Stockman Peter and Dhauligiri triumph in Port Pirie Cups

The Port Pirie venue was South Australia’s showpiece on Saturday night with the running of both the Trotters Cup and Pacers Cup each carrying an attractive $26,000 in stake money.

The Listed Hazell Bros Port Pirie Trotters Cup was taken out in grand style by Stockman Peter (Used To Me) who came off 20 metres. Cleverly driven by Corey Johnson Stockman Peter trotted safely throughout.

The race was on from the start with Georgy Girl leading. Three wide in the middle stages Stockman Peter took up the running and from that point the backmarkers would have to work.

Sure enough Meadow Valley Star who had come off 40 metres commenced a run into the straight for the bell but unexpectedly he broke and lost valuable ground. Aldebaran Dexta was also out three wide for the last lap while Hayoak was back in the middle of the field. Meadow Valley Star got going again in the back straight to make another charge at the leaders. But at this stage Stockman Peter had cleared away with a  winning break.

STOCKMAN PETER 18 APR REPLAY

With a triumphant flourish of the whip Johnson guided Stockman Peter to a four metre win over a desperately unlucky Meadow Valley Star with All The Trix doing his best work at the finish for third.

Stockman Peter rated 2.1.4 for the 2530 metres trip breaking Our Princess Sophie’s long time record of 2.1.5.

Stockman Peter is trained by Mount Gambier based David Phillips and at his prior start had won the Strathalbyn trotters Cup at Globe Derby. There’s no doubt Meadow Valley Star was the unlucky runner of the race but all credit to Stockman Peter who trotted faultlessly. A seven year old brown rig, Stockman Peter is racing in the best form of his career.

The Listed H&P Equipment Hire Port Pirie Pacing Cup was an even affair with hot favourite Heza Punk Rocker working to the lead. Then Dhaulagiri (American Ideal) was sent around the field by driver Samantha Hill to eyeball Heza Punk Rocker. The two continued to match strides going into the back straight with Lord Zarias poised right behind them.

But to the surprise of many, Dhaulagiri just found another gear and he left his rivals standing along the back straight opening up a lead of at least 25 metre.

Although he drifted out in the home straight the race was as good as over as Dhaulagiri cruised to win by over 16 metres from the fast finishing Artillery and Last Tango In Heaven who both came from near the rear of the field.

DHAULAGIRI 18 APR REPLAY

Dhaulagiri’s slashing win set a new track record as his rate of 1.56.6 was one tenth of a second faster than the previous record held by Lord Zarias set in September 2025.

A nine year old gelding Dhaulagiri is racing in great heart. He’s trained by Matthew Horsnall who’s done a great job with the pacer. Earlier in the season he took out both the Strathalbyn and Kapunda Pacing Cups. And for good measure in March he won the Boort Cup.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink