Race that stops a Naval station

STARTING OUT: Participants in the annual Bonshaw Cup. Photo: LSPH Neil Richards

Volume 49, No. 22, November 30, 2006

Some of the ADF’s best stayers replete in their own colourful liveries braved the dark skies on the first Tuesday morning in November for the running of the 42nd Bonshaw Cup at HMAS Harman in Canberra.

It was a prelude to some horsey happening of minor national importance in Melbourne that afternoon and in the absence of official bookmakers on the event or even a form guide for the punters it’s an unknown what fortunes were lost and won on the race that “stops a (naval) station”.

But civilian thoroughbred Glen Paterson, obviously bred in the purple for this two-legged classic, was bound to be the market shortener with his impeccable credentials for the big race.

He covered the 6.4km course in 21min and 37sec to be the overall winner and the first non-RAN member to greet the judge. It was the fastest time since 1993 when Mr Paterson won in a record 18min and 53sec.

Scott Baxter was the first RAN male home in 22min and 21sec behind the “cup raider” with Stephanie Hall the first non-RAN female across the line in 24min and 12sec.

First male walker home was David Mann in 36min and 57sec, with Wendy Ross the first female in 38min and 16sec. The male Masters winner was Bob Chapman in 37min.

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