Alder surges to take the Cup

ALDER dug deep on the home stretch to salute at the 2026 Sungold Milk Terang Cup on Sunday.

Hard earned: Owners and trainers hoisted the Terang Cup following a strong showing from Alder. Photo courtesy of Greg Ryan/Racing Photos

The six-year-old Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained gelding had run neck and neck with the Symon Wilde-trained Khor throughout the 2150 metre race in hopes of taking the cup and $44,000 in prize money.

Khor held the inside and the lead entering the final straight, at both the 800 and 400 metre marks, but a late surge from Alder and jockey Jamie Mott secured a 0.3 margin victory.

The closely-contested nature of the cup was a common theme throughout the day’s races, with five of the eight racing coming down to the wire with less than a length between first and second placings.

Consistent rain throughout the day and in the lead-up made for a heavy track, but Terang and District Racing Club president Janice Harris said the committee was thrilled with the quality of racing despite the downpour.

“It was a great day’s racing,” she said.

“Unfortunately, there was a few scratchings because of the wet track, but it was still a good field for the cup.

“There was some good quality racing and there was plenty of talent as some of the winners are off to Warrnambool for the May Racing Carnival, so it’s good to have the Terang Cup so close for those trainers.

“There was plenty of local owners and local trainers, so we thought it was great.”