LIAM DURKIN
HORSERACING
By LIAM DURKIN IT is amazing what you come across. After almost a century in the wilderness, the original Traralgon Cup Trophy from 1930 has returned home. The trophy dates back to 1930, and is now on display in the window of Traralgon News and Lotto – just as it was 92 years ago. In a freaky set of circumstances, Latrobe Valley Racing Club chairperson Frank Bezzina was contacted recently by someone claiming to have the 1930 Traralgon Cup. From there, arrangements were made to bring the trophy – which is actually a cutlery set – back home. The set is still in magnificent condition, with all pieces appearing to be accounted for. Needing to confirm it was indeed the horse racing Traralgon Cup and not one belonging to another sport, research through Trove and the Latrobe Valley Express archives ascertained it was indeed the Traralgon Cup from 1930. An extract from The Traralgon Journal from Monday, January 20, 1930 reads: It was a happy Sam Phillips who stepped forward at the Traralgon races on Saturday to receive from the hands of the president the trophy which went with the Traralgon Cup race. Sam has been trying for three years to win the local cup, and he did so on Saturday with Eleisha. In presenting Mr Phillips with the handsome case of cutlery, the president (Mr E. S. Whittakers) said it was particularly gratifying to every member of the club to know that the race had been won by a local man with a local horse. The Traralgon Cup of 1930 was run over eight furlongs (1600 metres), and carried a prize of 20 pounds. These days, it is run over 1900m with a $70,000 prize-purse. Bezzina said it was a great thrill to have the antique on display. “That was a lucky find for us, we are pretty proud to have it back after 92 years,” he said. “I heard Wally (Sam) Phillips was the trainer back then, and he was a well-known celebrity back in the day, so hopefully a local will win it this year as well. “It is quite a nice little trophy.” The 1930 Traralgon Cup trophy will be on display at Traralgon News and Lotto (51-53 Franklin St) until Friday.
