Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

King Pedro delivered a powerful late finish to win the Listed Grafton Cup over 2350 metres at Grafton on Thursday, July 16. The victory under Kerrin McEvoy strengthened trainer Tom Charlton’s belief that the stayer can contest better races during the spring carnival.

The race developed at a slow tempo after Tahlia Fenlon steadied leader Kaluakoi, creating a difficult task for horses positioned near the rear. King Pedro still made up the required ground on a Good 3 surface that had favoured runners closer to the pace.

For more Australian racing news, read about Sir Now’s Group 3 opportunity at Caulfield. The complete meeting information is available through the official Racing Australia Grafton page.

Kerrin McEvoy Times Winning Run

Kerrin McEvoy remained patient as King Pedro settled behind the main group. Once clear, the $2.30 favourite accelerated through the centre of the track and caught Etna Rosso and Kaluakoi near the finish.

“When I got him into the clear, he had a lot of ground to make up, but full credit to the horse. He powered and he was really hitting the line hard,” Kerrin McEvoy told Sky Racing.

Etna Rosso finished second at $18, with $11 chance Kaluakoi holding third after controlling the early pace. The result gave Kerrin McEvoy his first victory in the Grafton Cup after several previous attempts.

Metropolitan Becomes Spring Option

Tom Charlton plans to give King Pedro a short break before preparing him for the spring. The Group 1 Metropolitan over 2400 metres at Randwick in October has emerged as a possible target.

“For sure. He’ll have a little freshen up on the way home and we’ll have a think about what races we aim for, but a race like the Metropolitan wouldn’t be a silly idea,” Tom Charlton said.