Blonde Star has caused an upset in the Hobart Cup (2400m), giving both trainer Imogen Miller and jockey Erica Byrne Burke their first Group 3 victory.
The daughter of Starcraft sent a $31 chance and left the race favorite to score in a photo finish, breaking the course record in the 2400 meters at Elwick.
The win means the Hobart Cup remains in Tasmania for the first time since Toorak Affair in 2020.
With some issues coming to light after her last start, it makes the win even sweeter for Miller.
“We knew she would do well today. It didn’t really go the way we wanted in Devonport so it was probably an accident there,” she said.
“I thought her run last start was good, but maybe she wasn’t at her best, and she stopped and had a few little niggles between runs, so I was obviously very happy with her today.
“She’s a little horse and she’s a beautiful horse to have around. She tries her best, she’s consistent. I mean, I can’t really fault her. We all love her.”
Miller’s partner and former jockey Brendon McCoul added: “Over the last week, since her last run, we’ve been very, very happy with her. I said to the owners before the race that we have a lot more confidence that she will lead this.”
“It’s obviously a tougher race than the previous start here, but we were much happier with her lead in this race. I was confident she would run well and was ecstatic to get the win.”
After pulling barrier five, Byrne Burke continued to race three wide at cover for the first half of the race.
With around 800 meters to go, the Irish woman had to get physical and keep her rival in the pocket as they turned down the straight, while the five-year-old started to improve around the bend.
She was there to strike at the top of the straight but had to fight for the win, with Ziryab and Taramansour fighting bravely either side of the mare.
Blonde Star crossed the line alongside race favorite Ziryab, with the jury having to deliberate for some time before declaring number nine the winner.
Erica Byrne Burke was ecstatic with the win.
“I don’t believe it. I didn’t believe it until I came back and saw the song and everyone was cheering, but yeah, I can’t believe it,” she said.
“She was so good. I can probably say now that I had a bad ride with it. I wanted to do this for Brendon and (Imogen), and all the owners, it’s just amazing.”
“I just said in my head, ‘Don’t touch the front too quickly. It’s a long way from home. But God, she was brave.’
“To win a Hobart Cup, it doesn’t really feel real. The fact that Brendon and Imogen kept me on his horse, they were really good and great supporters. I don’t really have words for it. It’s just brilliant.”
Blonde Star beat the Ciaron Maher-trained Ziryab ($3.20) by a nose, while Distrustful Award ($26) rounded out the placings by a neck.
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