30 Years Ago: Saintly’s historic triumph

This was Cummings’ 10th Cup win, an achievement the VRC honored by presenting the master trainer with his own Cup replica.

Saintly proved to be an outstanding racehorse, also winning the 1996 Australian Cup and Cox Plate. Uniquely, he was bred, trained, and part-owned by Cummings – a rare feat previously achieved by only five others in Melbourne Cup history: James Wilson (1876), Etienne De Mestre (1878), James Redfearn (1891), Bill Kelso (1928), and Harry Bamber (1939).

Often referred to as the ‘Horse From Heaven,’ Saintly delivered on racing’s biggest stage. He was retired less than twelve months later to Princes Farm, where he acted as a calming influence on younger horses agisting at the property.