The 1985 Foster's Melbourne Cup, 18ct gold, Fortuanato Rocca for Hardy Brothers, won by What A Nuisance

modelled as a three handled loving cup supported on a tapering stem terminating in a stepped circular foot, resting on a turned blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) socle, inscribed 'Foster's / Melbourne Cup / 1985 / Won by / What A Nuisance' 'OWNERS / MR. D. GOWING / AND MR. & MRS.L.J. WILLIAMS' 'JOCKEY / P.HYLAND - 52 \xBD KG / TRAINER J.F. MEAGHER / TIME / 3.23' , marked 'ROCCA 18CT SUPPLIED BY HARDY BROTHERS LTD.' to footrim, housed in the original bespoke panelled blackwood case, with velvet lined interior, surmounted by a brass handle

(3)
894 gms, 29 cm high, 36.2 cm (with base)
the case 44.7 cm high, 27.5 cm wide, 30.2 cm deep

• Lot Sold $90,000 (Hammer Price)
• $109,800 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)

Provenance

Mr and Mrs Lloyd Williams and Mr Dennis Gowing, Melbourne
Mr Dennis Gowing, Melbourne, acquired from the above
Private Collection, Melbourne, by descent from the above

Exhibited

The Australian Racing Museum, Melbourne, on long-term loan from 2003-2010
The Australian Racing Museum at the National Sports Museum, Melbourne, on long-term loan from 2010-2016

Literature

Narelle Symes, Designs & Desires, The Changing Face of the Melbourne Cup Trophy, Mercedes Warratah Press, Melbourne, 2001, p. 33 (illustrated)