Col. AV Pope Cup

History of the Col. AV Pope Cup

The Col AV Pope Cup has been awarded annually at the Melbourne Royal Show since 1950 for the best Saddle exhibit over 15 hands, that in the opinion of the Judge, displays the best thoroughbred qualities, based on manners, pace and performance.

The Colonel A.V Pope Cup was introduced to encourage the breeding of thoroughbred hacks in the lead up to the 1965 Olympic Games held in Melbourne.

Indian Army

Colonel A.V. Pope served in the Indian Army Hussars until 1940. The Hussars was a cavalry regiment, which means Colonel Pope was a soldier who fought on horseback.

Upon return to Australia, Pope lived in Frankston with his wife, who was well known in Show circles as an equestrienne. He was a top polo player.

Thoroughbreds and the Melbourne Olympics

Pope established this prize in 1950 for the Melbourne and Sydney Shows to encourage the breeding of thoroughbred hacks. He thought thoroughbreds would be in high demand for the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

The Col. AV Pope Cup was a much sought after prize. For example, in 1953 the winning horse and rider flew down from Queensland.

GALLANT champion hack of the Brisbane and Sydney shows, made a 10-hour air trip to compete in the Royal Melbourne. On GALLANT Mrs Stride was placed third in the Garryowen on Wednesday and on Thursday won the Col. AV Pope Cup.  (The Age, 26 September 1953 p.9)

The winner took home a ribbon as a small memento and the honour of victory in this competition.

The competition has been modernised and is now for the best saddle horse over 15 hands which shows thoroughbred qualities.

Mandy Bede

Col. AV Pope Cup Winners