In the mid-2000s, no Southland horse captured the hearts of the province more than the Hamish Hunter-trained Franco Ledger, (Falcon Seelster) and his 2013 Cup win was one of the most remarkable.
Owned by the What Syndicate and Hunter, the five-year-old started all from 30 meters and finished second to last, with River Black and Clark Barron setting the pace.
He was still last with one lap to go. In the 700 meters Hunter made his move and came down the outside to rise and beat River Black by three-quarters of a length.
“In the 600, I thought we could at best get some place money,” Hunter told the press.
His winning time of 3-58.7 marked the first time the 4-00.0 barrier was broken and the record stood for four years.
“That was his best performance. He never gave in. He had to show a lot of courage and speed.”
Members of the What Ever syndicate included Brendon McIntyre and Rob Wilks from Invercargill, Paul O’Neill, John Catherwood and Bevan Dowling from Hyde, Tony O’Neill from Ranfurly, Bruce Harvie from Middlemarch, Mike Cornelissen from Mosgiel, Ken McConnell from Clyde and Neil Tisdall from Perth.
“With one lap to go he had no chance, 500 to go no chance and then you see him coming. There were a few tears afterwards,” McIntyre said after the win.
Franco Ledger recorded twenty-five wins in his stellar career and took home $682,514. of income.
His major wins in New Zealand were the Methven Cup, the Hannon Memorial (twice), the Maurice Holmes Vase and the Central Otago Cup, while in Australia he won the Bohemia Crystal FFA and the Shepperton Cup.
Other winners on Cup Day that year were: Simply Susational (Jonny Cox), Juneamy Castleton (Mark Jones), Deano Robyn (Shane Walkinshaw), Monnay (Matty Williamson), Awesum Teddy (Andrew Armor), Flyin Anvil (Mark Jones), The Receptionist (Natha Williamson), Saveapatrol (Mark Jones), Ardghal (Nathan Williamson), Whitney (Mark Jones) and Highview Macusla (Alan Beck).
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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