2000 Pacers Series
Moonee Valley, Melbourne

2000 $1,000,000 INTERDOM Pacing Championship Series (cont)
 Heats: 22 & 29 January, 5 February 2000
Final:  12 February 2000
 
VICTORIA CUP
 January 29 at Moonee Valley
of $250,000 over 2540m MS
   
 The Victoria Cup has always attracted outstanding fields. On this occasion, the word ‘outstanding’ seems inadequate, as racegoers on this night would be given a taste of what it must have been like for little Alice when visiting Wonderland.

Not only would this be the race where the mighty Christian Cullen NZ would tangle for the first time with Courage Under Fire NZ, thrown in also for good measure were 10 exceptional pacers, including Shakamaker, Slug Of Jin USA, Yulestar NZ, Holmes D G NZ and Breenys Fella NZ

  


Breeny's Fella NZ (Craig Demmler) wins the 
2000 Victoria Cup from Shakamaker and 
Christian Cullen NZ

Such a super impressive line-up with a strong formline for most acceptors would in normal circumstances ensure this would be a wide betting race. It was far from normal, as it promised more shootouts than the fight at the OK Corral. The mere presence of the improving local hope Shakamaker up against the might of the Kiwi-breds was enough to bring a tingle of excitement to parochial Aussie fans. As good as the local pacer was in winning all five starts at four, commonsense suggested this might not be enough to cope with the artillery the New Zealand stallion, built like a mobile tank, could unleash.

Shakamaker also had another score to settle. Courage Under Fire NZ had beaten him at both starts at three. The barrier draws had been of some assistance for the Queensland-owned 4YO, and if given an even-break this time, John Justice was quietly confident he could turn the tables in their first meeting since. To add spice to the much awaited meeting of Christian Cullen NZ, Courage Under Fire NZ and Shakamaker, was the presence of Slug Of Jin USA, who had displayed glimpses of high class speed. There was a lot of prestige at stake with this race, and reputations might not mean much at the business end of the affair.

Christian Cullen NZ had previously achieved a level that probably was out of reach of the two four-year-olds. The stallion it seems was now back to that best, and was the reigning Inter Dominion favourite to claim the richest pacing prize in the world in coming weeks. Interestingly, the Moonee Valley track record for the 2540m of the Victoria Cup was held by Courage Under Fire NZ. The little champ had created it winning there as a three-year-old the previous July after a reconstruction of the track. If this now four-year-old had been slightly below its best the previous week when narrowly beaten for the first time in a race, could this week see it return to its very best?

When Christian Cullen NZ drew barrier 1, several officials winced, while the price assessors working on pre-race markets were quick on the draw reaching for their pens, declaring this five-year-old stallion a short-priced favourite. Having the previous season earned the right to be included in any select list of the greatest pacers of modern times, doubts of its latest form had suddenly vanished. To have been ‘put down almost for the count’ in the A.G. Hunter Cup before getting up and throwing a few knockout blows itself by finishing as close as it did, suggested it was in great form. According to the stable, Christian Cullen NZ was now going as good as ever, if not better!

From the coveted pole, Christian Cullen NZ had the early speed to clear the field and stay out of trouble. One did not have to be a brain surgeon to agree with the media that in such form, Christian Cullen NZ would retain its unbeaten record in Group 1 events. Only three other horses in the field of 12 had the early speed to match it with the favourite out of a barrier. Shakamaker would start from barrier 5 and Courage Under Fire NZ from 7. Neither were likely to become involved in any speed test at the start, while Slug Of Jin USA had yet again drawn the second row.

The field for the Victoria Cup in barrier order was: 1 Christian Cullen NZ, 2 Tailamade Lombo, 3 Breenys Fella NZ, 4 Kyema Kid, 5 Shakamaker, 6 Yulestar NZ, 7 Courage Under Fire NZ and 8 Saab. Second row: 9 Safe And Sound, 10 Happy Asset NZ, 11 Holmes D G NZ and 12 Slug Of Jin USA.

During the week all leading tipsters nominated Christian Cullen NZ for their top pick, with Shakamaker and Courage Under Fire NZ virtually tied for a distant second. Peter Taylor, writing in Harness Racing Weekly, said: ‘On facts and figures, Christian Cullen NZ cannot be beaten following his performance in the Hunter Cup.’ Local clockers were not arguing. But there was one sniff of a dissention from a man who constantly put his opinion on the line.

By sheer volume of money (they were now jumping out of trees wanting to back the horse), Sydney bookmaker Steve Single had been forced to elevate Christian Cullen NZ to favouritism for the Grand Final after earlier offering 10/1. "While I concede he does look like winning the Victoria Cup, I do believe he is not invincible, and should he draw poorly in the Grand Final, it will be interesting. If he was to draw 11 or so in the big one, I would expect it would be a different story, and his price will go out again," he said.

