BRIAN Cox is no stranger to Wodonga Gold Cup success but there was something extra special about Minnie Downs victory in yesterday’s $80,000 race.

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And the emotion was there for all to see as Cox captured his 11th hometown feature.

Cox choked back tears after Minnie Downs handed him his first Wodonga Cup success without his father and long-time mentor, Ollie, by his side.

Ollie passed away in August and also won Wodonga’s most sought after race twice with Fair Fiona (1961) and Magic Cent (1969).

“It means a lot,” Cox said.

“Dad never missed a Wodonga Cup and it was always one of his favourite days on the calendar.

“He taught me everything I know about training and could be a hard taskmaster at times.

“But I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

“I can’t thank him enough.

“I probably set the bar too high over the spring racing in group company but she showed what she was capable of today with a drop in grade.”

Minnie Downs started the $4-favourite but was a conspicuous 12 lengths last 650 metres from home with stablemate Smoken Cash setting a solid tempo in the lead.

Newitt set Minnie Downs alight with 500 metres left to travel but she was still second last entering the straight.

Once straightened, the classy mare unleashed a devastating sprint five-wide and quickly reeled in the leaders and fought on strongly to defy the challenge of stable-mate Full Hand ($13).

Last year’s winner Stratrigraphy ($7) finished strongly to grab third.

It gave Cox the cup quinella for the third time after Ekalaka and Imperial Peter achieved the feat in 1999 and also Brassy Jim and Ekalaka in 2001.

The victory handed Newitt his third Wodonga feature and back-to-back cups after winning aboard the Mick Price-trained Stratigraphy last year.

He also partnered Elburus to victory in 2006 which was Cox’s most recent cup success before yesterday.

“I’ve got a lot of time for this mare and have had my fair share of luck on her,” Newitt said.

“She is honest as the day is long.

“She had been racing against much stronger company over the Melbourne carnival without disgracing herself.

“Dropping back in grade today, she showed her class.

“Even though I was almost last turning for home, I knew how good a turn of foot she has on her as long as you use it at the right time.”

Minnie Downs is owned by long time stable clients John and Helen McPhee who accepted the trophy.

Cox said Minnie Downs would now head for a freshen-up before being aimed at a Melbourne autumn campaign.

He ruled out targeting the Albury Gold Cup in March.