ON behalf of the
5 February, 2003
Leading Victorian reinsman Chris Alford?s decision to
stick with his father Barry?s emerging star Mont Denver Gold has opened the
door for Kiwi reinsman Tony Herlihy (pictured) to notch Victoria Cup win
number three.
Alford had also been engaged to drive the in-form New
Zealander Facta Non Verba, but, in the end, the family connection won through.
Herlihy was the
logical choice for trainers Mike Berger and Warren Rich as a replacement for
Alford, as he had already planned to be on hand to drive his brilliant
three-year-old Bellas Boy in a heat of the Metalcorp Victoria Derby and top
trotter Frugal Echo in the $30,000 SKY Channel Dullard Trotters Cup.
Herlihy, who is
widely regarded as one of Australasia?s finest horsemen of the post war era, reined
the Barry Purdon-trained star Chokin to an explosive victory in the 1994
Victoria Cup.
Four years later
Herlihy showed exquisite timing to snatch a thrilling last stride win in the
1998 Victoria Cup behind Brabham, at the expense of his great friend Brian
Hancock?s champion Our Sir Vancelot.
Brabham was
trained by Herlihy?s brother-in-law Mark Purdon, the man behind Young Rufus,
one of the favourite for this year?s renewal.