Springbank Richard slashed 6.2sec off the race record of champion Lyell Creek when he won the Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup for the second successive year at Motukarara yesterday.
Springbank Richard, who started from 20m, ran the 2810m in 3.36, a 2.03.6 mile rate, a staggering effort on grass. He ran 3.45.4 last year.
Lyell Creek won the 1999 Banks Peninsula Cup in 3.42.2 (2.07.6 rate). He repeated his win the following year from a 30m handicap in 3.46.3.
Call You Later (2002-03) is the other trotter to win the race in successive years in its 45-year history.
It was the 19th win for Springbank Richard in 45 starts.
The $15,500 first prize took his stake earnings to $556,115 for Wendon owners Alistair and Denise Smith, who have the Sundon gelding in the Oamaru stable of Phil Williamson.
Springbank Richard has been driven in all his wins by Nathan Williamson.
Sundon won the BP Cup in 1990.
Lewis Hamilton began his racing career with a scintillating win yesterday. He tangled early and settled some 12 lengths from the lead. He is a 3yr-old by Mach Three from Dreamy Jo trained by Mark Purdon and Grant Payne for Phil and Glenys Kennard, Neil Pilcher, of Christchurch, Phil Creighton, of East Taieri and Gavin Douglas, of Ashburton.
The same owners have Major Mark, the top stake-earning pacer of last season, in the Purdon-Payne stable.
Lewis Hamilton was a $50,000 purchase at the premier yearling sale.
