One of the most memorable major trotting races of the modern day era was hosted by Adelaide’s Globe Derby Park – the 1997 Inter Dominion Grand Final. The handicapper got it spot on with only inches between the first four horses across the line. The public in the betting ring had strongly supported five fancies, and the enthralling tactics used by our best drivers kept the large crowd on their toes from start to finish. That was the race won by Pride Of Petite USA (30m) from Wagon Apollo (40m) and Knight Pistol (fr).

Back-marks have never prevented the finest from winning this race. That great Victorian mare Carlotta’s Pride won it in 1959 from 96 yards around the pint-sized Wayville track. The following year it was another Victorian, Don’t Enquire, successful off 84 yards. Others in more recent years to win from 50 and more yards behind when the depth of opposition was nothing flash, included Derby Royale, Lyn’s Choice NZ, Light Buffy NZ and National Interest. When the handicapper placed La Coocaracha off 40 metres, it was generally accepted this mark was generous indeed, especially considering the make-up of the field. Punters and rivals alike thought this would prove a ‘walk in the park’ for our latest trotting star.

The local South Australian trotters, along with the Victorians Son Of Flair and Timmo NZ, were placed off the front. Just three squaregaiters were given handicaps; the Victorians Waikare Gold (10m), Djerriwarrh (30m) and La Coocaracha (40m). It was not surprising the highly promising five-year-old mare from the Andy Gath stables was sent out an extremely short-priced favourite. This had just as much to do with her reliability as it did for her trotting prowess.

The daughter of Safely Kept USA never looked likely to lose, moving away up the home straight to defeat Djerriwarrh (trained by Peter Manning, father of the winning driver), with Son Of Flair holding off Waikare Gold for third. By the way this mare was banking the major portion of the stake-winnings of late, it seemed she was on her way to earning that $400,000 plus offer the two owners had knocked back for her. The mare’s next assignment would be the $100,000 Australasian Trotters Championship in Melbourne, and then on to the $200,000 Inter Dominion in Sydney.

Results: SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TROTTERS CUP (2645m)

La Coocaracha 40m (Kerryn Gath), 1; Djerriwarrh 30m (Natalie Westendorf), 2: Son Of Flair fr (Russell Thomson), 3. Others: Waikare Gold 10m, Tunisian fr, Trappers Salute fr, Eric Booth fr, Globes Mistake NZ fr, Power Of Cooma fr, and Timmo NZ (DNF). Mile rate: 2:03.1.