“I’m actually out of breath. What a great horse. I couldn’t get away fast enough to get any better. I thought I’d take that opportunity at the front and get next to them. He was still riding well on the 600. What a beast. He’s so strong and fast. He’s incredible.” said winning trainer and driver Luke McCarthy after the win.
When McCarthy decided to move across the field, he knew he would be placed wide, but he had complete confidence in his horse’s endurance.
“I knew there was no wind (parked position) with Leap To Fame there. I just waited until I could get next to him and just let him sit there. If you leave it too late, you’ll get pushed off the track.”
Owner Mick Harvey paid a $25,000 fine for participating in today’s Cup.
“In his last few starts he has beaten Swayzee and Leap To Fame and they are the benchmark horses in Australia. To come out today and beat a champion like Leap To Fame in the New Zealand Cup is huge.”
At the end of the 3200m run, Kinman’s margin of victory was one and a half lengths, with Leap To Fame finishing second and Merlin three-quarters of a length back in third.
“The New Zealand Trotting Cup is the best. I’ve been to the Elitloppet and the Little Brown Jug, but here in Canterbury it’s the mecca of trotting racing. I’m lucky enough to have a horse good enough to try it out,” McCarthy said.
The winning time was 3-54.8.
“It’s the biggest thrill I’ve had while racing. I’m so proud of the horse. I bred him and many kudos to Luke who managed this horse. He had so much confidence. There were some who doubted Thomas but we were always positive. Winning this iconic race is just a dream,” said Harvey. “This is the best running race in the world and it’s just an amazing thrill to be part of it.”
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
#Notable #Cup #win #Kinman