Minstrel on the Brink of Pinjarra Pacing Cup History
Superstar pacer Minstrel is poised to chase a remarkable slice of racing history when he takes to the track for the Pinjarra Pacing Cup next month. The evergreen nine-year-old, co-trained by Greg and Skye Bond, has confirmed plans to defend his title as he aims for an unprecedented third consecutive Cup victory at Pinjarra Paceway on March 2.
Unprecedented Achievement in Sight
No horse has ever won three Pinjarra Pacing Cups, let alone three in a row, making Minstrel's potential feat a historic milestone in Western Australian harness racing. He will need to hold off long-time rival Magnificent Storm to secure this groundbreaking win, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
Minstrel has displayed some of the best form of his career over the past two seasons, successfully defending his Group 1 WA Pacing Cup title at Gloucester Park in December last year. This victory boosted his career prizemoney to over $2 million, underscoring his consistent excellence on the track.
Trainer Confidence and Future Plans
Greg Bond expressed strong confidence in Minstrel's condition, noting that the horse is in full work with the intention of going first-up into the Pinjarra Cup, a strategy that proved successful last year. "He's won the past two Pinjarra Cups, so if he happened to get the cash here, he would be the first horse to win three in a row," Bond said. "He just keeps stepping up and maintaining a high level of performance and he doesn't show any signs of waning. His attitude is as good as it's ever been when I'm galloping him. The times, the heart rate, it's all like a mirror image of what happened six months ago, 12 months ago, 18 months ago."
Following the Pinjarra Pacing Cup, Minstrel is likely to be targeted at major upcoming races, including the $1.25 million Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 17 and the $300,000 Fremantle Cup at the same track the following week. Additionally, plans are in place for him to attempt a third consecutive WA Pacing Cup on December 11.
Career Conclusion and Event Expectations
Despite finishing second to Don Hugo in last year's Inter Dominion championship at Menangle in New South Wales, Bond indicated that Minstrel is likely to conclude his racing career on home soil in Western Australia. This decision adds sentimental value to his potential historic run at Pinjarra.
Pinjarra Paceway general manager Dale Putland anticipates a "titanic battle" for the Cup, which always attracts the top WA pacers. "Run over 2692m, it is the ultimate test and is probably why no horse has ever won three Cups in a row," Putland explained. "If Minstrel can win his third in a line, he will set a record that is likely to never be equalled or broken."
Family-Friendly Event Details
The Pinjarra Pacing Cup meeting promises to be a vibrant community event, with gates opening at 10am. Attendees can enjoy a range of free family entertainment, including:
- Face painting and an animal farm
- A bouncy castle and food trucks
- Live music by Mark Bradley
- A free lolly bag and icy pole for children after the sixth race
This combination of high-stakes racing and family activities ensures a memorable day out for all, as Minstrel strives to cement his legacy in the annals of harness racing history.
