Just when favourite Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight) looked to be out on his feet, the spirit and will to win came from beneath him and he lifted to win the Group One Trillian Trust Auckland Cup.

“I did have heart fibulations at the 100 metres. Even I thought that was scary but it was a real big thrill,” said Cran Dalgety who trains the entire with his wife Chrissie.

After settling handy early, driver Carter Dalgety took the entire to the front and without any midrace challenges was able to get away with some pedestrian sectionals.

It wasn’t until Merlin came round that the action finally heated up and at the line Republican Party had an ever diminishing head to spare on a charging Akuta with Sooner The Bettor half a length back in third.

Due to atrocious conditions, the winning time of 4-05.6 was the slowest in ten years but the last 800 metres was cut out in a sensational 53.8 seconds.

“It’s very good on a perfect track in perfect conditions. So to do that it was exceptional. There were a lot of late runners. Luckily Carter was in front making them catch him rather than him trying to catch them,” Cran said.

REPUBLICAN PARTY REPLAY

“When it comes down to those close finishes it’s just about will to win. He kicked hard,” Carter added.

It was the junior driver’s sixth Group One win this year and caps off a stellar season for the young Canterbury based reinsman.

“It’s been quite incredible. It’s been a great year.”

The win by Republican Party completed the Invercargill/Auckland Cup double for the second year in a row.

Bred by John and Katrina Price of Winton, Republican Party becomes the twelfth pacer to win the Auckland Cup twice and joins some of our greatest pacers on the list of dual winners: Cardigan Bay, Delightful Lady, Luxury Liner, Chokin, Elsu, The Mightyquinn and Self Assured.

“The beer will taste like strawberries tonight,” Cran said.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink