Cup returned to its former glory

ONCE touted as the ‘Cup that grew’, Kilmore’s flagship event attracted the best pacers from around the nation during his halcyon days.

Inaugurated in 1964, the 300-pound Cup was captured by You Crovottie, which overcame a 36-yard handicap with trainer Bill Davies in the cart.

An interesting side note, You Crovottie was leased by Club committeeman Con Kenna just for the day so he could have a runner in the feature…a precursor to ‘renting’ a slot runner perhaps!

From its humble beginning, the Cup’s rapid growth saw it become Australia’s richest provincial Cup – thoroughbreds include.

Names such as Welcome Advice, Paleface Adios, Koala King, Pure Steel, Neveda Smoke and arguably the all-time greatest Popular Alm are etched onto the Cup’s honour roll.

Reaching its peak stake of $55,000 in 1990 when won by Amendment, the Cup sadly remained stagnant – evening going backward – to become a shadow of its former self.

A prizemoney boost to $100,000 in 2003 lifted the Cup back to where it belonged, with Group One status attached to the major.

Disappointingly, that only lasted three years, with the stake dropping as low as $60,000 before fluctuating during the next decade.

After more than 20 years in limbo, the Kilmore Cup is ready for a new era of glory, beginning with tomorrow night’s $150,000 edition.

The late Bob Cain, who published the award-winning book ‘Kilmore the Cup that grew’ in 1980 will be looking down from heaven’s bar with a smile as the Cup is once again listed as a Group One.

And just like days of old, the field consists of a champion, a New Zealand hopeful and one of the sport’s rising stars.

Republican Party fills the role as the Kiwi raider, Miki To Success is the up-and-comer, while Leap To Fame is the champion.

In fact, some believe Leap To Fame is the new owner of the title as Australia’s all-time greatest, dethroning Popular Alm!

Trained by Cran and Carter Dalgety, Republican Party has drawn to make the 2180-metre clash interesting from barrier two, while Miki To Success, which is first-up from a 10-week break, faces a daunting task gate five.

Continuing his quest for Harness Racing Victoria’s $1million bonus, Leap To Fame is the sole starter on the second line.

The governing body has offered the phenomenal sum to the connections of any pacer which can win four of the six specified races – Leap To Fame has won two.

Only two legs remain, Kilmore and the A G Hunter Cup in Melton next week.

TAB Fixed Odds have Leap To Fame listed as a $1.20 favourite, with Republican Party at $3.80 the only other runner under double figures.

Along with his $1million bid, Leap To Fame is closing in on the Australasian record for the most Group One wins.

The Grant Dixon-trained stallion currently sits equal third with Imthemightyquinn and Gammalite with 14 Group Ones.

Westburn Grant boasts a record 16, with 15 in Australia and one in New Zealand.

Kiwi pair Lyell Creek and Lazarus are second with 15.

Ironically, should Leap To Fame claim the Kilmore and Hunter Cups (along with the $1million bonus), his 16 Group Ones will also consist of 15 in Australia and one in New Zealand!

Westburn Grant was retired in 1993 as Australia’s richest standardbred with a bankroll of $2,074,916.

That title now belongs to Leap To Fame with earnings of $5,169,359.