Hunter Champ's Champers To Get Drunk As A Lord

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday November 4, 2008

By GEOFF WILSON

IN racing, winners are grinners. Even the horses get a reason to smile. Well, at least one did.

The Melbourne Cup is always about the story behind the story and such was the case when Newcastle galloper Lord Nolan etched his name in racing folklore by winning the 1908 Melbourne Cup.

After his exciting half-head win as a 16/1 chance, his delighted owner shouted the horse a bucket of champers.

As thirsty bystanders watched the good Lord gulped down his "sling".

One hundred years later, top Broadmeadow trainer Paul Perry's Newport will attempt another local victory in our greatest race exactly 100 years later.

Will there be champagne on the ice waiting for the victor? Probably not, but the Newcastle connections of Newport are sure to have plenty of celebrating to do if the Cup trophy is heading back to Broadmeadow.

Lord Nolan was bred at Heatherbrae, near Raymond Terrace, by his owner John Mayo.

Mayo's son Ernest trained Lord Nolan.

Lord Nolan was the younger brother of Lord Cardigan, which won the 1903 Melbourne Cup.

Both took out the Cup as three-year-olds.

Lord Nolan went on to run in the 1909-10-11 Melbourne cups.

A picture of the great horse has been recently presented to the Newcastle Jockey Club.

"It is a magnificent picture that represents our great racing heritage and our club will treasure it and put it on display,' NJC chief executive John Curtis said.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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