Thrill to see Cup after so many years

MEMORIES: Betty Mellish at Wharekaka Home in Martinborough. She is holding the letter top trainer Eric Temperton sent to her and her husband Wally after Silver Knight won the Melbourne Cup in 1971. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Being able to put a hand on the Melbourne Cup during its New Zealand tour had a special significance for Betty Mellish.

Mrs Mellish, 85, lives at Wharekaka, Martinborough, but for many years literally lived on a racecourse. One of her most cherished mementoes of those days is a letter from former top flight trainer Eric Temperton.

Knowing the 2014 cup was coming to Wairarapa and would be on show for the rest home residents, Mrs Mellish ferreted out the Temperton letter written 43 years ago thanking her and her husband Wally for congratulating him on training cup winner Silver Knight.

The Awapuni trainer was no stranger to the Mellish family as he regularly brought a team to Tauherenikau - often with great success - and Wally Mellish had the job of course caretaker.

He cared for the course for years until he and Betty decided on a change and took over the licence at the Tin Hut pub.

Living on the course and rubbing shoulders with not only the Tauherenikau trainers and staff but those from much further afield ensured on-going interest in horse racing and led to many lasting friendships.

When Silver Knight triumphed in the race that stops two nations Betty and Wally Mellish were among the first to pass on their congratulations and Eric Temperton sent a reply telling them what a great thrill he had got preparing Silver Knight to win.

The 4-year-old stallion was owned by Sir Walter Norwood and ridden by Bruce Marsh.

Wally Mellish died many years ago but his wife was very happy to get a look at a genuine Melbourne Cup.

She had never seen the actual cup until the tour organisers decided to include Wharekaka.