Narromine-based jockey Ricky Blewitt has now won a race wearing colours carried to victory in the Melbourne Cup by horses from the stalls of legendary trainer Bart Cummings.
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The late Bart Cummings won a record 12 Melbourne Cups but never had a runner in the Bong Bong Picnic Cup, held at the property 'Wyeera' in the Southern Highlands.
A further chapter was added to the family history on Friday when Colour Of Money, trained at Randwick by Bart's grandson James Cummings won the Bong Bong Picnic Cup (1560m) with Blewitt in the saddle.
"I was pleasantly surprised when contacted by James Cummings last week and offered the ride at Bong Bong as it is rare for such high-profile stables to have runners at the picnics," Blewitt said.
"James explained that Colour Of Money had been bred at Think Big Stud about eight kilometres from Bong Bong racecourse and thought it would be good to have a runner at the local meeting."
Malaysian businessman Dato Tan Chin Nam owned four Melbourne Cup winners, Think Big (1974 and 75), Saintly and Viewed, all trained by Bart Cummings.
Viewed, the 12th and final Melbourne Cup winner trained by Bart Cummings in 2008, carried the black and white checked jacket, yellow sleeves and black and white checked cap, the same colours worn by Blewitt at Bong Bong.
Dato Tan Chin Nam, as head of the Think Big syndicate, owns Colour Of Money and gave his approval for a start at the Bong Bong picnics when contacted by the trainer.
A last-start second to Invincabeel at Warwick Farm, Colour Of Money started favourite in a strong field at Bong Bong.
Colour Of Money jumped well then following instructions, Blewitt eased his mount to travel near the tail of the field.
Stoic (Kate Nipperess) established a 10-length lead with Colour Of Money saved for a late run.
The pair were level at the 150m mark before Colour Of Money ($3 favourite) drew clear to win by thee-quarters-of-a-length from Scottish Border (Jordan Frazer, $10) with Vodnils (Teresa Nikora, $13) a further two lengths back.
"Definitely one of my greatest thrills in racing, wearing such famous colours in a Bong Bong Cup win," Blewitt said.