IT was a fairytale ending for trainer Nicole Bruggemann when Highly Decorated made it seven wins in a row, taking out the 2021 Great Northern Darwin Cup, while Jessie Philpot became the first female jockey to win the Territory’s premier racing event.
Highly Decorated had barely missed a beat since arriving in Darwin, winning six on a trot including the Chief Ministers Cup.
It was only then that Bruggemann decided to give the Darwin Cup a go and, after drawing the coveted barrier one, it seemed almost meant to be.
Highly Decorated hit the front early on and, despite challenges from Terry Gillett’s Ash Grey, the five-year-old held on.