The bookmaker confirmed he was holding a few hefty bets on Christian Cullen NZ, including $120,000 to $10,000, $100,000 to $14,000, and other wagers laid since the Hunter Cup. "With this type of betting, at some stage you have to stand something, and for me, it is Christian Cullen NZ and Shakamaker. They are my two worst results. I would be happy to see either Yulestar NZ or Safe And Sound reach the post first in the Grand Final." Perhaps Single was conceding the Victoria Cup to the big stallion, but that week he was almost a lone voice in his opinion the horse was not invincible.

Two of the main fancies in this Group 1 event would be without their usual driver. Stepping in for the suspended Colin De Filippi on Courage Under Fire NZ was Tony Herlihy, the most successful big-race reinsman in New Zealand since the late Maurice Holmes. De Filippi would watch this race on television from his Christchurch home, but expected to be back on the horse in the Grand Final. John Justice had the choice of steering either of his two stablemates. Even before the barrier draw he had decided to go with Shakamaker, handing the drive behind Safe And Sound to Brian Hancock.

Since this feature race was introduced in 1974, Hancock remains the only reinsman to have won it on three successive occasions, teaming up with Koala King in 1978,’79 and ‘80. He had not won it since, losing to Brabham NZ (Tony Herlihy) in a photo finish in 1998 with Our Sir Vancelot NZ.

Another interesting driving change involved Breenys Fella NZ. Other than its win in an Auckland FFA when Craig Demmler had been in the sulky, the unlucky runner from the Miracle Mile had been handled of late by its trainer and a former World Champion Driver Ted Demmler. Connections of the horse had on more than one occasion told Demmler they did not mind whether he or his son Craig drove ‘Breeny’, as the horse had raced well for the lad. In the previous Inter Dominion in Auckland, Craig had partnered the horse throughout the heats with his father on the sidelines because of a minor suspension. When Ted was ready to resume driving several days before the Grand Final, it was generally thought he would take over in the big one. The trainer surprised many when he again allowed his son to drive, beating four home. Demmler Snr. was back aboard when the horse later was third in the Ben Hur.

In the week leading up to the 2000 Victoria Cup, Ted Demmler announced his son would partner Breenys Fella NZ in the Victoria Cup, adding that he himself would drive the horse in the Grand Final if it scored the necessary points to qualify. Craig could watch the race from the grandstand, unless of course the stable could qualify a second starter in the $1 million Grand Final.

When the mobile pulled away from the field of 12, drivers on the front row made no effort to soften-up the favourite and placing at risk their own chances of being caught wide. Ricky May had Christian Cullen NZ in front and out of trouble’s way with a lead time of 1:11, not as fast as a couple of other races that night over the same distance. Vying for a handy spot just off the pace was another matter, becoming frantic as a number of rival drivers all had the same thought in mind. With double points up for grabs, to finish among the first three or four would go a long way to stitching up a chance for a crack at the $1 million on February 15.

Chris Alford (Tailamade Lombo) and Craig Demmler (Breenys Fella NZ) were first to find cover from their favourable barriers, with Shakamaker leading the outside line, giving good cover to Kyema Kid. In the shuffle for positions, Safe And Sound found itself well back, with Courage Under Fire NZ and Slug Of Jin USA even behind it.

At the bell, Christian Cullen NZ having not been asked to set records, should have had a great deal left in its usually large tank. Several drivers later would report how shortly into the final lap, Ricky May was looking far from contented steering the short-priced favourite. Whatever message was being transferred back through the reins from Christian Cullen NZ, it was not what May was expecting.

Down the back straight with Darren Hancock not certain whether to pull out three wide with Kyema Kid, Craig Demmler helped make up his mind by pushing Breenys Fella NZ through to be right on the back of Shakamaker. Christian Cullen NZ still led around the home turn, with Courage Under Fire NZ and Slug Of Jin USA both coming home hard but wide out having already made big runs from back near the tail of the field. In the run to the line, Christian Cullen NZ surprised its army of supporters by not finishing the race off as expected, with 33/1 shot Breenys Fella winning from a courageous Shakamaker, with the favourite a disappointing third. It was obvious something was not right with the defending Grand Circuit champion. Both Slug Of Jin USA and Courage Under Fire NZ finished strongly to be right on the heels of the placegetters.

One of the great joys to be seen about winning a major race is the euphoria that often grips excited owners. In this case, the successful Mustica Family Syndicate numbering close on two dozen, descended from the stands to the winner’s circle like

General Patton and his troops being hell bent on arriving first into Berlin. The triumphant walk from the stands to be there when young Demmler brought their horse back was celebrated by hugs and kisses all round. The winner’s circle had suddenly become a busy and well populated area with so many striving to get into the act.

There are few reinsmen in Australian harness history who come even close to the number of winners driven by Ted Demmler. Yet, driving this winner from the grandstand had moved him like no other success, not even when winning his World Driving Championship. With tears in his eyes and the adrenalin still pumping, the trainer made his way quietly towards centre stage with well wishers offering their congratulations to the successful trainer. Any father would have been proud watching a son win a Grand Circuit race for the stable. This trainer had other reasons also for this unabashed display of emotion.

