Blonde Star has delivered a surprise triumph in the Hobart Cup (2400m), providing trainer Imogen Miller and jockey Erica Byrne Burke with their initial Group 3 success.

Dispatched at odds of $31, the Starcraft filly endured longer than the market leader to prevail in a tight photo finish, while also shattering the 2400m track record at Elwick along the way.

This result ensures the Hobart Cup trophy remains in Tasmania for the first occasion since Toorak Affair’s win back in 2020.

Issues that surfaced after her previous outing have made this achievement all the more rewarding for Miller.

“We knew she’d run well today. Things didn’t really go our way at Devonport, so it’s probably been unlucky there,” she said.

“I thought her run was good last start, but maybe she wasn’t at her best, and she pulled up and had a few little niggling issues in between runs, so really very happy obviously with her today.

“She’s a ripping little horse and she’s a beautiful horse to have around. She tries hard, she’s consistent. I mean, can’t really fault her. We all love her.”

Miller’s partner and ex-jockey Brendon McCoul added: “This last week, since her last run, we’ve been really, really happy with her. I said to the owners before the race, we’re a lot more confident with her leading into this.”

“It’s obviously a tougher race than last start here, but we were much happier with her leading into this race. Very confident she’d run well and ecstatic to get the win.”

From gate five, Byrne Burke found herself caught three-wide under cover during the initial stages of the contest.

As the remaining 800m approached, the Irish rider needed to apply pressure, trapping her opponent inside while the five-year-old mare started to make ground on the bend exiting the back straight.

Positioned perfectly at the straight’s entrance, she had to battle hard for supremacy, as Ziryab and Taramansour resisted strongly on either flank of the mare.

Blonde Star reached the finish locked with favourite Ziryab, forcing the judge into a lengthy review before confirming number nine as victor.

Erica Byrne Burke was overjoyed with the result.

“I’m in disbelief. I didn’t believe it until I came back and saw the number and everyone’s cheering, but, yeah, I can’t believe it,” she said.

“She was so good. I can probably say now I gave it a bad ride. I wanted to do this for Brendon and (Imogen), and all the owners, it’s just great.

“I was just saying in my head, just don’t hit the front too soon. It’s a long way from home. But, God, she was gutsy.

“To win a Hobart Cup, it doesn’t really feel real. For Brendon and Imogen to keep me on his horse, they’ve been very good and great supporters. I’m kind of lost for words, really. It’s just brilliant.”

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The post Blonde Star causes upset in the Hobart Cup first appeared on Just Horse Racing.