The Association Cup has been won by some of the best half milers the greyhound racing world has seen. One of the top staying races in NSW, the Association Cup is next due to be race in September 2025 at Wentworth Park – or Headquarters, as it’s fondly known.
With such high quality chasers contesting the event each year, betting is always competitive and there is often lots of value to be found. The quality of the race can be proven by recent names on the winners’ list including Miata (2012), Sweet It Is (2014) and Space Star (2015) – a real whose who of greyhound racing.
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
The 2025 Association Cup field will be announced after the heats are run. ARG will update this page with the Queensland Cup field when it is available.
As it is a group 1 race offering a hefty winner’s purse, only the best stayers contest the NSW Cup series, meaning there is plenty of betting interest on both the heats and final.
All of our recommended bookmakers offer fixed odds betting for the final, allowing punters to shop around and find the best odds about their selected runner.
Most of our bookies also offer fixed odds betting on the heats, while some even offer all-in markets on the winner of the final prior to the running of the heats – giving you the chance to win big by snaring some inflated odds if you think you can spot the winner.
The Association Cup is the only group 1 staying race run in NSW, with the feature moved in 2012 to now be held on Golden Easter Egg.
The event was first run in 1965 on the grass track at Harold Park over the 732m trip before being moved to Wentworth Park on the old grass circuit in 1988.
Four years later, the Association Cup was run over 720m distance on loam for the first time in its history, with the distance and racing surface remaining the same to this day.
The race’s $75,000 winner’s cheque also makes it the richest staying race in NSW, with the hefty sum attracting the nation’s best distance dogs each and every year.
The honour roll is littered with former champions including Zoom Top (1968, 1970), Bold Trease (1987), both of which are viewed as immortals of the sport, as well as modern day superstars Miata (2012) and Sweet It Is (2014).
2024 Association Cup results
April 2024. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA. First Prize $75,000
Winner: Palawa King (Trainer: Robert Smith)
Time: 42.06 seconds. Margins: 2 lengths
Runner-up: Canya Amy
2023 Association Cup results
April 2023. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA. First Prize $75,000
Winner: Zipping Orlando (Trainer: Jason Finn)
Time: 41.53 seconds. Margins: 4 lengths
Runner-up: Bandit Jane
2022 Association Cup results
April 2022. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA. First Prize $75,000
Winner: Gypsy Wyong (Trainer: Andrea Dailly)
Time: 42.15 seconds. Margins: 3.5 lengths
Runner-up: Mepunga Ruby
2021 Association Cup results
April 2021. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA. First Prize $75,000
Winner: Stanley Road (Trainer: Mark Gatt)
Time: 42.10 seconds. Margins: 0.25 lengths
Runner-up: Fernando Cazz
2019 Association Cup results
April 20, 2019. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA. First Prize $75,000
Winner: Veloce Nero (Trainer: Seona Thompson)
Time: 41.90 seconds. Margins: 0.75 x 1 lengths
Runner-up: Little Digger
Simon Keeping upstaged future staying star Rippin’ Sam to record a last to first win in the most recent edition of the Association Cup.
Owned by Shayne Stiff and trained by Marty Hallinan, the black dog settled at the end of the field in the early stages before making his move down the back, bolting clear in the run to the line to win by five and three quarter lengths in a fast 42.10.
2018 Association Cup results
March 30, 2018. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA. First Prize $75,000
Winner: Simon Keeping (Bekim Bale x Kim Keeping). Born: May 2015 Black Dog
Owner: Shayne Stiff. Trainer: Martin Hallinan.
Time: 42.20. Margin: 5.75 lengths.
Others in finishing order: Rippin’ Sam, Ebby Ripper, Billy’s Bake, Zipping Katelyn, Tahiti Pearl, Big Daddy Bee, Techno.
Victorian greyhound Trip To Eden stamped himself as the top stayer in Australia with an all-the-way victory in the 2017 Association Cup.
The Seona Thompson-trained greyhound defeated a high class field including WA Galaxy winner Bogie Bekim en route to recording his second group 1 victory, having previously taken out the Super Stayers at The Meadows.
2017 Association Cup results
April 15, 2017. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA First Prize $75,000
Winner: Trip To Eden (Solve The Puzzle x Key To Eden) Born: April 2014 Black Dog
Owner: Stephen Connor. Trainer: Seona Thompson.
Time: 42.02. Margins: 2.5 x 3.15.
Others in finishing order: Bogie Bekim, Obi Kenobi, Miss Foxy Lee, Allen Lottery, Ebby Ripper, My Boy Brodie, Gunnadoo Cove.
Young trainer Mark Giddings stamped himself as one to watch with his rags to riches stayer Lioness Lulu defeating a quality field over 720m. Giddings bought Lioness Lulu for just $2000 after passing through four trainers kennels before landing with Giddings.
Whittaker and Serena Nimbus rounded out the placings. Read full report and watch replay here.
March 26, 2016. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA First Prize $75,000
Winner: Lioness Lulu (Big Daddy Cool x Jackie’s Capri) Born Sept 2012 Fawn Bitch
Owner/Trainer: Mark Giddings.
Time: 42.21 Margins: 7.25 x Nose.
Others in finishing order: Whittaker, Phantom reign, Ryno’s Raider, Serena Nimbus, Dublin Bull, Come on Fantasy, Madlina Girl.
Space Star started a short favourite and won in strong fashion, overrunning Lady Toy who had set the early pace.
But the champion dog powered away in the home straight to record his third Group 1 victory and increase his winning to over $400,000.
2015 Association Cup results
April 4, 2015. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA First Prize $75,000
Winner: Space Star (Bekim Bale x Tonto Tears) Born: June 2012 Black Dog
Owner: Camilla Limon. Trainer: Robert Britton.
Time: 42.09. Margins: 0.75 x 1.25.
Others in finishing order: Lady Toy, Zipping Felix, Sweet It is, Opec Bale, Zipping Maggie, Lilly Cette, Uinix Bale.
Sweet It Is saluted for Darren McDonald after a stirring from first-to-last victory. The daughter Mogambo and Off Springer claimed the race in a blistering 41.78 after a horror start looked to have ended her chances.
Xylia Allen, the track record holder at the time, pinged out of the boxes and looked to be on track to justify the favouritism bestowed on him by punters. But Sweet It Is made up over 20 lengths to record a brilliant victory. Sweet It Is in the top five money earners of all time with the Association Cup win one of her greatest.
2014 Association Cup results
April 19, 2014. Wentworth Park NSW GBOTA. First Prize: $75,000
Winner: Sweet It Is (Mogambo x Off Springer) Nov 2011 Black Bitch
Owner: Two Bears – MGR B Finn. Trainer: Darren McDonald.
Time: 41.78. Margins: 3 x 0.25
Others in finishing order: Rocky Bale, Xylia Allen, Dyna Willow, Hala Belle, Infinite Wish, Hailstorm Billy, Lethal Three.
Year | Distance | Grade | Winner | Margin | Time | Trainer | Runner-up | Boxes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1965 | 800y | Feat | Blue Autumn | Head | 44.00sec | A. Johnston | Rare Grand | – |
1966 | 800y | Feat | Rose Moss | 1L | 44.20sec | C. Taylor | Electric Louvre | – |
1967 | 800y | Feat | Gloavon | 2-1/2L | 44.00sec | A. Hill | Rose Moss | – |
1968 | 800y | Feat | Zoom Top | 6L | 43.70sec | H. Watt | Beverly Moss | – |
1969 | 800y | Feat | Zoom Top | 1-1/4L | 43.80sec | H. Watt | Busy’s Charm | – |
1970 | 800y | Feat | Heather Rev | Head | 43.80sec | R. Riley | Tara Flash | – |
1971 | 800y | Feat | Travel Rev | 2-1/2L | 43.60sec | A. Hayes | Mustard Moss | – |
1972 | 800y | Feat | Ragsie | 2L | 43.60sec | P. Cauchi | Chalons | – |
1973 | 732m | Feat | Plunderola | – | – | – | – | – |
1974 | 732m | Feat | Ascapella Miss | – | – | – | – | – |
1975 | 732m | Feat | Dotie Wilson | – | – | – | – | – |
1976 | 732m | Feat | Woolley Wong | – | – | – | – | – |
1977 | 732m | Feat | Te Ropa Lee | – | – | – | – | – |
1978 | 732m | Feat | Cyclone Corsica | – | – | – | – | – |
1979 | 732m | Feat | Little Vogue | – | – | – | – | – |
1980 | 732m | Feat | Gini’s Choice | – | – | – | – | – |
1981 | 732m | Feat | Black Aztec | – | – | – | – | – |
1982 | 732m | Feat | Bay Road Queen | 1/2L | 43.47sec | M. Pedler | Quick Pulse | 3,7,8 |
1983 | 732m | Feat | Quick Pulse | 1L | 43.40sec | L. Cottrell | Coin Spot Pride | 2,1,6 |
1984 | 732m | Feat | Lease Of Life | 4-1/2L | 43.21sec | J. Clayton | Coin Spot Pride | 3,4,1 |
1985 | 732m | Feat | Queen’s Cross | 1-1/4L | 44.18sec | R. Brown | Tachycardia | 8,1,6 |
1986 | 732m | Feat | Clover Park | – | – | – | – | – |
1987 | 732m | Feat | Bold Trease | – | – | – | – | – |
1988 | 720m | Feat | Whip Tip | – | – | – | – | – |
1989 | 720m | Feat | Frosty Zulu | – | – | – | – | – |
2024 | 720m | G1 | Palawa King | 2L | 42.06sec | R. Smith | Canya Amy | 5,4,8 |
1990 | 720m | Feat | Valley Mail | 3L | 43.59sec | D. John | Kirsty’s Charity | 6,4,7 |
1991 | 720m | Feat | Fast Appeal | 1/2L | 42.96sec | S. Bayly | Travelling Short | 6,4,3 |
1992 | 720m | G2 | Equability | 8L | 42.40sec | B. Dukes | Bali Charlie | 8,7,2 |
1993 | 720m | G1 | Call Me Casey | 1/4L | 43.45sec | J. Finn | True Temptation | 3,2,7 |
1994 | 720m | G1 | Worthy Reward | 4L | 42.67sec | R. Paterson | Beau Rajah | 3,6,8 |
1995 | 720m | G1 | Rob’s Rebel | Nose | 43.54sec | R. Gibson | Mr Arkwright | 6,4,8 |
1996 | 720m | G1 | Groovy Dancer | 1L | 42.89sec | R. King | Wits End | 4,3,6 |
1997 | 720m | G1 | Northern Legend | 1L | 43.22sec | G. Bate | Tonight’s Wish | 2,5,8 |
1998 | 720m | G3 | Thoma Di | 6-1/4L | 42.94sec | J. Barnett | William Wallace | 7,1,5 |
1999 | 720m | G2 | Moe’s Tavern | 1-1/2L | 43.17sec | P. Giles | Smart Attitude | 4,2,8 |
2000 | 720m | G2 | Many Tricks | Nose | 42.55sec | M. Hallinan | Poetic Reward | 6,1,2 |
2001 | 720m | G2 | Flash Joan | 2-1/2L | 43.11sec | R. King | Make Haste | 7,2,3 |
2002 | 720m | G1 | Nimuay | 1-1/4L | 42.96sec | O. Langley | Slick Appeal | 4,3,8 |
2003 | 720m | G1 | Big Sam Banner | Neck | 42.77sec | J. Mackay | Persian Belle | 4,7,8 |
2004 | 720m | G1 | Irinka Barbie | 2L | 42.54sec | J. Finn | Skipper Rip | 4,2,6 |
2023 | 720m | G1 | Zipping Orlando | 4L | 41.53sec | J. Finn | Bandit Jane | 6,3,1 |
2005 | 720m | G1 | Classy Customer | 2-1/4L | 42.65sec | J. Mackay | Last Quoted | 4,5,8 |
2006 | 720m | G1 | Endless Pit | 1-1/2L | 42.99sec | L. Gorman | Texas Gold | 4,2,3 |
2007 | 720m | G1 | Excused | 3-1/2L | 42.73sec | D. Sultana | Kibble Kruncha | 3,8,6 |
2008 | 720m | G1 | Miagi | 5-1/4L | 42.91sec | W. Harper | Gold Slammer | 6,2,3 |
2009 | 720m | G1 | Lilley Criminal | 3L | 42.24sec | A. Azzopardi | Calhoun Park | 1,5,6 |
2010 | 720m | G1 | Mantra Lad | 6-1/4L | 42.15sec | G. Jose | Lochinvar Vogue | 1,5,7 |
2011 | 720m | G1 | Seek And Destroy | 1-1/4L | 43.00sec | A. Azzopardi | Dashing Corsair | 7,1,5 |
2012 | 720m | G1 | Miata | 3L | 41.94sec | P. Stuart | He’s My Future | 8,2,4 |
2013 | 720m | G1 | Bell Haven | 6-1/2L | 42.31sec | T. Medhurst | Back Page Lead | 4,5,2 |
2014 | 720m | G1 | Sweet It Is | 3L | 41.78sec | D. McDonald | Rocky Bale | 3,5,2 |
2015 | 720m | G1 | Space Star | 3/4L | 42.09sec | R. Britton | Lady Toy | 2,1,5 |
2016 | 720m | G1 | Lioness Lulu | 7-1/4L | 42.21sec | M. Giddings | Whittaker | 8,6,1 |
2017 | 720m | G1 | Trip To Eden | 2-1/2L | 42.02sec | S. Thompson | Bogie Bekim | 3,2,5 |
2018 | 720m | G1 | Simon Keeping | 5-3/4L | 42.10sec | M. Hallinan | Rippin’ Sam | 5,8,6 |
2019 | 720m | G1 | Veloce Nero | 3/4L | 41.90sec | J. Finn | Little Digger | 3,2,7 |
2020 | – | – | RACE NOT HELD | – | – | – | – | – |
2021 | 720m | G1 | Stanley Road | 1/4L | 42.10sec | M. Gatt | Fernando Cazz | 7,4,5 |
2022 | 720m | G1 | Gypsy Wyong | 3-1/2L | 42.15sec | A. Dailly | Mepunga Ruby | 8,4,1 |
2023 | 720m | G1 | Zipping Orlando | 4L | 41.53sec | J. Finn | Bandit Jane | 6,3,1 |
2024 | 720m | G1 | Palawa King | 2L | 42.06sec | R. Smith | Canya Amy | 5,4,8 |