Local hope Blonde Star wins the Hobart Cup in track record time.
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.
Sent out a $31 chance, the daughter of Starcraft outstayed the race favourite to score in a photo finish and breaking the 2400m course record at Elwick in the process.
The win means the Hobart Cup will stay in Tasmania for the first time since Toorak Affair in 2020.
With some problems coming to light following her last start, it makes the win even sweeter for Miller.
“We knew she’d run well today. Things didn’t really go our way at Devonport, so it’s probably been unlucky there,” she said.
“I thought her run was good last start, but maybe she wasn’t at her best, and she pulled up and had a few little niggling issues in between runs, so really very happy obviously with her today.
“She’s a ripping little horse and she’s a beautiful horse to have around. She tries hard, she’s consistent. I mean, can’t really fault her. We all love her.”
Miller’s partner and former jockey Brendon McCoul added: “This last week, since her last run, we’ve been really, really happy with her. I said to the owners before the race, we’re a lot more confident with her leading into this.”
“It’s obviously a tougher race than last start here, but we were much happier with her leading into this race. Very confident she’d run well and ecstatic to get the win.”
After drawing barrier five, Byrne Burke was left racing three-wide with cover through the first half of the race.
With around 800m left to run, the Irishwoman had to get physical, keeping her rival in a pocket as they turned off the back straight with the five-year-old beginning to improve around the turn.
She was there to strike at the top of the straight but had to fight for the win, with Ziryab and Taramansour fighting gamely either side of the mare.
Blonde Star hit the line alongside the race favourite Ziryab, with the judge having to deliberate for some time before the number nine was announced the winner.
Erica Byrne Burke was ecstatic with the win.
“I’m in disbelief. I didn’t believe it until I came back and saw the number and everyone’s cheering, but, yeah, I can’t believe it,” she said.
“She was so good. I can probably say now I gave it a bad ride. I wanted to do this for Brendon and (Imogen), and all the owners, it’s just great.
“I was just saying in my head, just don’t hit the front too soon. It’s a long way from home. But, God, she was gutsy.
“To win a Hobart Cup, it doesn’t really feel real. For Brendon and Imogen to keep me on his horse, they’ve been very good and great supporters. I’m kind of lost for words, really. It’s just brilliant.”
Blonde Star edged out the Ciaron Maher-trained Ziryab ($3.20) by a nose, with Distrustful Award ($26) rounding out the placings a neck away.
