In Central there is an almost priceless 93 year old horse racing trophy, and for 364 days a year it’s under lock and key at Alexandra’s Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery. 

The Central Otago Racing Club’s (CORC) prized treasure, the John Clare Memorial Cup, goes on an annual outing to the Omakau gallops, which is this year known as Catalyst Performance Agronomy Central Otago Races, hosted at the Cromwell Racecourse on December 1.

It is a nerve wracking time for the person trusted with transporting the cup from the museum to the racecourse and back.

The John Clare Memorial Cup, a prize possession which is kept under lock and key. PHOTO: The Central App

The custodian for this day is a Clyde local in his 70s and he’s been a member of the the Central Otago Racing Club committee for the past 40 years.

The CORC committee member, who wished to remain anonymous, said as soon as he picks up the cup to take it to Cromwell, “he’s not stopping for anything or anyone”.

“It’s one of the most valuable cups in the southern hemisphere. Each year the winners of the major race get presented with it in person and take photos. They also get a replica to take with them.”

“I can’t help but watch them, and I keep thinking ‘be gentle with it’, it’s an important part of our history.”

This year marks the third time he’s driven to Cromwell with the valuable cup, worth around $75,000.

“I can only imagine the parties and celebrations it’s seen. In Omakau I know racing would finish up at 5pm and it would still be out at around midnight being handed around . . . it was different back then.”

The custodian said he knew the cup had sat in the president's room at the Omakau Racecourse for a long time, but around 10 years ago the committee decided to get it valued and insured. 

In 2015 the Southland Times reported it was worth in between $50,000 and $75,000 and had become too dear for the CORC to insure. 

The John Clare Memorial Cup, named after John Clare from the Vincent Jockey Club (VJC), has been presented since 1930. However, the VJC did not race in 1942 and 1943 during the World War Two.

The museum information details how after the 1929 race meeting, Bill Sanders, who was the racing editor of Dunedin’s Evening Star, berated the VJC for the insignificance of the recognition given to the memory of John Clare, who had been a founding member, former VJC president and had more than 40 years of involvement. 

Funds were gathered on the night and a cup was ordered from England with more than £200 worth of pure gold used to make it. 

In 1930 it was won by Mr W M McDougall and horse ‘Miss Marco’.

The winner in the 2023 race was jockey Abdul Najib with horse ‘My World’  with a time of 1.11.59, owned by Mapua Bloodstock Ltd.

Number four ‘My World’ stormed the line to win the cup on Friday. PHOTO: Loveracing.nz  

It is the fourth time the event has been in Cromwell after the Racing Industry Transition Authority in 2020 directed they move race day from Omakau.

From Saturday December 2, The Clare Cup is back in the museum for visitors and residents to enjoy.