Canterbury Trainer Aims for Long-Awaited NZ Cup Victory

The upcoming New Zealand Trotting Cup at Christchurch’s Addington Raceway on November 7, 2023, marks a significant moment for veteran trainer Cran Dalgety. He has expressed hopes that his horse, Republican Party, will deliver a long-awaited victory after years of near misses in this prestigious event. With more than three decades of experience, Dalgety has previously finished in the top three five times, yet the coveted first-place finish has eluded him throughout his career.

Dalgety’s journey in the New Zealand Cup has been characterized by a series of close calls, including two second-place finishes and three thirds. “I’d like to think I’ve done my apprenticeship. I’ve been trying to win this race for 34 years,” Dalgety remarked, highlighting the frustration of being “desperately due” for a win. His most notable near-victories include a second place for Bettor’s Strike in 2009 and a third place for Christen Me in 2013, the same year that Terror to Love made history by winning the Cup for a third time.

This year, the Dalgety team is buoyed by Republican Party’s recent form, with three consecutive wins in the lead-up to the Cup. The horse, known for its competitive spirit, represents the family’s best chance at securing the title. “Everything’s fallen into place, and we go in with a bit of confidence,” Dalgety said.

Driving Republican Party will be Dalgety’s 22-year-old son, Carter Dalgety, who has made a name for himself by winning the Junior Drivers Premiership. His rise in the ranks has been notable, and his father expressed excitement at the prospect of a potential victory. “If something really good happened and he got victory, it would be quite a buzzy day,” he stated.

The New Zealand Cup, with a purse of $1 million, is a highlight of the Canterbury social calendar and one of the country’s most prestigious racing events. “The mana that comes with this particular race is hard to explain. Everyone who can relate to racing can remember who won the last New Zealand Cup,” Dalgety added, emphasizing the event’s significance.

In the previous year, Republican Party finished third behind Don’t Stop Dreaming and Swayzee, the latter of which won the Cup two years in a row. This year, Dalgety acknowledges the challenge posed by the bookies’ favorite, Leap To Fame, trained by Queensland’s Grant Dixon, who was listed at $1.60 to win by the TAB.

Dalgety remains optimistic about the upcoming race, acknowledging the challenge but also the excitement it brings. “I’m not an emotional person, but it would test the emotions if it did happen,” he said, reflecting on the weight of the moment as he prepares for yet another shot at the New Zealand Cup.

As the race approaches, anticipation builds not only for the Dalgety family but also for the entire harness racing community, eager to see if this could finally be the year they clinch that elusive victory.