Moonee Valley Cup
Winners and Past Results
The Moonee Valley Cup is a Group 2 event run over a distance of 2500 meters at the Moonee Valley track in October during the spring racing carnival. A quarter of a million dollars is at stake in the event hosted by the Moonee Valley Racing Club with a prize offering of A$250,000. Free $250 Bet
The race is run under set weight and penalty conditions and is one of the biggest staying events held at Moonee Valley Racecourse during the carnival. Even though The Moonee Valley Cup is a Group 2 event, it does attract the best four year old and above stayers.
Inaugurated in 1883, the Moonee Valley Cup has undergone six name changes, with the most recent name change to Drake International Cup in 2011, it was a principle race from its inception to 1978, and was a group 3 race for only one year in 1979, before being upgraded to its present Group 2 status.
As with most long distance races, there is no clear lead up races to consider, as horse's usually work their way up the distances, to acclimatize themselves to the longer distance. The cup usually attracts above average stayers rather than the elite, with more often than not, in present times, the cup going to the best stayer on the day.
The Moonee Valley Cup is considered as a precursor to the prestigious Group 1 Melbourne Cup, but the last horse to complete a double was Kingston Rule in 1990. Mr. Orudent in 2002, managed to place himself in both events, and in 2000, Brew who was runner up in the Moonee Valley Cup won the Melbourne Cup. Zipping in 2006 won this event and went on to place fourth in four consecutive Melbourne Cup's.
Some horses that do complete here do not to carry on to larger events, but look for something a bit lighter than major staying events. Some horses, instead of proceeding to the Melbourne Cup, move on to compete in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on Emirates Stakes Day. Capecover in 2010, who placed third in this event, went on to finish second in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, while Baughurst, runner up in 2008, placed third.
The recent Moonee Valley Cup was won by Americain, ahead of Tullamore and Illo placing third. Americain placed 4th in the 2011 Melbourne Cup. The Moonee Valley Cup has seen several double winners, such as Little Bob in 1891 & 1892, Gladwyn in 1914 and 1915, Gilltown in 1939 and 1940, and Valcurl in 1945 and 1946.
2011 Moonee Valley Cup
Melbourne Cup champion Americain was in ominous form in this 2,500 metre event, settling on the rails and getting lovely cover behind the early leaders. As the pace went on nearing the turn, the French stayer was moved off the fence, found racing room at the top of the straight, and in several strides had gone to the front, finishing strongly to record an emphatic victory over Tullamore and Illo.
2011 Moonee Valley Cup result
1. Americain
2. Tullamore
3. Illo
Then came:
4. Anudjawun
5. Shewan
6. Harris Tweed
7. Paddy O'Reilly
8. Swooper
9. Pergola
10. Lalla Rookh
| Year |
Winner |
Race Name That Year |
Status |
Distance |
| 2011 |
Americain |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2010 |
Precedence |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2009 |
The Sportsman |
Cathay Pacific Airways Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2008 |
Gallopin |
MVRC Cathay Pacific Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2007 |
Gallic |
MVRC Cathay Pacific Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2006 |
Zipping |
MVRC Cathay Pacific Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2005 |
Umbula |
MVRC Cathay Pacific Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2004 |
Another Warrior |
MVRC Cathay Pacific Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2003 |
Frightening |
MVRC Grosby Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2002 |
Thong Classic |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2001 |
Rain Gauge |
MVRC Grosby Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 2000 |
Yippyio |
MVRC Grosby Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 1999 |
Streak |
MVRC Grosby Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 1998 |
Prince Standaan |
MVRC Grosby Gold Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 1997 |
Court Of Honour |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 1996 |
Istidaad |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 1995 |
Storm |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2500m |
| 1994 |
Top Rating |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1993 |
Glastonbury |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1992 |
Donegal Mist |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1991 |
Al Maheb |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1990 |
Kingston Rule |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1989 |
Sydeston |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1988 |
Ideal Centreman |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1987 |
King Matthias |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1986 |
Reckless Tradition |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1985 |
Butternut |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1984 |
Holsam |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1983 |
Toujours Mio |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1982 |
Triumphal March |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1981 |
Saxon Slew |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1980 |
Tai Salute |
MVRC Governor's Stakes |
Group 2 |
2600m |
| 1979 |
Evander |
MVRC Governors' Stakes |
Group 3 |
2600m |
| 1978 |
Boldness |
MVRC Governors' Stakes |
Principal race |
2600m |
| 1977 |
Sir Serene |
MVRC Governors' Stakes |
Principal race |
2600m |
| 1976 |
Shaitan |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
2600m |
| 1975 |
Holiday Waggon |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
2600m |
| 1974 |
Lord Metric |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
2600m |
| 1973 |
Grand Scale |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
2600m |
| 1972 |
Double Irish |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1971 |
Skint Dip |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1970 |
