Stewart equals Eureka record as The Last Trip gets the call

The Last Trip (Poster Boy – Fususi) has secured his place in the $1.5 million TAB Eureka after being confirmed as the runner for slot holder Cordina Racing, with Will Rixon to drive.

Rixon did more than pick up the drive. Slot owner Daniel Cordina said the young reinsman played a key role in negotiations with the gelding’s owners, helping get the deal done quickly.

“Will really helped me broker the deal in a short period of time,” Cordina said.

Cordina said The Last Trip had been on his radar for about a month among several good options, but the four-year-old became his preferred choice after winning at Menangle last Saturday night, when he led throughout to win by 4.8m at $1.07 in a 1:50.3 mile rate. The paperwork was signed soon after.

The Last Trip has won 10 of his 14 starts, but his form since joining the Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin stable has been even more impressive, with seven wins and a second from eight starts. His biggest win came in the $100,000 South Australian Pacing Cup at Globe Derby on October 24, when he led throughout and beat Forty Love by just over 15m.

For Rixon, the drive caps a breakthrough year. The 25-year-old, who recently reached 1,000 career wins, has already won the $1.25 million The Nullarbor and the Bathurst Gold Crown in 2026, along with winners in the United States. He said the Eureka was exactly the kind of race he wanted to be part of, and that it would be his first time driving for Stewart and Tonkin.

The selection also gives the Stewart and Tonkin stable four runners in this year’s Eureka, equalling their record from last year. The Last Trip joins Victoria Oaks winner Bettor Beach (Harnesslink), Cigano (Levarg Racing Group) and last year’s runner-up Fox Dan (Team Zav).

The stable has dominated the race’s short history. Encipher beat Leap To Fame to win the inaugural Eureka in 2023, Bay Of Biscay and High Above ran second and third behind Don Hugo in 2024, and Bay Of Biscay and Fox Dan filled the quinella last year.

Eight of the 10 runners are now confirmed: Loucasso (Rampant Standardbreds), Double Lou (The Don), Soho Charmer (Soho Standardbreds), Bettor Beach (Harnesslink), Fate Awaits (Western Jewel), Cigano (Levarg Racing Group), Fox Dan (Team Zav) and The Last Trip (Cordina Racing).

The final two slots belong to Solid Earth and Go Racing, with runners to be named by tomorrow’s deadline. The Seymours are expected to choose one of their own pacers for Solid Earth, either Fire And Passion or Path To Greatness, while an announcement on the Go Racing slot is expected shortly.

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From Harnesslink Media