Veteran trainer Allan Hughes has a long list of provincial cup victories to his name, but one race has remained just out of reach — his hometown Geraldton Cup. This Sunday, Hughes believes he finally has the right horse to change that narrative in the form of in-form mare Butterflyrock.
Set to contest the $125,000 Geraldton Cup, Butterflyrock brings strong credentials into the race, having won her past four starts and five of her last six. The daughter of Galah has been a model of consistency, finishing in the top three in every outing since October.
Hughes last had a runner in the Geraldton Cup a decade ago, when Cyclone Lilly finished seventh. This time around, he’s feeling optimistic.
“I’ve won every cup in the mid-west, but this is the only one I haven’t won,” Hughes said to Racing WA.
“I won the Meekatharra Cup, Mount Magnet, Yalgoo, Mingenew, Dongara, Northampton, Walkaway.
I’ve won the lot of them, but never, ever the Geraldton Cup. I think I’ve only ever had one horse in it years ago.
I’ve never had a stayer good enough, but everything is falling into place, all the planets are aligning.
She’s doing it effortlessly and it’s a sign of a good horse.
I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for her.”
Butterflyrock joined Hughes’ stable in 2022 and initially took time to settle in, but she’s come into her own this preparation.
“The penny just dropped,” Hughes said.
“She wanted to be a racehorse.
She’s learnt what it’s all about.
She’s matured into a lovely racehorse.”
Madi Derrick reunites with Butterflyrock after partnering her to victory two starts back. She replaces Natasha Faithfull, who takes the ride on Manavendra.
With barrier five, Hughes expects his mare to find a forward position in the run.
“We’re drawn five and I would like to be in the first four or five,” Hughes said.
“If she comes out quick, she sits behind the leader which will be really good.
That will give us a cart into the race, and we take it from there.”
While remaining cautious, Hughes believes Butterflyrock is set to deliver a bold showing on Sunday.
“I’m one of those blokes that never count their chickens before they hatch,” Hughes said.
“But she’s really well, she’s working the joint down, she’s eating the bin out, she’s going to give them something to catch, anyhow.
Whatever beats her will be sleeping well that night.”