The Brent Shirley trained, Nathan Williamson driven Costa Del Magnifico added to his harness racing 'cups record' when he won the McDowell Painting and Decorating Gore Grass Track Cup.
His time of 3-20.4 was a new race and track record beating the old record of 3-27.6 recorded by Titian Banner which won last years Cup.
With 1200 metres to run Dexter Dunn took second favourite Sovereign Banner to the lead and Williamson sent Costa Del Magnifico forward shortly after. By the 900 metres he'd hit the lead and from there he won untouched, by two lengths from Acolyte.
The last 800 metres was run in 57. 7 and last 400 in 28.7. Impressive on a grass track.
He has now won the Gore Grass Cup, Northern Southland Summer Cup, Southern Country Cups Final, Invercargill Cup, Wairio and Winton Cups.
Today's win was his twelfth in thirty five starts.
The track today at Gore was lightning fast with six track records being broken. They were as follows:
- Eamon McGuire: 2-15.3 over 1800 metres mobile for three year old colts and geldings. The old record of 2-19.4 was held by Fiery Ferret.
- Sheezus 2-18 .6 over 1800 metres mobile for three year old fillies. The old record of 2-29.0 was held by Canderdal .
- Envious 2-17.0 over 1800 metres mobile for mares. Old record – 2-21.5 was held by Vera's Delight.
- Costa Del Magnifico 3-20.4 for the 2600 open stand. Previous record of 3-27.6 was held by Titian Banner.
- Explosive Star 3-30.6 for the 2600 metres open stand for trotters. The record was held by Ottawa at 3-33.0.
- 2600 metre stand for trotting mares. The new record is now 3-33.3 claimed by Delestic. The old record of 3-44.4 was held by Chiola Belle.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing
