In a thrilling display of staying power, the galloper Apulia has etched his name into the history books by winning the Group 2 Perth Cup at Ascot Racecourse. The victory not only secured the prestigious 2400-metre feature but also matched a long-standing training record.
A Record-Equalling Triumph for Parnham and Pike
The 2025 Perth Cup will be remembered as a milestone moment for veteran trainer Neville Parnham. With Apulia's dominant performance, Parnham has now trained five winners of the iconic race, drawing him level with the legendary Fred Kersley's record. The win was expertly engineered by champion West Australian jockey William Pike, who delivered a perfectly timed ride to secure his fourth Perth Cup victory.
Starting as a well-backed favourite, Apulia settled beautifully in the run. Pike bided his time before asking the horse for a serious effort in the straight. The response was immediate and powerful, with Apulia surging past his rivals to win by a commanding margin. The official winning distance was one and three-quarter lengths, a decisive result that left no doubt about his superiority on the day.
From Perth Glory to Melbourne Cup Dreams
Immediately after the race, attention turned to the future, and the ambitions are sky-high. Connections were quick to flag the ultimate prize in Australian racing as the next major target. Apulia is now being aimed at the 2025 Melbourne Cup at Flemington, with his Perth Cup triumph serving as the perfect qualifying run and a massive boost to his credentials.
Trainer Neville Parnham was effusive in his praise, highlighting the horse's toughness and will to win. "He's just a magnificent stayer," Parnham stated. "The way he attacked the line today shows he has the class and the stamina for the biggest races. The Melbourne Cup is the dream, and today proved he deserves a shot." Jockey William Pike echoed the sentiment, describing the feel Apulia gave him as "exceptional" and suggesting the horse had not yet reached his ceiling.
What This Victory Means for the Future
This Perth Cup result has significant ramifications. For the local racing industry, it reinforces the quality of staying horses bred and trained in Western Australia. For Apulia's ownership group, which includes prominent WA businessman Bob Peters, it adds another major trophy to an already impressive collection. The victory also cements William Pike's status as the region's premier big-race jockey.
The path to the Melbourne Cup is long and challenging, but Apulia has taken the most critical first step by winning a major staying cup. His performance under handicap conditions at Ascot demonstrated the necessary weight-carrying ability. The racing world will now watch with keen interest as the gelding's campaign is mapped out towards the first Tuesday in November at Flemington.
In summary, Apulia's Perth Cup win was more than just another race victory. It was a historic, record-tying achievement for his trainer, a masterclass from his jockey, and a bold statement of intent for Australia's most famous race. The journey from Ascot to Flemington has officially begun.
