsM S & R M Connors2:31.32 (2400m)Annie Higgins 52.5Dolmabache 54
2012 [36]Six O'Clock News567gZabeel (NZ) - Maurine (NZ) by Harbor Prince (USA)Leith InnesTrent Busuttin & Natalie Young, CambridgeSix O'Clock News Syndicate2:31.33 (2400m)Spiro 58The Jungle Boy 56
2011 [37]Spiro535gPyrus (USA) - Radio Rocket (NZ) by Blues Traveller (IRE)Kane SmithSylvia Kay, LevinP J & Mrs S L Kay, Mrs A J, B T, J E & R L Maetzig2:28.82 (2400m)Six O’Clock News 54.5Loose Change 52.5
2010 [38]Red Ruler575gViking Ruler (AUS) - Ransom Bay (USA) by Red Ransom (USA)Mark Du PlessisJohn Sargent, MatamataR J Arculli, A R Meehan & G B Sargent2:27.42 (2400m)Awesome Planet 52.5Manonamission 55
2009 [39]Megapins [40]52.55mPins (AUS) - Instant Divorce (NZ) by Fiesta Star (AUS)Trudy ThorntonJohn & Karen Parsons, BalcairnW R Campbell et al.2.28.32 (2400m)Borninthestates 53Young Centaur 56.5
2008 [41] [42]Young Centaur53.55gJeune (GB) - Centafit (NZ) by Galopede (NZ)Michael WalkerJohn Sargent, MatamataJ G Sargent & A Soon Shiong3.22.15Resolution 52.5Mirkola Lass 57
2007 [43]Willy Smith555gVolksraad (GB) - Sound Lear (NZ) by Sound Reason (CAN)Matthew CameronMark Todd, CambridgeMrs M K Hain & M McPhail3.22.11Mirkola Lass 53.5Everswindell 53
2006Envoy57.57gPersonal Escort (USA) - Sovereign Command by Bold Venture (NZ)Grant CooksleyKen Kelso, MatamataK & B Kelso, R & J White3:22.38Viz Vitae 58Kajema 55.5
2005[44]Zabeat53.55gRhythm (USA) - Zabest by ZabeelPeter JohnsonDonna & Dean Logan, RuakakaA.M. Goodwin & Mrs. D.M. Logan3:20.73Gorgeous George 52From Heaven 52
2004[45]Cluden Creek51.55gYamanin Vital - Fort Girl by Beaufort Sea (USA)Andrew CalderJohn Boon, WaverleyB Barber, W Purvis & A MacDonald3:26.49Bel Air 53.5Ebony Honour 52.5
2003Oarsman52.55gThe Son - Virginia Lake by Royal Loch (IRE)Gary GryllsPaul DuncanB E & R W Punch3:19.53Wolf Creek 51.5Mojo 52
2002Cyclades54.56gAlleged Dash (USA) - Iris La Bonga (AUS) by Inviting (IRE)Lance O'SullivanCydne Evans, WaverleyD N & W E Pye3:20.20Ebony Honor 54Blanchard 54
2001Smiling Like526mStar Way (GB) - Eustaci by Sir Tristram (IRE)Michael WalkerGraeme RogersonSir Patrick & Lady Hogan3:22.04Ebony Honor 52Starina 52
2000[46]Second Coming555mOak Ridge (FR) - Superior Miss by Bassenthwaite (GB)Michael ColemanMichael Moroney & Andrew Scott, MatamataA J Burton, P S Lindberg, Paul Moroney & G G Peterson.3.20.93McDa Knife 51The Gifted Shifta 50.5
1999Miss Bailey517mKing's Island (IRE) - In Style by Pakistan II (GB)Leanne IsherwoodGrant Cullen, HastingsGrant Cullen et al.3:21.91Emerald 51Beechwood Road 53
1998Aerosmith525gIndian Ore (USA) - Luna di Miele by Barcas (USA)Grant CooksleyPeter & Nikki Hurdle, AwapuniAB & DG Smith3:22.62Magnet Bay 52Altrista 56
1997[47]Ed537gHalf Iced (USA) - Mount Joy by Noble Bijou (USA)Lance O'SullivanNoel Eales, AwapuniAJ & Mrs LM Crooks3:17.39Bonsai Pipeline 51.5Magnet Bay 56
1996Yes Indeed54.56gLlanathony - Ivanip by Eastern Nip (IRE)Jock CaddiganMichael Moroney, MatamataDJ & Mrs MA Deegan3:17.85Magnet Bay 54Sapio 55
