Veteran Trainer Cran Dalgety Eyes Long-Awaited NZ Cup Victory

The New Zealand Trotting Cup is set to take place on November 7, 2023, and veteran trainer Cran Dalgety is hopeful that his horse, Republican Party, can secure a long-awaited victory. After more than three decades of participating in this prestigious event, Dalgety has experienced numerous podium finishes but has yet to claim the top prize. His resilience and dedication have made this year’s Cup particularly significant.

Dalgety, who trains Republican Party alongside his wife, Chrissie Dalgety, has been striving for a Cup win since 1989. He has secured two second-place finishes and three third-place finishes in previous races, but the ultimate victory remains elusive. “I’d like to think I’ve done my apprenticeship. I’ve been trying to win this race for 34 years. We’ve had 18 shots at it. A lot of seconds and thirds, but second is first beaten so it doesn’t count. We’re desperately due,” he stated.

Recent Form Boosts Confidence

Republican Party comes into this year’s race with a strong performance record, having achieved three consecutive wins in the lead-up to the Cup. The horse’s recent form has instilled a sense of confidence in the Dalgety team. “Like all sport, you prepare and you try your best, and then come the day, you hope for the best,” Dalgety noted. “Everything’s fallen into place and we go in with a bit of confidence.”

An integral part of the team is Carter Dalgety, Cran and Chrissie’s 22-year-old son, who will be driving Republican Party in the race. Carter has made a name for himself in the harness racing community, having recently won the Junior Drivers Premiership. “He’s making more positive results than the negative ones. It’s exciting to have him associated with the horse,” Cran expressed. A victory for Carter would be a momentous occasion for the family, heightening the stakes for the upcoming race.

New Zealand Cup day is regarded as a significant event on the Canterbury social calendar, with the race boasting a prize purse of $1 million. The Cup is not only a key highlight for racing enthusiasts but also a source of pride for those involved in the sport. “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.

Challenging Competition Ahead

While the Dalgety team is optimistic, they face stiff competition, particularly from Leap To Fame, a horse trained and driven by Queensland’s Grant Dixon. Leap To Fame has been given odds of $1.60 at the TAB to win the Cup, making it the bookmakers’ favorite. “I’m not an emotional person, but it would test the emotions if it did happen,” Cran said, acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead.

Last year, Republican Party finished third at Addington, trailing behind Don’t Stop Dreaming and Swayzee, the latter winning the Cup for the second consecutive year. The Dalgetys are determined to improve on this result and finally secure that elusive victory. With the Cup just days away, the anticipation is palpable, and the family’s hopes are riding on Republican Party’s performance.

As the race draws near, all eyes will be on Addington Raceway, where the 122nd running of the New Zealand Trotting Cup promises to deliver excitement and potentially mark a historic moment for the Dalgety family.