Alicia Williams, Adrian Grantham, Jo Rippingale, Steve Grantham and Matt Hayne.
Southern Riverina cups’ king Eamonn’s Memory added yet another trophy to the cabinet with a stunning ‘back-to-back’ win in the Deniliquin RSL Club 2026 Deniliquin Gold Cup on Saturday.
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The eight year-old veteran, under a huge weight of 63kg, found another gear in the final 50m and surged to the line to record a narrow victory.
In just over 12 months, in the best form of his career, Eamonn’s Memory has won two Deniliquin Cups, consecutive Jerilderie Cups, a Griffith Cup and a Berrigan Cup.
And he may well add to the tally, with part-owner Adrian Grantham confirming his next target was back-to-back Berrigan Cups on Derby Day, on Saturday, October 31.
Eamonn’s Memory is trained at Wangaratta by Andrew Dale, who wasn’t on track at the Deni races, and was ridden on Saturday by experienced Riverina jockey Bradley Vale.
He started $4 second favourite, surprisingly not the popular elect despite being the class horse in the field, due to his weight and a last start 12th at Seymour only six days prior.
The $3.80 favourite Zetalyn led for most of the race, and was in front turning for home, from Alternate with Eamonn’s Memory having to pick up ground with his big impost.
Alternate, winner of the Diggers Cup at Deniliquin on Anzac Day, took the lead and looked set to record his second Cup victory on the local track. But when Vale asked Eamonn’s Memory for a final effort the gelding responded.
In a thrilling finish, race caller Nigel Killip summed it up: “He’s a marvel”, he stated.
Zetalyn held on for third place.
Deniliquin Racing Club was delighted with the success of its cup meeting, held on a pleasant spring day with a big crowd in attendance.
Also delighted were the cup winner’s connections.
“It’s been a super day, thanks to the sponsors and the race club for putting it on, it's been great,” said Grantham.
"We’re lucky to be involved with Eamonn’s Memory.
"He’s won nine country cups now, and there’s a super team around him.”
Grantham congratulated Vale on his winning cup ride and also thanked strapper Matt Haynes.
Eamonn’s Memory just pipped Alternate at the finish.
