Copeland 1961 Australian Cup Winner

Copeland caused an upset when he jumped to the front from the 13-yard handicap mark leading all the way to win the 1961 Australian Cup at North Melbourne. Raced by the late Max Johnson and trained by leading mentor the late Syd Barrett he beat 4-6 favourite Dennis Direct (13 yards) with Liberal Miss (14 yards) third in 36.11/16ths for the 675-yard trip. Copeland earned the princely sum of 1400 pound first prize. Dennis Direct was later to race at Flagler in America with trainer Victorian Hall of Famer the late Max Wintle who made the trip with Trucking magnate Lindsay Fox. Unsuccessful on the track he stayed and became a leading Sire producing Classic winning progeny. Copeland was named after champion American boxer Auburn Copeland who fought in Melbourne and Sydney many times. His sparring partner in Melbourne was Bill Drinkwater who broke Copeland in. Max Johnson had brought Copeland as a pup (Byamee x Blue Cope) from Mildura breeder H Mellington. The winning trophy has been donated to the Museum by Max’s Granddaughter Robyn Todd.