Virtuous Circle Claims Hometown Feature

It was one for the locals as Almanzor’s Group 1 performer Virtuous Circle captured the rain-affected 2026 Kyneton Cup for trainer Liam Howley, who claimed his hometown cup for the third time in the past five seasons.

Guided by Alana Kelly, Virtuous Circle came from last in the running to burst clear in the concluding stages and record a comprehensive three-length victory.

An emotional Howley was quick to acknowledge the role Virtuous Circle has played in the stable’s journey.

“I say he brought us time; he built us,” Howley said.

For Virtuous Circle, a former Group 1 Australian Derby runner-up, the victory marked a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure. However, he had signalled a return to his best form with a third-place finish in the Coleraine Cup at his previous start.

“He has always worked like a proper horse. I’ve always maintained the faith,” Howley added.

Bred by Dianne McDonald and Rob Mulcaster, Virtuous Circle is out of the stakes-placed Stryker mare She Is Stryking. She has also produced Listed winner Danger Strykes, who has since left last month’s Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes winner, Fraudster.

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