Crown part of Cup Day

One of the feature races on Cup Day at Invercargill is the Robin Dundee Crown which was first raced for in 1990.

The race was initially funded by a series of trotting quizzes hosted throughout the province which were sponsored by DB Draught.

The money raised through quiz entry and raffles paid for a portion of the stakes and trophy which features an insert of Southland’s favourite mare Robin Dundee.

The inaugural event was worth $12,500 and was won by the Peter Bagrie trained and driven Margaret Fields.

Over the years some good mares have won the race including Pay Me Back, There’s A Franco, Joyfulbelle and Beaudiene Bad Babe.

In the thirty one year history of the race the most successful driver has been Clark Barron at four, while Murray Brown has won three Robin Dundee Crowns.

Last year for the first time the race was sponsored by Diamond Creek Farm and Southern Bred Southern Reared who will continue their involvement this year.

This year’s feature for fillies and mares is worth $25,000 and will be raced over 1700 metres. The current race record of 2-01.4 is held by 2017 winner Betta Go Fernco.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink