Mo’unga wins action packed Cup

A lot of ducking and diving took place on the front line at the beginning of the Group Two Alabar Kaikoura Cup today and the Regan Todd trained harness racing pacer Mo’unga (Bettors Delight) was one of the benefactors.

From barrier four Kango cut across a number of horses on his outside, affecting Merlin and Wag Star, but Mo’unga and driver Robbie Close were quick enough to avoid the trouble and press forward to take the lead off American Me. Tact McLeod who received a dream run through from the inside of the second row then came round to take up the running, giving Mo’unga the perfect trail.

Turning in, Close drove the five year old up the inside to win easily by three and three quarter lengths from Mossdale Ben with favourite Better Eclipse putting up a brilliant New Zealand trial by running home for third, wide out.

“It worked out perfect. Goose (Robbie Close) won the race early. He didn’t panic and let American Me go and then handed up to the right horse. When the pressure went on a lap out it was good. I was just worried about getting round that last bend. No, he won super,” Todd said.

MO’UNGA REPLAY

The winning time of 2-56.2 was just outside Akuta’s race and track record of 2-55.9.

Mo’unga is owned by Glenys and Phil Kennard, Ken and Karen Breckon, Jim and Ann Gibbs, Gary and Kerry Woodham, Cam Kirkwood and Todd.

“A massive thanks to the owners and Regan who have stuck loyal to me,” Close said.

The win was the second in the Kaikoura Cup for the Kennards, Breckons, Gibbs and Woodhams who also owned the 2018 winner Spankem.

Over the next few hours a big decision needs to be made – whether or not to accept a place in the IRT New Zealand Cup.

“We’ll have a good think about the Cup now and have a yarn amongst us all to see whether we go to next Tuesday,” Todd said.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink