2021 now becomes the 50th anniversary of the running of the event first staged in 1971.

The prestigious event was first held at Wayville 1971-1973, while Wayville and Globe Derby raced in unison between 1969 and 1973.

When the new northern track installed lighting for night meetings , it then staged the classic event, starting in 1974.

The inaugural 1971 Wayville winner was Karomin driven by the master reinsman Lloyd Webster and the first winner at Globe Derby in 1974 was Bon Jara, a strong outside the leader winner, driven by the ice cool ultra reliable reinsman Trevor Kelly.

 Bon Jara had the breeding to succeed, its sire the champion Bon Adios was a star youngster and a champion throughout his great career

Trevor Kelly made it a double with an all the way win on Yankee Doodle Dandy in 1980, which was trained by the star West Torrens footballer Lindsay Head.

It was a big thrill for Trevor Kelly, a mad West Torrens supporter to drive for his idol, ”chuffed” to be precise

 A Trevor Kelly mentor was the legendary reinsman Bill Shinn , who has driven a winner in this event previously with Rocket Robin in 1972.

The event took on a new look in 2011 when it was separated into a Colts and Geldings title and a Fillies title.

The erstwhile Les Harding trained Fistfullofdollars won the ‘boys’ final, driven by the ace reinsman and a Les progeny, David Harding

The ‘girls’ final was won by Toby Ryans Concorde Crest , also driven by David Harding, a rather unique 2011 double.

David Harding first tasted success in 1997 with Greek Gambit which was quite remarkable as he was only 17 years old at the time.

David Harding was also successful with Rebecca East’s Hez The One in 2014.

David Harding and Kevin Brough jointly hold the record of most successful reinsmen with 4 wins each.

The immeasurable Kevin Brough had success with Majestic Manwarra [1976], Notso Cheap [1998], Go Girlfriend [2007] and most recently on Malibu Grin [2009].

There is so much still to cover about this time honoured event, so many talented pacers that have forged out memorable careers, a bevy of talented reinsmen, astute trainers who have driven or nurtured the cream of the two year old pacers , as well as the breeders.

One trainer in particular who deservedly enjoyed success in 2018 is the wonderful industry participant, Bronte Giorgio.

The Golden Nursery by this stage had reverted backed to the one title concept and has been ever since.

The Bob and Zita Maloney owned Bubbles And Cheese, driven by the talented Michael A Smith, gave Bronte Giorgio his training success 

I must give a special mention to the some times forgotten people, the owners who have had the courage to purchase pacers from an embryonic stage.

They deserve to accrue the prize monies offered by winning classic races and it is very satisfying to get an early ‘race’ return for investment.

The  BOTRA Golden Nursery is standing the test of time and may it continue to do so

George Giamalis