It doesn’t happen often but twice in the space of four years a horse completed the Hobart and Launceston Cups double starting back in 2016.
Up Cups
David Pires winning the Hobart Cup aboard Up Cups.
- Chestnut Gelding
- 63 starts
- 8 wins
- 17 minor placings
- $406,950 prizemoney
- First start: March 2013
- Trainer: David Brunton
The rise of Up Cups was a rapid one and seemingly came from nowhere. Less than three months before his Hobart Cup win in 2016 he could only manage a place in benchmark 62 company, but he really found his niche as the distances increased. He won the Brighton and Summer Cups on the way to winning the Hobart Cup and then backed up that performance by adding the Launceston Cup on a wet track at Mowbray. That race ended up being his last career victory.
Eastender
Eastender with an elated Craig Newitt aboard wins the Devonport Cup at Spreyton.
- Bay Gelding
- 28 starts
- 11 wins
- 6 minor placings
- $588,675 prizemoney
- First start: July 2016
- Trainer: Barry Campbell
Not only did Eastender win the 2019 Hobart and Launceston Cups but also the Devonport Cup along the way becoming the first horse in 42 years to achieve that feat. He’s a horse that has always shown great staying ability, evident by winning the St.Leger as a three-year-old. The gelding has only had the one Tasmanian start since that Launceston Cup triumph (winning an open handicap with 65kg), finding his way to the Chris Waller stable where he mixed his form with the highlight being a second in the Listed Parramatta Cup in February this year.
Vote now for your favourite – Up Cups or Eastender
*Voting will close at 14:00 on 20 April. Only the first submission per email address will be considered.