PG . 51
Sullivans Diamond Dream Q-91480 sprints to the finish line ahead of Sullivans Fleetwood Q-100024 ( closest to camera ) in the 2023 Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup
2023 winner Sullivans Diamond Dream Q-91480 with his trainer , Tony Smith and ( on the right ) Chris Wallin of Strategic Minerals , a major sponsor of the Richmond Bush Sprint races featuring the Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup
Allan Sullivan with Merrie Elliott at her home in
Booborowie in SA , 2024
The Merrie Elliott Cup
to ensure that the concept of the Breeders Cup has every chance to succeed with local racing communities benefitting as a result .”
The first two Breeders Cups were held at Normanton , which was the main stage for the sprint racing scene in North Queensland . In 2023 the race was moved to Richmond to take advantage of its more central location ( a very important consideration given the immense distances connections and horses have to travel ) as well as greater financial support . John Wharton , Mayor of Richmond , is a community focused leader of his Shire and a strong supporter of Quarter Horse racing . He sees the Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup as a great way to showcase and enhance their race meetings and turn them into an even greater success . His entry and subsequent win in the inaugural Cup are an example of how passionate he feels about supporting this great feature race .
In conclusion Allan would like to add , “ The success of sprint racing and races like the Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup are dependent on the passion and enthusiasm of the industry as a whole and the ability of everyone to work together to achieve a broader result . The Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup has given me confidence that greater things can be achieved if we only give them a go , plan as best you can and keep looking forward .”
“ Some of our fellow racing Americans have been taking a keen interest in the progress of the Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup and sprint racing in NQ and have offered support to help us grow the sport . Lazy E has been very generous with the donation of services to some of their top racing stallions in the USA . Hopefully we can entice more leading breeders of stallions in Australia to nominate for the Merrie Elliott which would not only help support our race but increase the quality of our performance product .”
The 2024 Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup is set for Saturday 14th September at the Richmond Race Track in Queensland . In addition to the prizemoney for the win and placings , a trophy and an Incentive of $ 1,400 cash will be awarded to the highest placing horse by a nominated stallion in this years ’ race .
There is a Facebook page for the Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup . For more information and nomination details contact Allan Sullivan mobile 0419436338 email sullivansrun1 @ bigpond . com
For any further information the Richmond Bush Sprints also have a Facebook page and you can contact John Wharton mobile 0427 777 660 email john @ whartonco . com . au
2024 AQHA YEARBOOK ~ MAY / JUNE ISSUE