Invercargill Cup richest ever

Next month the Invercargill Harness Racing Club will host Southland’s richest stakes race across both galloping and harness racing codes.

The Invercargill Cup which has been run since 1960 has received a major stakes boost, rising from $30,000 to $100,000 and lifting from Group Three to Group One status.

Here are some interesting facts about this iconic Southland race.

In the race’s history, five year olds have been the most successful, winning the race twenty three times. The last mare to win the Cup was There’s A Franco in 1998.

Three horses, Prince Rashad (1996-1997), Blossom Lady (1991 – 1992) and Laser Lad (1986- 1988) have won the Invercargill Cup twice. Whilst it’s most successful trainer was Colin Baynes who trained Richana (1964), Rocking Berry (1982) and Dab Chick (1983) to win the Ascot Park feature.

The two most successful Cup drivers have been Blair Orange (6) and Henry Skinner (5).

Skinner’s winners were Majeur (1966), Stella Frost (1969), Balgove (1976), Old Bailey (1985) and Emcee (1987) while Orange was successful driving The Tough Nut (2000), Harnetts Creek (2004), Highview Tommy (2011), Saveapatrol (2014), Johnny Fox (2015) and Classie Brigade (2017).

The race record (3200 metres) is held by Classie Brigade (2017) 3-53.5.

It’ll be a happy winner that get’s it’s name added to the Ascot Park Hotel sponsored Invercargill Cup in 2022. A whole other level of success.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink