Kiwi, unsurprisingly a New Zealand-bred horse, was famous for winning both the Wellington Cup and the Melbourne Cup in 1983.
What many remember is Kiwi’s Cup win being a last-to-first affair. The spectacular late run is renowned. As of 2023, he remains the only horse to win the Wellington Cup and Melbourne Cup.
We’re taking a look at his career, especially that famous 1983 flying Flemington success.
About Kiwi
Kiwi was bred in Parore by Brian Fischer. He was later bought for only NZ$1000 by Snow Lupton and his wife Ann. It is said that initially, this was partly because of his chestnut coat which was a preference for Ann.
Kiwi’s sire was Blarney Kiss. The Luptons had already owned another progeny of his. Though Kiwi showed some early promise in New Zealand, he wasn’t spectacular and his owner quite rightly thought that he may peak as a long-distance runner.
After gradually improving, 1983 was to be Kiwi’s defining racing year. He won the 1983 Wellington Cup by running on late from the back, something that he would become famous for. It was a close finish that day, but it set him up for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup at Flemington which he famously won.
Ultimately, Kiwi finished his career with a record of 13 wins, 8 seconds and 2 thirds from 60 starts.
Kiwi’s Melbourne Cup Win
Owner Snow Lipton admitted that Kiwi was used on his farm to round up the sheep. It seems amazing that this was the case, but evidently it was a good part of his training routine.
Despite his Wellington Cup win, Kiwi was not considered as a leading contender by many. His 10/1 odds however suggested he had a chance.
As the race got underway, rider Jim Cassidy had dropped his mount out at the back of the pack. Had there been live, in-play odds at that time, he’d have had odds of 100/1+. With 500 metres to go, Kiwi remained second last and only ahead of a lame horse, Amarant, who’d been injured.
As they hit the home straight, Kiwi began to motor and made his way past tired horses. Sweeping by the entire field in spectacular style, Kiwi went beyond all 23 rivals to win by more than a length in a visually impressive display.
A bolt from the blue for most people watching live, Kiwi’s win is remembered for being one of the best winning performances at Flemington of all time.
The horse is now a sporting hero at home in New Zealand. His last-to-first win epitomises not only true staying ability, but is also the essence of underdog sporting performances.
