The seven year old gelding made a big late finish in the 3200m event by beating Bettor’s Strike by a neck with Smoken Up finishing third.

For driver Ricky May this was his fourth win in the Cup after finishing first with Inky Lord (1989), Iraklis (1997) and Mainland Banner (2005).

Since its inauguration in 1904, the NZ Cup has only been won more than three times by a few drivers and May could not hold back his tears as he crossed the finish line.

With a pay check of $538, 860 for his win, owner Robert Famularo was very relieved with the victory after Monkey King was narrowly beaten in the 2007 race and came last in the 2008 race after falling ill.

Towards the end of the race, the North Canterbury-trained champion was supported by the entire Christchurch crowd who were standing on their seats cheering the gelding on.

However the race was not without problems as the protest siren sounded when Bettor’s Strike was accused of interfering with second favourite Kiwi Ingenuity at the turn.

Australian pacers Smoken Up and Karloo Mick lead the race for the first half of the event before the local talents proved to be too good for the duo.

For many years, this has been the 31 year olds dream and after a 16 year career in Australian Harness Racing he has finally been able to achieve this goal.

The newly appointed race commentator never thought he would get the chance to call the NZ Cup but on the day, it was better than the Melbourne Cup.

The harness racing enthusiast was appointed as Trackside’s new commentator in Canterbury in June and really got the crowd going with his accurate and passionate calling of the Cup.

Originally from New South Wales, McNamara called for harness race meetings in Newcastle, Bathurst, Canberra and Goulburn as well as Harold Park, Penrith and Bankstown in Sydney.

Also known for calling thoroughbred meetings, McNamara currently holds a NSW stablehand licence and owns a number of horses.