Minstrel massive in second WA Pacing Cup win

By Adam Hamilton 

It was one of the great modern day staying performances.

Former Kiwi pacer Minstrel rekindled memories of WA’s greatest stayer Pure Steel on Friday night when he lifted off the canvas to snatch victory in an epic $450,000 Group 1 WA Pacing Cup (2536m) at Gloucester Park.

It was the rising nine-year-old’s fifth start in WA’s most prestigious race and his second win after last year’s victory.

But this was special.

After losing a spirited early battle for the lead to arch-rival Magnificent Storm, Minstrel was left to face the breeze throughout … again.

When Aiden De Campo dashed away with a big lead on Magnificent Storm rounding the final bend, the race looked over.

But then Minstrel did what only the greats can do.

“I was just in awe of him,” driver Deni Roberts said. “(Magnificent) Storm had him beat on the corner and just credit to him, he just finds another gear. He made up a length and a half in the straight.

“That’s when they should be out and out. He’s just unreal. On him you’ve always got that confidence when he straightens, he’s going to fire again. He keeps getting better.”

Roberts became the first female to drive a WA Cup winner last year and her victory salute on the line last night showed what it meant to defend the crown.

The win, which by every measure was the best of Minstrel’s stellar career, was another huge thrill for his NZ-based owners Catherine and David Butt, who bred him and kept a share after he was sold to WA trainers Greg and Skye Bond.

Minstrel smashed through the $2 million prize money barrier with the win. It was his 31st win from 78 starts and the $258,390 first prize took him to $2,024,113.

The scorching 1min54.4sec mile rate also smashed Minstrel’s own race record of 1min55sec from last year.

It was Greg and Sky Bond’s third WA Cup win. Along with Minstrel’s two, they also won with Mighty Conqueror in January, 2020.

Greg Bond ruled out chasing a Hunter Cup or Miracle Mile with Minstrel.

“Travel doesn’t frighten us, we went to the (2024) Inter Dominion and almost win it, but it’s the difficulty of getting guaranteed flights back home that’s the problem,” he said.

“There’s some good races here at home for him. He can have a bit of a let-up now and get ready for the Pinjarra Cup in March and then the Nullarbor and Fremantle Cup in April.”