Some facts about the Group One $1 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
* First run in 1863 when won by Barwon.
* Between 1863 and 1942 run over 18 furlongs (3600m).
* From 1943-1962 run over 17 furlongs and 110 yards (3500m).
* In 1963 it was run over 14 furlongs (2800m) and since 1964 over 10 furlongs (2000m).
* Run at weight-for-age between 1979-1981 and since 1987; run as a handicap 1982-86.
* Has been won by some of the greats of the Australasian turf including Tim Whiffler (1867), Malua (1886), Welkin Prince (1962-63), Craftsman (1965-66), Gay Icarus (1971), Leilani (1975), Ming Dynasty (1978, 1980), Dulcify (1979), Hyperno (1981), Bonecrusher (1987), Vo Rogue (1989, 1990), Better Loosen Up (1991), Let’s Elope (1992), Veandercross (1993), Saintly (1996), Octagonal (1997), Dane Ripper (1998), Northerly (2001, 2003), Lonhro (2004), Makybe Diva (2005), Sirmione (2008), Zipping (2010).
* Most successful trainer: 13 Bart Cummings – Arctic Coast (1968), Gladman (1973), Leilani (1975), Lord Dudley (1976), Ngawyni (1977), Ming Dynasty (1978, 1980), Hyperno (1981), Noble Peer (1985), Let’s Elope (1992), Saintly (1996), Dane Ripper (1998), Sirmione (2008). Cummings will be represented by Precedence on Saturday.
* Most successful jockey: 8 Tom Hales – Lurline (1875), Richmond (1876), Savanaka (1879), Navigator (1883), Morpeth (1884), Trident (1887), Carlyon (1888), Dreadnought (1890).
* Other winning trainers with runners this year: Mick Price – Heart of Dreams (Pompeii Ruler 2007); Robert Hickmott – C’Est La Guerre, Mourayan, Linton (Zipping 2010); David Hayes – Laristan (Niconero 2009, Better Loosen Up 1991).
* Winning jockeys with rides this year: Nicholas Hall – C’Est la Guerre (Zipping 2010); Craig Williams – Moudre (Niconero 2009); Craig Newitt – Playing God (Roman Arch 2006, Pompeii Ruler 2007).
* Makybe Diva set the Flemington 2000m record of 1:58.73 in 2005.
AAP TURF