Craig Demmler as a teenager had caused his father no end of frustration. Being the son of a legendary horseman provided high expectations for the boy from the time he made it clear that he wanted to be a reinsman. In those first couple of years as a junior driver he operated on a short fuse, quick to answer back, and often prone to act first without thinking. The relationship between father and son had been a volatile one at best. His father once described his son as being quick to get upset, swear and play truant. Craig Demmler had far more run-ins with stewards than probably any other local lad of his age. The lessons were just not learned.

The time came when Demmler Snr sent his son off to New Zealand to work for a year with Robert Dunn, trainer of Master Musician NZ. It would be nice to say how he came back a changed young man. He didn’t. The immaturity was still bubbling just below the surface. The change when it did come did not occur overnight. Somewhere in the following year or two when his father continued to hold him back from presenting him with plum drives, the message had started to sink in. For such a change to occur, it cannot happen until the one involved accepts it is not the rest of the world that is out of step. In one recent interview, Craig Demmler stated he had resented being sent to New Zealand at the time. "In hindsight, it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. Dad hasn’t handed me everything on a silver platter. He has made me work for everything."

It was the bond between the young man and Breenys Fella NZ that helped play a major part in Craig Demmler emerging as a man, as this pacer seemed to respond to the boy well. "I always liked the horse from the time he entered the stable. I drove him when he won at Moonee Valley against horses like Send Me A Dream and Bancoora Next. That was a week after I won the El Dorado Final on Mister Mister, and I thought: God, this horse is better than the one on which we won the El Dorado." In giving his son the drive on Breenys Fella NZ in the Victoria Cup, it was the father’s way of congratulating him on becoming a horseman and a person to respect. And the son had not let down his father and the syndicate, winning the biggest race yet for the Demmler stable.

The line between triumph and defeat, between winning and just missing out, can in horse racing be as thin as a betting ticket. In the case of Christian Cullen NZ, the losing margin of little more than four metres may have been a half-mile. In defence of the favourite, it was obvious something was amiss. The following day the veterinarians went over the horse thoroughly and gave connections the news they feared. Christian Cullen NZ had run his last race. He had injured the same leg that had earlier kept him away from racing for so long. He would be permanently retired from the racetrack where the chances of Ian Dobson making a nice profit on his investment would now be determined by the support of breeders.

For the record, this horse had won its first two races at two when driven by Peter Jones. Ricky May then drove him in his next eight starts which included wins in the $NZ180,000 2YO Sales Series Final and the $NZ100,000 Sires Stakes Final. When May decided to stay with Iraklis NZ, Danny Campbell took over the driving. From his 16 drives, the horse was beaten only once – the Great Northern Derby. Among the wins was the NZ and Auckland Cups, the Miracle Mile and the Treuer Memorial. He would leave the racetrack having won 22 of his 31 starts, and stakes of $NZ1,495,150. From injury and misfortune, he missed as many big races as he contested. Because some hardened pacing enthusiasts were prepared to include him among the all time greats, to many Australians he was probably gone before most of us could really appreciate his ability.

VICTORIA CUP 2540m Breenys Fella NZ (Craig Demmler) 1; Shakamaker (John Justice) 2; Christian Cullen NZ (Ricky May) 3. Others: Slug Of Jin USA, Courage Under Fire NZ, Saab, Safe And Sound, Kyema Kid, Yulestar NZ, Happy Asset NZ, Holmes D G NZ, Tailamade Lombo. Gross time: 3:09.4. Mile rate: 2:00.0.

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SECOND ROUND HEATS

On the same program as the annual Victoria Cup were three further heats of the Inter Dominion over 2540m. With progressive points hard to come by, the action was frenetic. It would be yet another great evening of racing at its colourful best.

Queensland speedster Whitecliff Whistler NZ, having picked up just the one point for having earlier finished last when Kyema Kid had upset Courage Under Fire NZ, now got its chance to demonstrate its reputation as a brilliant horse out of the mobile in Heat 4. It had drawn barrier 2, next to Colbruce, also a quick beginner. Perth performer Another Party NZ had finished a creditable fourth to Shakamaker in its only Melbourne appearance. From barrier 3 it could well pick up further handy points. Local pacer Country Duke had been struggling for some time to recapture that brilliant effort in one of the Auckland Inter Dominion heats the previous series. With Brian Gath filling in for Russell Thomson having come off second best after a run-in with this stallion, the ‘Duke’ was running out of chances. It needed to figure prominently here.

The barrier draw for Heat 4 was: 1 Colbruce, 2 Whitecliff Whistler NZ, 3 Another Party NZ, 4 Under Cover Lover NZ, 5 Country Duke, 6 Slybye NZ, 7 OK Oskar NZ. 2nd line – 8 Time Share NZ, 9 Back O Benachie, 10 Bradshaw NZ, 11 Grumpy Ole Man, 12 Denver Gift. Kilmore Cup winner Colbruce headed the betting, with good support for Grumpy Ole Man and OK Oskar NZ.

