Blonde Star pulled off a major boilover in the Hobart Cup (2400m) during the 2026 carnival, gifting trainer Imogen Miller and jockey Erica Byrne Burke their breakthrough Group 3 conquest.

At $31 into the race, the Starcraft-sired mare outlasted the punters’ choice in an agonizing photo finish, eclipsing the Elwick course record over 2400m.

Consequently, the Hobart Cup stays Tasmanian-owned for the first time post-Toorak Affair’s 2020 success.

Notable setbacks emerged after her prior engagement, heightening the joy of this Miller victory.

“We knew she’d run well today. Things didn’t really go our way at Devonport, so it’s probably been unlucky there,” she said.

“I thought her run was good last start, but maybe she wasn’t at her best, and she pulled up and had a few little niggling issues in between runs, so really very happy obviously with her today.

“She’s a ripping little horse and she’s a beautiful horse to have around. She tries hard, she’s consistent. I mean, can’t really fault her. We all love her.”

Partner to Miller and ex-rider Brendon McCoul chipped in: “This last week, since her last run, we’ve been really, really happy with her. I said to the owners before the race, we’re a lot more confident with her leading into this.”

“It’s obviously a tougher race than last start here, but we were much happier with her leading into this race. Very confident she’d run well and ecstatic to get the win.”

Barrier five saw Byrne Burke positioned three-wide covered early on.

With 800m remaining, the Ireland native pushed hard, confining the foe as they cornered from the back straight, the five-year-old surging wider on the turn.

Poised to pounce entering the straight, she scrapped tenaciously, with Ziryab and Taramansour battling valiantly on both sides of the mare.

Blonde Star dead-heated the favourite Ziryab at the wire, requiring extended deliberation from officials before number nine was upheld.

Erica Byrne Burke was thrilled beyond measure.

“I’m in disbelief. I didn’t believe it until I came back and saw the number and everyone’s cheering, but, yeah, I can’t believe it,” she said.

“She was so good. I can probably say now I gave it a bad ride. I wanted to do this for Brendon and (Imogen), and all the owners, it’s just great.

“I was just saying in my head, just don’t hit the front too soon. It’s a long way from home. But, God, she was gutsy.

“To win a Hobart Cup, it doesn’t really feel real. For Brendon and Imogen to keep me on his horse, they’ve been very good and great supporters. I’m kind of lost for words, really. It’s just brilliant.”

Fans can find excellent racing betting markets for the Hobart Cup at leading sites.

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