FebFest 2023 at Newcastle Paceway kicks off on Friday 3 February with the TAB CARNIVAL OF CUPS race night featuring the NEWCASTLE CUP.
It's been 10 years since the NEWCASTLE CUP has been conducted, and anticipation is building around the race for NR120 ratings from the mobile barrier over 2550 metres.
First run in 1954 the inaugural Cup was taken out by Ellicot and Leo Keys. The race has attracted the interest of some of the greats of ‘trotting’ from its halcyon days including Merv Adams (1957-Malniri & 1959-Southern Van), Kevin Newman (1965-Criag Tom), Frank Willis (1967-Sky Hanover) and Joe Ilsley (1981-Michael Frost, 1982-Steel Raider & 1988-Golden Cycle).
Local identities have shared in the spoils in those early years including the first Hunter Valley winner Herb Morgan (1962-Petite Mission), Charlie McDeed (1968-Brother Mac), Ted Tessier (1969-Princess Satin), Jack Andrews (1974 Gypsy Blue), Norm Williams (1979-Penny Jack), Clive Johnson (1983-Nigra Sum) and Dick Osborn (1987-Wilsons Lane) just to name a few.
In modern times Duchess Dulcinea (Graeme Watts) took out the first Cup conducted at the Newcastle (International) Paceway in 1990, Thorate (Brian Hancock) in 1991 won his second Cup after taking the title in the race conducted at Cessnock in 1989 due to the tracks construction.
The Cup was placed on the world stage in 1994 when the David Aiken trained and driven Ultra Jet set a world record time from a standing start.
Others have included Our Big Monte (Jason Proctor) 1996, Christmas Cloud (Shane Powell) 1998, Allira (Neil Thompson) 2000, Mendacity (Geoff Dorn) 2004, Nidya (Nathan Wilson) 2006 being the 50th running, with Hawthornden (Mark Callaghan) winning the last conducted Cup in 2013.
The 2023 edition of the NEWCASTLE CUP is set to attract some local in-form favourites chasing the $35K purse. Fresh off an impressive performance at Tamworth Carnival of Cups night last Friday the Lisa McDonald trained MASTER CATCH asserted a claim to be one of the favourites for the upcoming Newcastle feature with a slashing win in the Tamworth City Cup. Demolishing the field with a clever drive by Cam Hart in taking off at the 600 metre mark Master Catch won by 8.5 metres from the Michael Formosa trained MAJOR BOB, who chased gamely but was no match for the winner. PORTALEGRE was a distant third. After the race Lisa McDonald confirmed Master Catch all being well was a definite starter for the Newcastle Cup as well as the Newcastle Mile.
CHECK OUT THE NEWCASTLE CUP HONOUR ROLL HERE - WHO WILL MAKE HISTORY IN 2023?
Carnival of Cups night will also see the final points round of the inaugural TAB HUNTER & NORTH WEST PACERS BONUS SERIES for NR55 ratings trained in the Hunter Valley, Central Coast & North Western districts of NSW.
Points have accumulated from rounds at Maitland in December and Tamworth last Friday night, where the Brad Elder trained HEZASHADOWPLAYA saluted in a busy finish with NIFTY STUDLEIGH also trained by young Elder crossing the line second, just in front of the Clayton Harmey trained DANIEL BOOM. This sets up a mouthwatering final at Newcastle. The barrier draw will be crucial.
Pointscore as follows:
NIFTYSTUDLEIGH 19
DANIEL BOOM 18
HEZASHDOWPLAYA 16
Expect fireworks in the final as these 3 runners chase the $10000 Bonus!
TAB CARNIVAL OF CUPS RACE NIGHT is set to be jammed packed with entertainment both on and off the track. There'll be fun for all the family with carnival games, face painters, mini trot races and a special 'MEET THE MINIS' session . There's even a petting zoo to keep the kids happy.
Legendary local party band THE YEARS will 'Rock the Trots' at a free outdoor concert.
Free entry. For dining/ticket options click here