1995[48]Ed525gHalf Iced (USA) - Mount Joy by Noble Bijou (USA)Damien OliverCecil Beckett, RivertonAJ (Bert) & Mrs LM (Margaret) Crooks3:18.25Yes Indeed 50.5All In Fun 57
1994[49]Castletown587gOne Pound Sterling (GB) - Mona Curragh (IRE) by Levmoss (IRE)Noel HarrisPatrick Busuttin, FoxtonPM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris3:18.63Tawbeau 48.5Ultimate Aim 52.5
1993Dancing Lord48.56gNuage d'Or (USA) - Tingo Time by Bellissimo (FR)Leanne IsherwoodMI Pearson, HastingsKS Lee3:18.19Ebury 48Tall Emperor 49
1992Castletown585gOne Pound Sterling (GB) - Mona Curragh (IRE) by Levmoss (IRE)Noel HarrisPatrick Busuttin, FoxtonPM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris3:19.33Schnapps 50.5The Yapper 50
1991[50]Castletown554gOne Pound Sterling (GB) - Mona Curragh (IRE) by Levmoss (IRE)Noel HarrisPatrick Busuttin, FoxtonPM Busuttin, BJ McCahill, KP Morris3:18.37Shuzohra 55.5Coconut Ice 53
1990Flying Luskin54.55gLuskin Star (AUS) - Queen Amarco (AUS) by Authentic Heir (AUS)Peter JohnsonStephen & Trevor McKee, TakaniniJoe Karam, Trevor McKee, Peter J Walker, John A Wells3:20.52Lord Mellay 54All Nighter 52.5
1989Noble Khan487gRoyal Noble (USA) - Sharonette by Sharivari (USA)Peter AyresDon Sellwood, HastingsR J Fleetwood, Mrs M C Kuzmich, D G Terry & J A Willmott3:19.21Fleetward Lad 50.3Bouillan 48.5
1988Daria's Fun53.56mGo Fun - Daria Song by Skyhawk (GB)Gary StewartMrs S E H EllisD A Hodgetts, D W Mayers & M D Richardson3:15.59Banderol 49.5Double Lang 51.5
1987[51]Rastes496Super Grey (USA) - Sind by SobigPaul TaylorDanny WalkerN K Allen, Miss P S Brough, P J Marron Jnr & R D Seivers3:22.56Blovinski 53.5Lu 51.5
1986Samasaan545Zamazaan (FR) - Desert Love (IRE) by Home Guard (USA)Chris JohnsonGarth Jackson, RiccartonM R Bell, I H Harrison, G A Jackson3:23.22Curved Air 52Whitole 56
1985[52]Imaprince514Heir Apparent II (USA) - Peka Princess by Bottle TopPhilip MercerMick Preston, OtakiJ C Bell3:22.27Secured Deposit 57Duanette's Girl 49
1984[53]Secured Deposit51.54Kirrama - Touch Money by Ironic (GB)Neil HainNeville Atkins, WaiukuEileen Mackley, Dale Ralph & Neville Atkins3:22.6Isle of Man 54.5Suttle Knight 50.5
1983Kiwi50.55gBlarney Kiss (USA) - Malrayvis by Messmate (GB)Jimmy CassidyE S (Snow) Lupton, WaverleyE S & Mrs Lupton3:20.29Maurita 50.5Macloud 50.5
1982[54]Ruakuna536Alvaro (GB) - Te Ruahine by Sajakeda (AUS)Stephen AutridgeLeonie Pratt, CambridgeM H Tims & Estate W J Pratt3:19.25Azawary 50Unique 48.5
1981[55]Koiro Trelay53.55Trelay - Corrieann by Kurdistan (GB)Phillip SmithEric Temperton, AwapuniD G Canning3:18.75Arethusa 50Eruption 52.5
1980[56]Cubacade526Alvaro (GB) - Robin Marie by Rawalpindi (GB)Jim WalkerDon Couchman, HaweraR & Mrs Gallagher3:23.51Zamalou 53Koiro Trelay 51.5
1979[57]Big Gamble515Sobig - Gay Amber by Broiefort (FR)Toby AutridgeHowie Mathews, MatamataD P McLennan, H J & Mrs Tapper3:19.25Northfleet 49Magistrate 53
1978 [58]Good Lord586gZamazaan (FR) - Love in Bloom (AUS) by Todman (AUS)David PeakeRay Verner, TakaniniM L Hines3:18.00Big Gamble 49.5Caruba 51.5
1977Good Lord535gZamazaan (FR) - Love in Bloom (AUS) by Todman (AUS)Bruce ComptonRay Verner, TakaniniM L Hines3:24.5Show Gate 57Our Countess 53
