One of the time-honoured feature events on the GRNSW calendar, the inaugural Sydney Cup was run in 1963, over 790 yards on the grass at Wentworth Park. The first Sydney Cup was taken out by consistent local greyhound Wally’s Best.
The race has been held every October, and is now a part of the Million Dollar Chase carnival, with the heats the only other races run on Chase semi-final night, and the culmination of the event on Million Dollar Chase Grand Final night.
The Sydney Cup has been won by some of the staying superstars of the sport including Zoom Top (1968), Miss Hi Lo (1973 and 1974, the only dual winner), and National Lass (1985).
In 2018 Poco Dorado defeated her sister Veloce Nero, then 12 months on it looked like another sibling, Blue Moon Rising, would make it back to back Sydney Cups for the littermates.
But a storming finish from Victorian-trained stayer Boom Doom saw him grab Blue Moon Rising on the post, and provide trainer Andrea Dailly with add yet another feature race victory to add to her already impressive resume.
It was another Victorian in 2020, when Here's Tears, younger brother of track record holder Tornado Tears, led throughout to score in 42.33s for Robert Britton. Ironically Tornado Tears had to be scratched from the event the day before the Cup after suffering a pad injury. Younger brother did him proud.
2020 Sydney Cup Winner - Here's Tears
2020 winner Here's Tears
In 2021 the heats of the Sydney Cup saw three of the best stayers in the State - Stanley Road, Super Estrella and Miss Ezmae - each win their heats on impressive fashion.
The more experienced of the trio, Stanley Road, was the tip of many to win the Cup, but the up and comers were also strongly fancied.
The race didn't disappoint as a spectacle, and in the end it was the brilliant Miss Ezmae winning for trainer Jack Smith.
2021 winner Miss Ezmae
Miss Ezmae with Jack and Maree Smith
In 2022 Super Estrella had become the premier stayer in the country, and after winning the Group 1 National Championship final at Wentworth Park, then stunningly breaking the Wentworth Park track record, Super Estrella added yet another feature race win with a brilliant all the way success in the Sydney Cup Final.
Super Estrella with winning trainer David Smith
In 2023, Zipping Vanessa confirmed her status as one of the countries premier stayers in a dominant Sydney Cup victory.
The final margin was 4.25 lengths to Ritza Piper and the win came just months after her all the way win in the NSW National Distance decider. The win was her 13th in just her 24th race start.
2023 Sydney Cup placegetters (L-R) Ritza Piper, Zipping Vanessa and Valpolicella
