From 1983 to 1986 the Australian Cup reverted to a handicap: with respect, the winners in those years were not champions. So again the decision was made to return to weight-for-age conditions. Look at the list of subsequent winners. It includes Bonecrusher, Vo Rogue (twice), Better Loosen Up, Veandercross, Octagonal, Dane Ripper, Northerly (twice), Lonhro, Zipping and Harlem (twice), and the Melbourne Cup winners Let’s Elope, Saintly, Makybe Diva (in track record time), Shocking and Fiorente. No less than nine of the 70 horses in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame are VRC Australian Cup winners since the race became a weight-for-age champion race. Dulcify blazed the trail.
MELBOURNE CUP / AUSTRALIAN CUP WINNERS
Tim Whiffler, Nimblefoot, Warrior, Malua, The Parisian, Spearfelt, Hyperno, Let’s Elope, Saintly, Makybe Diva, Shocking, Fiorente
HALL OF FAME/AUSTRALIAN CUP WINNERS
Malua, Leilani, Dulcify, Vo Rogue , Better Loosen Up, Let’s Elope, Saintly, Octagonal, Northerly, Lonhro, Makybe Diva
COX PLATE/AUSTRALIAN CUP WINNERS
Dulcify, Bonecrusher, Better Loosen Up, Saintly, Northerly, Octagonal, Makybe Diva
DISTANCES OF THE AUSTRALIAN CUP
1863 - 2¼ miles (3620 metres), 1943 - 2 miles 1½ furlongs (3520 metres), 1963 - 1¾ miles (14 furlongs) (2816m), 1964 - 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) (2011m), 1973 - 2000 metres
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