Trainer Liam Howley told the owners of New York Hurricane he would win a Kyneton Cup one day and that day arrived in the 2024 Kyneton Cup (2006m).
Howley is based at Kyneton and winning his home-town Cup with the son of Geisel Park sire Manhattan Rain was a magic moment for all connections on Wednesday. “He’s a super horse and has been with us right from the beginning. It’s a great ownership group and it’s been a real journey with him.
“He was a challenge early doors but just continued to mature and today we saw the best of him. My whole team is here and they’re the best in the business. We’re all mates and they’re more like family than employees.”
New York Hurricane (Photo / Brett Holburt) made $70,000 at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and his USA-bred dam Al Dhakira (Elusive Quality) descends from USA Hall Of Fame mare Serena’s Song (Rahy). First prize in the $125,000 Kyneton Cup increased his earnings to just shy of $400,000.
“He looked outstanding in the yard and did the job very nicely,” Howley continued. “And I reminded the owners I told them a long time ago that he would win a Kyneton Cup.”
New York Hurricane clocked a track record for in-form jockey Harry Coffey when beating Too Close The Sun (Carlton House) by two lengths. The runner-up is a homebred for WA-based Distinct Racing owner Geoff Evans.
“Harry was pocketed but held his nerve,” Howley said. “He got out at the right time and this horse has a beautiful turn of foot. He’s a character but is a stable favourite. He goes out to the farm at Mount Macedon for a few days between starts and the water-walker helps him stay fit.”
Manhattan Rain (Encosta de Lago) has his first WA-bred yearlings entered for the Perth Magic Millions in February. He stands at Geisel Park for $8,250 alongside Winning Rupert ($8,800), All American ($4,400) and Aysar ($8,800). All fees (inc GST). For bookings or further information, contact stud manager Conor Dunlop on 0447 434 735.
