Geraldton Cup 2025 the mission for Hughes

For Allan Hughes, the Geraldton Cup is the one that’s gotten away. The decorated provincial trainer has claimed just about every regional feature across the mid-west — except the big one in his own backyard.

But on Sunday, Hughes heads to the $125,000 Geraldton Cup with one of his best chances yet in Butterflyrock, a mare in career-best form and riding the momentum of a four-race winning streak.

“I’ve won every cup in the mid-west, but this is the only one I haven’t won,” Hughes said to Racing WA.

“I won the Meekatharra Cup, Mount Magnet, Yalgoo, Mingenew, Dongara, Northampton, Walkaway.

I’ve won the lot of them, but never, ever the Geraldton Cup. I think I’ve only ever had one horse in it years ago.

I’ve never had a stayer good enough, but everything is falling into place, all the planets are aligning.

She’s doing it effortlessly and it’s a sign of a good horse.

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for her.”

Since joining the Hughes stable in 2022, Butterflyrock has needed time to find her rhythm — but she’s now thriving. This preparation, she’s looked a different horse, with five wins from her past six outings.

“The penny just dropped,” Hughes said.

“She wanted to be a racehorse.

She’s learnt what it’s all about.

She’s matured into a lovely racehorse.”

Jockey Madi Derrick, who previously steered Butterflyrock to victory, reunites with the mare this weekend, replacing Natasha Faithfull, who partners Manavendra in the feature.

From gate five, Hughes hopes to see Butterflyrock take a handy position in the run.

“We’re drawn five and I would like to be in the first four or five,” Hughes said.

“If she comes out quick, she sits behind the leader which will be really good.

That will give us a cart into the race, and we take it from there.”

Hughes isn’t getting ahead of himself but is quietly confident Butterflyrock will deliver a strong performance on the day.

“I’m one of those blokes that never count their chickens before they hatch,” Hughes said.

“But she’s really well, she’s working the joint down, she’s eating the bin out, she’s going to give them something to catch, anyhow.

Whatever beats her will be sleeping well that night.”