In the most remarkable run ever seen in a New Zealand Cup, Kingman (Always B Miki) sat three wide for the last lap and still had the horsepower to beat champion Leap To Fame.

“I’m actually out of breath. What a great horse. I didn’t get away quick enough to get any handier. I thought I’d take that opportunity in the front straight to get up next to them. He was still travelling good at the 600. What an animal. He’s so strong and fast. He’s incredible.” winning trainer and driver Luke McCarthy said after the win.

When McCarthy decided to move around the field he knew he was going to be posted wide, but he had full confidence in his horse’s staying ability.

“I knew there was no breeze (parked position) with Leap To Fame there. I just waited to get next to him and get him to just sit there. If you leave it too late you get pushed off the track.”

Owner Mick Harvey paid a $25,000 late entry fee to run in today’s Cup.

“In his last couple of starts he’s beaten Swayzee and Leap To Fame and they’re the benchmark horses in Australia. To come out today and outstay a champion like Leap To Fame in the New Zealand Cup, it’s massive.”

At the end of the 3200 metre trip Kingman’s winning margin was one and a quarter 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 down here in Canterbury it’s the mecca of harness racing. I’m lucky enough to have a horse good enough to have a go at it,” McCarthy said.

The winning time was 3-54.8.

“It’s the biggest thrill I’ve had in racing. I’m so proud of the horse. I bred him and lot of kudos to Luke who has managed this horse. He had so much faith. There were some doubting Thomas’s but we were always positive. To win this iconic race is just a dream,” Harvey said. “This is the best harness race meeting in the world and it’s just a great thrill to be a part of it.”   

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink