Dalgety team to bring the Party for Hunter Cup glory

Auckland Cup winner Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight) is set to start his Australian harness racing journey and make his way to Melbourne later tonight (Jan 15).

The Kiwi pacer who boasts Group 1 status with wins in both the prestigious Auckland and Invercargill Cup will land in Melbourne ahead of the Feb 1 Sportsbet A.G Hunter Cup.

Co-trainer Cran Dalgety confirmed the six-year-old’s travel arrangements.

“He is leaving today (Jan 15) from Auckland to Melbourne and will then hopefully race on the 25^th at Melton and then work towards the Hunter Cup,” Dalgety said.

The horse by Democrat Party has had one run since his Auckland triumph on New Year’s Eve,2024.

“He won at Cambridge last week and he beat a really nice horse over here called Don’t Stop Dreaming,” he said.

The pacer is set to stay with a fellow New Zealand trainer-driver who boasts an incredible seven A.G Hunter Cups.

“He will stay at Melton with Anthony Butt,” he said.

Cran son, Carter, will drive the pacer and will join up with dad in the next week.

“He won’t come down until race day and will drive him for the Casey Classic and the A.G Hunter Cup,” he said.

The Group 1 $250,000 Sportsbet A.G Hunter Cup is will headline a massive card of racing which includes the Great Southern Star for square gaiters.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria