What does a Hunter Cup win mean to a trots’ owner?

“This is a dream come true”.

That was Kevin Gordon’s reaction after his brilliant five-year-old pacer Lochinvar Art continued his ascent up the world harness charts, brilliantly winning tonight’s $500,000 Del-Re National A.G. Hunter Cup.

The now seven-time Group 1 champion Lochinvar Art always looked to travel perfectly after his trainer-driver David Moran took him to the lead two laps out at Tabcorp Park Melton in the 2760m Grand Circuit classic.

When he activated his afterburners during the last lap, the beauty of this Hunter Cup wasn’t that it would be a ring-a-ding stoush at the finish. The magic was watching a modern-day marvel strut his stride.

Lochinvar Art was in full flight from the 800m to the 400m, when he ripped through a 26.2-second quarter which broke the hearts of his rivals.

His last half was paced in 53.2.

“He’s just the perfect racehorse,” Moran said.

“He’s got the speed, got the stamina, got the toughness and an unbelievable attitude.

“He knows he’s good. He’s relaxed and casual. He’d stand here all day if he could. He’s just a pleasure to be around.”

It also shouldn’t be missed how cool and calm Moran was tonight. Gate nine was awkward but Lochinvar Art trailed into a beautiful spot early before Moran hit the button to ensure he maintained the advantage over his key adversary King Of Swing, who drew 12.

“We had to keep an eye on where Luke was. If he were in a three-wide position early he had an opportunity to follow through, so we had to get on the bike earlier than we would have liked,” Moran said.

“But he did it easily and he’s a champion.”

That he is.

He’s only five. That almost gets forgotten. His top-flight wins include tonight’s Hunter Cup, the Ballarat Cup a fortnight ago, the Vicbred Super Series Final on New Year’s Eve, the Victoria Cup, Chariots of Fire and record-breaking 4YO Bonanza last year, and the Bathurst Gold Chalice of 2019.

Lochinvar Art will next head to New South Wales for a tilt at the $100,000 Newcastle Mile on February 19, with the winner of that race to receive a ticket to the $1million Miracle Mile on March 6.

Of the beaten brigade in tonight’s Hunter Cup, Belinda McCarthy trained the second and third placegetters Alta Orlando and King Of Swing, while Anthony Butt and Sonya Smith must have been pleased with the effort of Wolf Stride in fourth. His future is bright.

 

LOCHINVAR ART’S TROPHY CABINET

2021 Del-Re National A.G. Hunter Cup (G1)

2021 PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup (G1)

2021 Neatline Homes Shepparton Gold Cup (G2)

2020 Ultimate Machete Vicbred Super Series 4YO Final (G1)

2020 Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup (G1)

2020 Chariots of Fire (G1)

2020 Alabar 4YO Bonanza (G1)

2020 Jim Phillips Memorial Cobram Pacing Cup (G3)

2019 Bathurst Gold Chalice Final (G1)

2018 Vincent @ Alabar Tatlow Stakes (G2)

 

2021 DEL-RE NATIONAL A.G. HUNTER CUP FINISHING ORDER

1st: Lochinvar Art (David Moran)

2nd: Alta Orlando (Chris Alford)

3rd: King Of Swing (Luke McCarthy)

4th: Wolf Stride (Anthony Butt)

5th: Out To Play (Kate Gath)

6th: Triple Eight (Greg Sugars)

7th: Star Galleria (John Caldow)

8th: Malcolms Rhythm (Josh Aiken)

9th: Bettor Be The Bomb (Jack Laugher)

10th: Fourbigmen (James Herbertson)

11th: Somewhere Secret (Jason Lee)

12th: Our Uncle Sam (Anthony Frisby)