Whitecliff Whistler NZ did grab the early lead and dictated its own speed, with Slybye NZ and Denver Gift bringing up the rear. The Queensland representative still led at the bell from Grumpy Ole Man, Under Cover Lover NZ and Country Duke. The finish really had patrons not knowing where to look next as 10 of the dozen starters finished with no more than a length-and-a-half between them. The nod went to the Robert Cameron-trained Grumpy Ole Man, superbly driven by Gavin Lang. This seven-year-old had struck a blow for the fading Globe Derby male siring line being the only member of the tribe contesting the series. Fifty years earlier it had not been uncommon for some Inter Dominion series to have been dominated by sons and grandsons of Globe Derby.

Collecting valuable points for placing were Colbruce and Whitecliff Whistler NZ, with Under Cover Lover NZ fourth. Slybye NZ, Back O Benachie and Bradshaw NZ had dashed the hopes of their connections by bringing up the rear. The mile rate of 2:02.6 would be the slowest of the night’s three heats.

Heat 5 in barrier order was: 1 Send Me A Dream, 2 Anvils Star NZ, 3 All Our Fella NZ, 4 Deeks Guy, 5 Captain Rufus NZ, 6 Our London Pride NZ, 7 Admirals Avenue NZ. 2nd row – Cee New York NZ, Luke Of Earl, 10 Kingstar, 11 Kid Me Not. Leading reinsman Gavin Lang had elected to drive Kid Me Not in preference to the Robert Cameron-trained Our London Pride NZ from Western Australia. All Our Fella NZ and Kingstar were sent out equal favourites at 2/1.

All Our Fella NZ took the early lead, with Send Me A Dream on its back. Leading the outside line was Deeks Guy, giving a nice trail into the race to Admirals Avenue NZ. Ted Demmler had Captain Rufus NZ on the back of the Justin Warwick-driven pacer from Perth. A nice drive and a strong finish had Admirals Avenue NZ go to the line strongly to beat Captain Rufus NZ and Anvils Star NZ. The mile rate was a brisk 2:00.6.

Heat 6 would bring a field of 12 pacers together with just one of these having been placed in the previous round of heats. This was Sorrento Star, to be driven by Kerryn Manning. The previous week it had chased home Safe And Sound to be third. Sorrento Star was also the only mare in the field. The barrier order was: 1 Hushed World, 2 Keyafella NZ, 3 Ole Black Magic NZ, 4 Speedo George, 5 Atitagain NZ, 6 Bancoora Next. 7 Sorrento Star. 2nd row – 8 Ablazin Star, 9 Hit The Spot, 10 Zyuganov Leis, 11 Troublesome Fella, 12 Aftoodo.

Darren Hancock is a horseman who places considerable faith in horses from his stable. When he can lead, he will often allow his pacers to bowl along at quick speeds. When he sent Atitagain NZ to the early lead, Hancock brought up a lead time of 1:08.7. (In the following race, the Victoria Cup, the lead time by Christian Cullen NZ was only 1:11.). Atitagain then kept the pressure on with quarters of 29.8, 30.7, 28.5 and 30.7. These tactics almost worked, with only Zyuganov Leis getting up near the line to win in a photo finish. Third placing was filled by Hushed World, driven by Craig Demmler. The mile rate was 1:59.6.

Progressive points: Horses to have contested the A.G. Hunter and Victoria Cups for the double points still dominated the table for a place in the Grand Final. 46 Breenys Fella, 43 Slug Of Jin USA, 40 Shakamaker and Yulestar NZ, 36 Admirals Avenue NZ, 35 Atitagain NZ and Christian Cullen NZ, 34 Happy Asset NZ, 29 Courage Under Fire NZ, 28 Kyema Kid and Safe And Sound, 26 Captain Rufus NZ, 25 Colbruce and Under Cover Lover NZ, 23 Zyuganov Leis, 22 Grumpy Ole Man, 21 All Our Fella NZ, 18 Hushed World, 18 Anvils Star NZ, Kingstar, Saab and Send Me A Dream, 17 OK Oskar NZ, 16 Another Party NZ and Sorrento Star, 15 Ole Black Magic NZ, 14 Deeks Guy and Holmes D G NZ, 13 Kid Me Not and Time Share NZ. Bringing up the rear on 3 points was Slybye NZ, with Tailamade Lombo having lost all form collecting just 4 points from her two starts.

THIRD ROUND HEATS

As with any Inter Dominion, the third and final night of heats had a number of horses primed for one last-gasp effort to make the Grand Final. For these connections, it was almost like being lined up in front of the firing squad, as a $1 million race was not to be sneezed at. For those few guaranteed a berth, it was like them being handed a rifle and joyously shooting back.

The best known of the borderline cases was Courage Under Fire NZ, then 9th on entry to the big one the following week. With an outside chance of several horses right behind him collecting further points that could see them leap-frog past the Queensland representative into the Grand Final, connections were not prepared to sit around and allow this to happen. They elected to start Courage Under Fire NZ in the final round of heats. The distance for these was 1609m. The former champion juvenile was drawn to race in the first of these, the Heat 7. Others that could collect valuable points to make up good ground on this night included Safe And Sound, Captain Rufus NZ, Colbruce, and Under Cover Lover NZ.

