Prominent South Australian horseman Matthew Horsnell is returning to Victoria this weekend with one intent – successfully defending his St Arnaud Cup title.
A regular visitor to the region, Horsnell secured last season’s edition with handy pacer Dhaulagiri in what kick-started a fruitful cups campaign for the son of American Ideal.
Dhaulagiri followed his provincial feature win with six more cup victories between South Australia and Victoria, while also finishing second in another two.
“The St Arnaud club does a good job with their cup meeting and it’s a day I like to support,” Horsnell said. “Dhaulagiri was runner-up in 2025 and was then too good last year.
“I’m looking forward to being back and hopefully we will be taking the cup home with us again.”
This time around, Horsnell will rely on in-form mare Rockin Gemma, who heads into Sunday’s 2190-metre event on the strength of four wins from her last five starts.
Triumphant in The Radiant slot race in Port Pirie on October 10, Rockin Gemma was then luckless in a South Australia Cup heat before winning the consolation a fortnight ago.
Hannah Lewis has been engaged to partner the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven from barrier four.
“She is in terrific form and will be hard to beat,” Horsnell said. “I set this race out for her and couldn’t have her feeling any better going into it.
“I’m happy with her draw as it gives us options at the start.”
A dual cup winner earlier this season, erratic gelding The Dark Thunder has a solid opportunity to add to his collection in the St Arnaud Trotters Cup.
On his best behaviour, the Mary-Jane Mifsud-trained gelding is capable of producing displays of strength and speed, however, his wayward manners can surface unexpectedly.
Should the son of Skyvalley keep his manners in check, he will be hard to beat from barrier five in the 2520-metre standing start.
