Racing: Just An Excuse nabs cup hat-trick for Mitchell

5.30pm

Just An Excuse pulled driver Todd Mitchell to his third $400,000 New Zealand Trotting Cup success at Addington in Christchurch today.

Mitchell had won the race with Homin Hosed in 1999 and Gracious Knight last year.

Race favourite Just An Excuse made his maiden appearance over 3200m a memorable one by holding off Elsu and Jack Cade at the line.

A photo was required to separate the second-placed Elsu from Jack Cade.

Trained at Raglan by Robert Mitchell, it was Just An Excuse's 12th win from 17 starts.

Just An Excuse was well positioned throughout the running and showed commendable strength in the home straight as the horse's superb staying qualities came to the fore.

- NZPA