The barrier order for Heat 7 was: 1 Luke Of Earl, 2 Colbruce, 3 Kingstar, 4 Slybye NZ (scratched), 5 Denver Gift, 6 Anvils Star NZ, 7 Courage Under Fire NZ. 2nd row – 8 Kyema Kid, 9 Hit The Spot, 10 Time Share NZ, Under Cover Lover NZ. Almost without exception, the tipsters placed Courage Under Fire NZ as their top pick, with Colbruce a clear second selection. Under Cover Lover NZ had still not won a race since returning from a successful visit to the USA in 1999.

This time the real Courage Under Fire NZ stood up, flying over the Moonee Valley mile in a fast 1:55.9 to beat Luke Of Earl. Colbruce picked up valuable points when fourth. The only thing the winner did wrong was to again shift out under pressure. The win would easily ensure its place in the Grand Final, with Colbruce a possible starter next week.

Heat 8 was expected to be a clash between A.G. Hunter Cup winner Yulestar NZ with Safe And Sound. At its previous four starts, Safe And Sound had started from barriers 9, 8, 11 and 8. Now it had again drawn 8. The race would give Cigar NZ a chance to redeem itself after his only appearance at the carnival had produced a 12th behind Yulestar NZ. Perhaps Yulestar NZ would be better suited over a longer journey, but it was hard to go against an A.G. Hunter Cup winner over any distance, especially with Gavin Lang filling in for Tony Shaw.

Yulestar NZ in winning by a head over Ole Black Magic NZ, stopped the clock at 1:55.6, marginally faster than the previous heat. Lang later described the horse as "a nice type, but it did not give me the impression he was capable of winning next week’s Grand Final." After racing wide early, Safe And Sound turned in his poorest effort for the season when beaten by more than five metres into eighth place.

Heat 9 appeared the most open of the last round heats. It was hard to believe that Holmes D G NZ could have gone as badly as it had in two carnival starts, finishing 10th in the Hunter Cup then 11th in the Victoria Cup. Despite drawing the second line, most punters still thought he was the one to beat. The barrier order was: 1 Whitecliff Whistler NZ, 2 Kid Me Not, 3 Atitagain NZ, 4 Speedo George, 5 Troublesome Fella, 6 Deeks Guy, Back Of Benachie. 2nd row – 8 Saab, 9 Holmes D G NZ, 10 Hushed World, 11 Country Duke.

This heat provided a boilover for most punters when Deeks Guy got up to beat fellow NSW pacer Atitagain NZ, with Troublesome Fella third. Atitagain NZ would be the only horse from this heat to make it through to the Grand Final. Holmes D G, later to be crowned Grand Circuit Champion for 1999/2000, proved to be a dismal flop throughout Melbourne’s summer carnival. He went into the Inter Dominion officially ranked No 1, only to be 29th on points. At no stage did the Kiwi give his supporters confidence of reaching Grand Final.

When the final night of heats was held one week prior to the Grand Final, there were potentially 46 or so horses that could have raced that night. Officials wisely allowed a fourth to be held to give connections of every horse seeking a start just that. From the random barrier draw, three best four performers in this line-up of 10 would draw the second line. Heat 10: 1 Keyafella NZ, 2 Bradshaw NZ, 3 All Our Fella NZ, 4 Captain Rufus NZ, 5 Bancoora Next, 6 Admirals Avenue NZ, 7 OK Oskar NZ. 2nd row: 8 Grumpy Ole Man, 9 Happy Asset NZ, 10 Slug Of Jin USA.

The remarkable run of awkward barrier draws for Slug Of Jin US was continuing, only this time the American import was racing over its pet distance. It relished the chance to show its speed. The Queensland representative rated a smart 1:55.9 in beating Admirals Avenue NZ and Happy Asset NZ, followed in by Captain Rufus NZ, Grumpy Ole Man, All Our Fella NZ, Bradshaw NZ, OK Oskar NZ, Bancoora Next and Keyafella NZ. The 16 points for the last-minute victory swept the stallion to the very top of the progressive points table. This might have been its first win of the series, but it did underline just how consistent the imported pacer had been.

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INTER DOM. PACING GRAND FINAL
February 12 at Moonee Valley
of $1 million, over 2540m MS

The annual Inter Dominion represents many things, not the least is a closer understanding between the harness racing enthusiast with the once-a-year participant. In an age when it is difficult to maintain big crowds, we simply cannot limit our presentation of the sport to insiders. With this in mind, Melbourne officials had gone to incredible lengths to showcase this night.

  


Shakamaker (John Justice) wins 
Tabcorp InterDom 2000 Pacing Championship

Apart from the breakdown of the super star Christian Cullen NZ and the failure of the new Grand Circuit champion Holmes D G NZ to produce anything like its best form in the series, the leading pacers were all there. Not only was New Zealand well represented, along with five of the six Australian States, Slug Of Jin USA (Qld) the pacer purchased in the USA had been the first horse into the Grand Final earning a total of 59 points for its three appearances at Moonee Valley. Its consistency since coming to Australia, despite some disappointing barrier draws, had confirmed the opinion of Ross Croghan that it would adapt well to racing conditions Down Under.

