Mr Lomondy shocked plenty with his upset powerful win in the 1986 Caulfield Cup

In 1986, racing experienced a relatively uneventful year, with the exception of a noteworthy encounter between two exceptional horses, Bonecrusher and Our Waverley Star, in the renowned "Race of the Century" held at Moonee Valley in an extraordinary Cox Plate. However, amidst this notable event, an unexpected contender emerged and astounded the Australian racing community with an impressive performance for the ages in the 1986 Caulfield Cup. Kiwi's weren't surprised as the New Zealand invaders were dominant that year.

Lomondy, or Mr Lomondy as he was known in Australia, was a thoroughbred horse born in New Zealand in 1980. Lomondy was by the White Robe Lodge based sire Noble Bijou (USA) out of Loma Lass (Lomond). Noble Bijou was a half brother to the great Allez France, who never had the opportunity to prove that he had anything remotely close to the same level of ability. Nonetheless, Noble Bijou's royal bloodlines won him a chance at stud in New Zealand, where he proved to be one of the best sires in the nation's history. Granddam, Lomond made only seven lifetime starts, winning the 1983 Gladness Stakes at the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland and the Classic 2000 Guineas Stakes at England's Newmarket Racecourse. Lomondy was trained by the master, Central Districts handler, Noel Eales at Awapuni. He was predominantly ridden by legendary Kiwi jockey David Walsh in the majority of his feature races.

Noel Eales and Walsh traveled to Australia with a strategic plan. Their first destination was Morphettville, where they intended to participate Mr Lomondy in the Adelaide Cup. Bart Cummings was named as trainer due to Noel not possessing an Australian training license, but the Kiwi master knew he had his horse right. Mr Lomondy strode clear on the turn as the favourite, Late Show threw down a big challenge. The two pulled well away from the field in ding-dong battle, with Late Show looking likely at the 200m. However, Walshy had Mr Lomondy wound right up, and the big boy just kept on powering to the line in an impressive winning display. The favourite tried hard but he couldn't match the strength and determination of the Eales gelding, who looked every part a Cup horse.

The team then travelled to Melbourne and set the horse for the the 1986 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Many thought he may of been somewhat lucky running away with it in Adelaide, and wouldn't be able to match the better quality Australian stayers, such as At Talaq, Rising Fear, Canny Lass, Tristrac and the well rated Kiwi, The Filbert. Mr Lomondy went out at odds of 33-1, and wasn't given much of a chance at all, while all the 'wise money' flowed the way of At Talaq. With similar tactics, David Walsh gained a break on the turn and hugged the rail while driving Mr Lomondy on. He picked up decisively and found that extra gear. At Talaq appeared as the only challenger, but just couldn't pick up the big Kiwi as he won in fine style, defeating At Talaq with Our Sophia running 3rd. It was another brilliant display of the horse's genuine power and outright staying ability. At huge odds plenty were left in shock, but Noel and David knew their horse was primed, in peak condition and definitely good enough to foot it with the best of them.

The Moonee Valley Cup was won by another outsider, Reckless Tradition, at 20-1. He defeated Cattivo and Joal, so the roughies were definitely to the fore prior to the 3200m feature at Flemington. Caulfield Cup winner Mr. Lomondy was nowhere near the 33-1 for the 1986 Melbourne Cup, starting as an easing favourite in a poor rendition of the race. Kiwi was returning after his 1983 heroic's for the fourth year and ran a creditable 4th, with Empire Rose finishing 5th. The traditional last lead up, was won by import At Talaq, who went on to win that year's Cup in a pretty average affair. Perfectly peaking for the race, At Talaq had run cracking races in the Craiglee Stakes, Underwood Stakes and Caulfield Cup but he recorded his first win in the Mackinnon Stakes three days before the Cup. He deserved it and at 10/1 was at false odds. Mr Lomondy finished a poor 8th.

The following year, Lomondy won the Gr.3 Beamish Bloodstock Stakes (2000m) at Hastings, which was the forerunner to the current Livamol Classic. His last victory was in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup in December 1989 carrying 57kg. Lomondy had also won the cup in 1986 prior to his Australian heroics. He had 54 starts for 14 wins. Noel Eales trained 1352 NZ winners over five decades, while David Walsh retired after 41 years in the saddle, with 2451 wins and stlll leads as all-time in NZ.

RACE RECORD - 54: 14 wins, 10 placings

Wins: 1600m (3), 2000m (4), 2200m (3), 2300m (2), 2400m (1), 3200m (1)

EARNINGS - Australia: AU$325,005

New Zealand: NZ$232,195

Total: AU$557,200