Tullamore wins the Brisbane Cup
Chris Munce has taken out his fifth Brisbane Cup with a dominant staying performance aboard the Gai Waterhouse trained Tullamore.
Tullamore was sent out a $10.00 second favourite behind Glass Harmonium, who was even money, and the two engaged in a two horse war down the Eagle Farm straight.
Gai Waterhouse is currently in Europe to attend her son’s wedding, however she was represented on course by Denise Martin.
“She’ll be so thrilled,” said Martin.
“This horse has just been so consistent through his whole preparation. He’s so tough. He’s an emerging young stayer and got into this race well at handicap conditions.”
Martin also paid tribute to Chris Munce, who made it back to back Brisbane Cups and five all together.
“Chris’ ride was a gem, absolutely perfect. Every time Gai gives him a call he produces.” Martin said.
Following the race Munce said that he was always confident in the run.
“The grey horse (Glass Harmonium) was a bit keen so I let him go because I knew he’d bring me into the race,” Munce said.
“He’s just a very tough horse which is so typical of Gai, he’s just all muscle.”
Munce said that how the horse pulled up would determine whether he raced in the spring, but saw no reason why he wouldn’t run out a strong two miles.
Eagle Farm Cup winner Glass Harmonium was brave for Jockey Lisa Cropp, but he faded in the shadows of the post to hand Tullamore the victory.
Glass Harmonium went straight to the front, and asides from a brief mid race burst by Mancuso, he was never troubled for the lead until the closing stages.
Chris Munce has now won an incredible five Brisbane Cups. He saluted on Grooming in 1992, before taking out the Cup twice with Desert Chill in 1995 and 1997. He will add this year’s cup to the one he won with Crossthestart last year.
De Fine Lago produced a strong final furlong to finish third, while Ironstein, who looked like he may trouble the leaders at the top of the straight, finished fourth.
When they jumped Glass Harmonium was as short as $1.70 with some bookmakers, while eventual winner Tullamore payed $10.00.