Three stables had the good fortune, or was it the ability of the trainers, to each have two representatives – Darren Hancock with Kyema Kid and Atitagain NZ, John Justice with Shakamaker and Safe And Sound, and Ted Demmler with Breenys Fella NZ and Captain Rufus NZ. Having to harness two pacers took a great deal of pressure off Demmler in who would drive the stable elect Breenys Fella NZ. The trainer decided to let his son Craig maintain his association with ‘Breeny’ while he would pilot Captain Rufus NZ.

Though trained at Menangle Park (NSW) by Dennis Wilson, the emergency Zyuganov Leis was still owned in Tasmania by Mr and Mrs M. Leis. It had gone through the series representing that State, just as Courage Under Fire NZ was carrying the Queensland hopes for its owner Greg Brodie. Following is the field in barrier order:

1: Kyema Kid (Windshield Wiper -Clare’s Way) had won the 1999 Queensland Championship, and more recently had brought the unbeaten run of Courage Under Fire NZ to an end. From 55 starts, it had won 23 races for earnings of $262,977, taking a record of 1:57.8 at the Gold Coast the previous year. This 8YO would be driven by Richard Hancock, father of trainer Darren Hancock.

2. Courage Under Fire NZ (In The Pocket USA-Advance Debra (NZ)) was a winner of 25 of its 27 starts, banking $960,688. One of the most successful juveniles of all time, its record of 1:54.7 had been set at Auckland. The 4YO had won a heat of the Inter in 1:55.9. Raced by Greg Brodie of Queensland, it was trained by affable Kiwi Bruce Negus and would be driven by Colin De Filippi.

3. Admirals Avenue NZ (Admiral Halsey -Lady Kaly (NZ)) an 8YO gelding from WA, it had won 26 of its 62 starts for stakes of $352,966. Early in its career it had won 16 races straight. Its biggest win was the recent WA Pacing Cup. Its race record of 1:54.8 was recorded at the country track of Pinjarra the previous season. It would be driven by its trainer Justin Warwick.

4. Slug Of Jin US (Precious Bunny (US)-Jin N Bitters (US)) had now raced 158 times for 26 wins, and was second in both the Australian Pacing Championship and the Miracle Mile, banking $578,803. This 7YO stallion was the fastest horse in the field having taken a record of 1:51.0 at The Meadowlands. Representing Queensland, he was trained by Stuart Hunter and would be driven by Alan Donohoe.

5. Yulestar NZ (Cameleon USA-Victoria Star (NZ)) a 5YO gelding had won 15 of its 33 starts, for earnings of $456,180. A smart stayer in the making, it had won the A.G. Hunter Cup and was second in the Auckland Cup. Its win in the Inter heat over a mile had produced its fastest ever time of 1:55.6. Trained by Mrs Lorraine Nolan in New Zealand, she also owned the horse in partnership with her husband. It would be driven by Tony Shaw.

6: Shakamaker (Bookmaker USA-Shakira) a 4YO stallion and the most lightly-raced pacer in the field having had just 30 starts for 23 wins and stakes of $535,425. A winner of the SA and WA Derbys, his race record was 1:57.1. A horse with great potential, trainer/driver John Justice had taken him along quietly. His second in the Victoria Cup to Breenys Fella NZ had been achieved racing in the ‘death’ throughout.

7: Happy Asset NZ (Transport Chip -Cash Asset (NZ)) was now a 7YO gelding with 12 wins from 77 starts for $581,782 in stakes. Staying was his game, taking a race record of only 2:0.1, which he set in winning at Moonee Valley. Placed in numerous big races, he did win an Auckland Cup. Racing in career best form for trainer Tim Butt and would be driven by Anthony Butt.

2nd row: 8. Safe And Sound (Safely Kept USA-Larrakeyah Lady) a 5YO horse and a stablemate of Shakamaker. He had won 22 of his 45 starts for stakes of $454,082. His fastest time of 1:57.0 was set at Albion Park when winning the recent Australian Pacing Championship. Considered a sound stayer with good speed, his latest form in the series was only moderate. He would be driven by Brian Hancock from the inside of the second line.

9. Colbruce (Muckalee Strike -Laurel June) was now a 6YO with 25 wins from 64 starts and earnings of $339,560. A Kilmore Cup winner, he had earlier enjoyed great success in Sires Stakes Racing. His race record of 1:58.7 was set at Cobram in 1996. Usually driven on the pace, his hopes would not be helped with this draw. Trained and driven by Noel Shinn, he would start one of the outsiders.

10. Atitagain NZ (Bo Scots Blue Chip USA-Rain Girl (NZ)). A 6YO gelding with 18 wins from 50 starts, his consistency had also brought up 17 placings for total stakes of $226,569. His fastest rate of 1:57:0 was excellent for Harold Park. Trained by Darren Hancock and a stablemate of Kyema Kid, the trainer had elected to drive this fellow. Likely to be tested in this company, but he had probably never raced better.

