The Melbourne Cup has been a major event on the Australian horse racing calendar for over 150 years, and one of the most famous horses to have taken part in the race is Kingston Town. But did Kingston Town ever actually win the Melbourne Cup?
Kingston Town’s Racing Career
Kingston Town was a thoroughbred racehorse foaled in 1976 in New South Wales. The bay horse was sired by Star Kingdom and was trained by legendary trainer Tommy Smith.
Kingston Town’s career was an incredibly successful one, winning an impressive 30 of his 49 starts, including a record three consecutive wins in the prestigious Cox Plate. He also won numerous Group 1 races, such as the Doncaster Handicap, the George Main Stakes and the Epsom Handicap.
Kingston Town and the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is the premier race in Australia, and it was always the dream of trainer Tommy Smith to win the great race with Kingston Town.
Kingston Town was entered into the Melbourne Cup in 1980, 1981, and 1982, but unfortunately he never managed to win the coveted prize. In 1980, he finished fourth, in 1981 he was placed sixth, and in 1982 he finished sixth again.
The Legacy of Kingston Town
Despite not being able to win the Melbourne Cup, Kingston Town is still remembered as one of the greatest horses of all time. He is the only horse to have won three consecutive Cox Plate races, a feat that has yet to be matched.
Kingston Town was also awarded Australian Horse of the Year three times and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Kingston Town’s Influence on Racing
Kingston Town’s legacy continues to live on in Australian racing today. The Kingston Town Classic, run at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, is named in his honour, and is one of the most prestigious Group 1 races on the Australian calendar.
In addition, the Kingston Town Stakes, a Group 3 race for two-year-olds, is run at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney.
Achievements of the Great Horse
Kingston Town’s career achievements are testament to his greatness:
- Australian Horse of the Year: 1980, 1981, 1982
- Cox Plate: 1980, 1981, 1982
- Doncaster Handicap: 1980, 1981
- George Main Stakes: 1981, 1982
- Epsom Handicap: 1981, 1982
Kingston Town’s Retirement
Kingston Town was retired from racing in 1983, but his legacy lives on. In 1999, he was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and in 2007 the Kingston Town Stakes was created in his honour.
Did Kingston Town Win the Melbourne Cup?
Despite his impressive career achievements, Kingston Town never won the Melbourne Cup. He was entered into the race in 1980, 1981 and 1982, but he failed to win the coveted prize on each occasion.
Conclusion
The great Kingston Town will always be remembered as one of the greatest horses of all time. Despite never winning the Melbourne Cup, he was still a very successful racehorse, winning an impressive 30 of his 49 starts, including three consecutive Cox Plate wins. His legacy lives on through the Kingston Town Classic and the Kingston Town Stakes, and he will always be remembered for his greatness.