1976[59]Guest Star53.55Crest of the Wave (GB) - Queen's Navy by Bahershah (GB)Maurice CampbellIvan & I R Tucker, TakaniniI J Tucker3:20.75Royal Dell 49.25Oopik 56.5
1975Timon526Oakville (GB) - Catalan by Oman (FR)Gary WilletsFrederick Phillips, MatangiG R Pollock3:23.00Guest Star 52Apollo Eleven 53
1974Battle Heights546gBattle-Waggon (GB) - Wuthering Heights by Avocat General (IRE)Alwin TweedieTim Douglas, MorrinsvilleR F & Mrs Douglas3:23.5Manchero 48Rose Mellay 55.5
1973Rustler7.114Sobig - Verve by RuthlessDavid PeakeMerv Ritchie, TakaniniJ C & Mrs Fletcher3:20.75Glengowan
1972Simon de Montfort7.86Better Honey (GB) - De Montfort by Super (GB)Brian DoddsFred Meynell, HaweraMrs T G Whenlan3:17.75SuttleDuty Free
1971Ansin7.45Cracksman - Fredrika by Jekyll (GB)David PeakeJack Winder, Te RapaM I Matulich3:19.25Princess MellaySpectre
1970Il Tempo7.127Time and Again (IRE) - Timing by Timanova (GB)Neil RiordanBruce Priscott, Te AwamutuW B Priscott3:16.75
1969City Court8.04Final Court (GB) - Melbourne by Underwood (GB)Bob SkeltonRay Wallace, TakaniniA K Sharp3:17.50Il TempoSpring Filou
1968Loofah8.54Arragon (GB) - Lady Doss by Royal Arch (GB)Bill SkeltonBuster O’Malley, LevinA O’Malley3:20.25Bright ChiefIl Tempo
1967Michael Molloy7.54Le Filou (FR) - Fianna Fail by Baffles (GB)Murray LongJim Hely, Te RapaS Caddigan & Estate H P Long3:19.75PalisadeRed Siren
1966Red Crest7.75Gigantic - Lovemorn by NightlyBrian Andrews[60]Jack Winder, Te RapaI A McMullin & J F Rendle3:27.5Eiffel TowerClipjoint
1965Eiffel Tower7.54Kurdistan (GB) - Bell Tower by Columcille (GB)Midge DidhamBill Hillis, RivertonW E Hazlett3:22.75DandeineeCalm Court
1964Gay Filou8.36Le Filou (FR) - Contrive by Contact (AUS)Grenville HughesIvan McClure, RiccartonD D Fea & R Smith3:21.25Polo PrinceSummer Regent
1963Great Sensation9.710gCassock (GB) - Speedy by Irish Lancer (GB)Bob SkeltonMick Brown, WingatuiD W Brown3:19StipulateBlue Blade
1962Great Sensation9.69gCassock (GB) - Speedy by Irish Lancer (GB)Bob SkeltonMick Brown, WingatuiD W Brown3:20RuatoMarwon
1961Great Sensation9.28gCassock (GB) - Speedy by Irish Lancer (GB)Bob SkeltonMick Brown, WingatuiD W Brown3:17.5Quite AbleIlumquh
1960Jalna7.54Count Rendered (GB) - Mahzami by Nizami (FR)Billy SmithDave Arnott, Te ArohaH C Adams & P G Henwood3:18SparklerGreat Sensation
1959Ark RoyalMarco Polo (FR) - Battle Cruiser by Battle Song (GB)Bob SkeltonAshley PowellG J Barton3:20.25
1958YemanSabaean (GB) - Wardress by Lord Warden (GB)R J JuryH Koran & S N Sparks3:19.0
1957SombreroSomeo (IRE) - Seropuri by Bulandshar (GB)Bill BroughtonMrs G Wall3:21.0
1956Fox MythFoxbridge (GB) - Nereid by Neptune (GB)D J WyattHarry S LimmerHarry S Limmer3:21.25
1955Golden GalleonAdmiral's Luck (GB) - Rosina by Nizami (FR)L J HodrenSir Matthew Oram3:22.5
1954Golden TanGolden Souvenir - Miss Tantrum by Siegfried (GB)J GarthG W Hartshone3:22.5
1953Crimson KingBalloch (GB) - Lucetta by Captain Bunsby (GB)M J JenningsJ McNeill3:22.0

Earlier winners

See also

References