11. emerg. Zyuganov Leis (French Chef -Peta Paige) was a 6YO horse with 27 wins from 57 starts. Surprisingly, its fastest mile rate was still a 1:59.4 set on the slow Hobart track in 1998. A win and a fourth in the heats had kept him under notice. Trained and driven by Dennis Wilson. (With no scratchings, this Tassie-owned pacer would not gain a start.)

12. Captain Rufus NZ (Sokys Atom USA-Hurricane Mark (NZ)) this 7YO stallion had snuck into the race to give Ted Demmler two starters. A winner of 17 of 59 starts, his earnings were now $219,188. Best winning mile rate was 1:57.9 at Ballarat in 1997. It was generally conceded he had not lived up to the heights his form at four predicted.

13. Breenys Fella NZ (Holmes Hanover -Farm Maid (NZ)) a 6YO gelding who had never raced better. A winner of 23 of its 58 starts, his last-start victory in the Victoria Cup had gained many supporters. Should he enjoy an ounce of luck from this awkward draw, one could expect him to be running on stoutly. His earnings were now $456,839. His race record of 1:57.3 had been set at Auckland two months earlier. He was now a better horse than when he contested the previous Grand Final. Craig Demmler had retained the drive, with father Ted to steer stablemate Captain Rufus NZ.

There had been great interest in the dropping of the numbered balls at the Barrier Draw Luncheon, the means of carrying out the official draw. Connections of all horses would have been hoping not to draw out wide, or not be on the second row with so much prizemoney at stake. Perhaps no one prayed harder than Queensland trainer Stuart Hunter. "We are due for a favourable draw, as from 11 starts in Australia, only once has Slug Of Jin USA drawn well. That was barrier 4 in a Miracle Mile prelude, which he duly won." The horse was considered a mobile specialist. Hunter’s travelling foreman had sacked himself from drawing a marble, preferring part-owner Norm Jenkin to do the honours. Jenkin drew barrier 4, outside of Kyema Kid, Courage Under Fire NZ, and Admirals Avenue NZ.

There was a sensation leading up to the Grand Final when it was announced that owner Greg Brodie would be taking Courage Under Fire NZ away from trainer Bruce Negus after the race, giving the four-year-old to Brian Hancock to take home and spell. Hancock would be its new trainer, preparing the horse next spring from his NSW stables. It was a decision that would cause considerable comment from the media in days to come.

In pre-post betting, Courage Under Fire NZ and Slug Of Jin USA were the two top fancies, with some bookmakers not keen to lay Shakamaker following good backing for this horse at double figure odds just prior to the opening of the carnival. There was also good each-way support for Breenys Fella NZ at nice odds. It had never raced better, and was capable of sustaining a big last lap.

The Slug Of Jin USA camp tried their best to play down the American pacer’s brilliant gate speed, but the smoke screen fooled no one. Privately they expected the stallion to lead and lead comfortably from its good draw. At the Miracle Mile the horse had started out in barrier 6 and had gone within a metre of crossing the field that night at the start.

Melbourne’s two best known tipsters in the print media, Bill Hutchison and Adam Hamilton of the Herald Sun, both named the same three horses in order – Courage Under Fire NZ to win from Slug Of Jin USA and Shakamaker. In his preview on the morning of the race, Hutchison wrote: "The more you look at it, the more it looks like Courage Under Fire NZ’s Inter Dom. He is finally injury-free and has peaked at the right time. If Slug Of Jin USA can cross and lead from barrier 4, he can also win the race. Although I have rated Shakamaker next best, he will need a lot of luck from out wide."

Most experienced drivers do their best to shy away from being caught in the ‘death’ leading the outside line in major races where the opposition is strong. One exception to this has been Kerryn Manning, leading driver in Melbourne for 1999/2000. Her style is to constantly make a beeline to this position. It has worked well for her in normal racing, but not at the level of Melbourne’s summer carnival. Race after race in adopting her usual tactics, rival drivers never handed up easily, and her horses invariably tired, finishing near the rear. Another reinsman never backward in seeking the ‘death’ when driving a good horse has been John Justice. Speculation after the barrier draw was rife as what tactics would Justice adopt with Shakamaker. It was generally expected he would go forward.

Three days after the barrier draw, the Herald Sun invited experienced horseman Brian Gath to comment on the 12 chances. Gath, who won a Melbourne Inter with Markovina, would be sitting this one out. Gath wrote "The only chance Justice has is not getting into a duel with Courage Under Fire NZ and Slug Of Jin USA for the lead. He also cannot win by sitting in the death outside either of these two. If he goes back, then later takes a three-wide trail in the last lap, I can see Shakamaker zooming home like Markovina did for me," wrote Gath.