Mr. President |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1969 |
What's Brewing |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1968 |
Impetus |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1967 |
Prince Camillo |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1966 |
Tea Biscuit |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1965 |
Red William |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1964 |
Algalon |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1963 |
My Contact |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1962 |
River Seine |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1961 |
Baroda Gleam |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1960 |
Mac |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1959 |
Sanvo |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1958 |
Humber Hawk |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1957 |
Lord Gavin |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1956 |
Pandie Sun |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1955 |
Al Crusa |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1954 |
Hellion |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1953 |
Wodalla |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1952 |
King Amana |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1951 |
Erriton |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1950 |
Benvolo |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1949 |
Hoyle |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1948 |
Howe |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1947 |
Don Pedro |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1946 |
Valcurl |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1945 |
Valcurl |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1944 |
Queen Midas |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1943 |
Haros |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1942 |
Dark Felt |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1941 |
Yours Truly |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1940 |
Gilltown |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1939 |
Gilltown |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1938 |
Ortelle's Star |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1937 |
Frill Prince |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1936 |
Dark Chief |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1935 |
Art |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
12F |
| 1934 |
Nightly |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
12F |
| 1933 |
Peter Jackson |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1932 |
Yarramba |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1931 |
Homedale |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1930 |
Shadow King |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1929 |
Prince Viol |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1928 |
Nawallah |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1927 |
Silvius |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1926 |
Royal Charter1 |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1925 |
Tookarby |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1924 |
Stand By |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1923 |
Princess Mernda |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1922 |
Purser |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1921 |
Wirriway |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1920 |
White Phast |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
12F |
| 1919 |
Telecles |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
13F |
| 1918 |
Rael Locin |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1917 |
Kunegetis |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1916 |
Andelosia |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1915 |
Gladwyn |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1914 |
Gladwyn |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1913 |
Greek Fire |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1912 |
Almissa |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1911 |
Hartfell |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1910 |
Kerlie |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
10F |
| 1909 |
Flavinius |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
12F |
| 1908 |
Woorooma |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1907 |
May King |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1906 |
Charles Stuart |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1905 |
Blue Spec |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1904 |
Patronus |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1903 |
T.M.S. |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1902 |
The Persian |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1901 |
Combat |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1900 |
Clean Sweep |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
11F |
| 1899 |
Sweetheart |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1898 |
Locksmith |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1897 |
Mirella |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1896 |
Veronica |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1895 |
Our Jack |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1894 |
Preston |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1893 |
Premier |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1892 |
Little Bob |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1891 |
Little Bob |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1890 |
Wiora |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1889 |
Don Giovan |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
7F |
| 1888 |
Newmaster |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
6F |
| 1887 |
Quintin Matsys |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
6F |
| 1886 |
Isonomy |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
6F |
| 1885 |
Merrimu |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
6F |
| 1884 |
Meteor |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
8F |
| 1883 |
Castaway |
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup |
Principal race |
8F |