It would not be until after the dust had settled on the Grand Final that John Justice told how he had read the piece by Brian Gath with interest. Justice explained that since the barrier draw he had agonised over whether to go forward or back from his wide draw. In one of the earlier races on the night of the Grand Final, Justice had led with Art Scooter only to be run down in the home straight. On walking back into the drivers’ room after this race he had noticed Gath sitting by himself. "I sat down next to him and talked about what was in the newspaper. He seemed so definite that if I went forward we could only finish a nice third or fourth. But if I went back, he had said it gave us a real chance of winning."

Until that moment, Justice is believed to have slightly favoured going forward. For him to adopt the other option, he needed reassuring such actions would not be putting his horse out of business. The assurance he needed came from Gath, a horseman who knew what winning an Inter Dominion was all about.

During the biggest meeting of the season, Moonee Valley officials found some problem with its main mobile barrier. This led to the standby machine being used to start the big race, and just maybe led to the sensation that occurred at the start. According to Bruce Negus, trainer of Courage Under Fire NZ, unbeknownst to driver Colin De Filippi, the wings of this second barrier would pause for a moment at the release point before folding. "Colin was timing his start to enable our horse to come out flying and go straight to the lead." Instead, in what was a sensational incident involving the favourite, Courage Under Fire NZ hit its head on the mobile starting gate. The horse immediately lost its rhythm, and probably never regained it again during the race, as it continued to race like a used car does with its choke extended for too long.

When the mobile barrier had dispatched the 12 starters with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for the winner, the first surprise was the favourite being in obvious trouble. The second surprise for those who thought they knew John Justice well, followed almost immediately when the Victorian rather uncharacteristically for him, took hold of Shakamaker, easing it back to last.

Apart from the unexpected trouble that had befallen Courage Under Fire NZ, the race was run almost to the exact script predicted by Brian Gath. With the favourite out of contention for the early lead, Slug Of Jin USA was presented with an easy task in dashing to the front, with Justin Warwick easing the 15/1 Admirals Avenue NZ onto its back. For two laps the horseman from Perth had every reason to believe he would be right in this up to ears. The sprint lane could not come quickly enough for him.

Meanwhile, racing for the bell, Justice was able to latch on to a horse moving forward out three wide. With good cover, it was obvious approaching the home turn the Victorian four-year-old still had a lot to give. Turning for home and that dash to the line and the big collect, the race changed dramatically when Slug Of Jin USA hit the ‘wall’, a saying often used by marathon runners. It happened a few metres before the start of the sprint lane, but was enough to interfere with the chances of Admirals Avenue NZ.

Horses finishing on wide out had the momentum with them, and it was Shakamaker (4/1) finishing best that swept John Justice to the front close to the post to beat Breenys Fella NZ (25/1) and Happy Asset NZ (33/1). Apart from the luckless Courage Under Fire NZ beating only one home – Slug Of Jin USA -- the unlucky run was that of Admirals Avenue NZ. Had the leader not compounded until reaching the sprint lane, who is to know what might have been the placings for Inter Dom. 2000. Trainer/driver Justin Warwick after the race lamented what had happened turning for home. "Slug Of Jin USA collapsed a few metres before the sprint lane," he groaned. Warwick admitted he had already been counting the money when the imported stallion ahead of him ran up the white flag and surrendered. Well known Perth writer John McGrath’s story of the race in Monday’s Western Australian carried the headline: ‘Tiring Slug ruins Admiral’s chances.’

The home town victory of Shakamaker was a popular one with the crowd, with phrases that night describing Moonee Valley as ‘Happy Valley’, or ‘Money Valley.’ A large percentage of the $1 million would remain in Victoria with local horses earning the quinella on the event. Among the happy group in the winner’s circle was Josie Justice, the mother of the horseman of the moment. "I have waited almost a lifetime for this night," she said.

Shakamaker had been purchased at the Melbourne Gold Sales by retired Camberwell businessman John Wolfe for $3500. "I rather liked his breeding, as his sire (Bookmaker USA) is an imported son of Nihilator." Wolfe had been associated with harness racing for the past 15 years, and often would have a number of horses in work at the Justice stables, two miles north of Melton.

The success of Shakamaker would do much for the siring career of Bookmaker USA, imported from the USA by Martin and Anne Henke for the 1994/95 breeding season. The Henke’s stud farm is in the Western District at Dartmoor, not far from the South Australian border. The farm originated in the Wimmera when Otto Henke was a keen standardbred breeder at Sheep Hills, the same district which produced the late Ray Heath, a former member of the Trotting Control Board and a noted breeder after moving to Bendigo.

When Ann Henke had phoned breeder Graeme Cochran five years earlier suggesting could she use Bookmaker USA over his mare Shakira, he not only agreed, but told Mrs Henke they could keep the foal. Cochran had earlier been a shareholder and the driving force behind the importation of the sire Bye And Large when he was chairman of the AHRC, helping to arrange the purchase from Castleton Farm. Cochran has all the more reason to be proud of Shakamaker as its dam Shakira is a daughter of Bye And Large. Even the former leading administrator would agree that Bye And Large, in the main, did not become the success here he expected. 

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