The 2025 CRISP Wireless Kulin Cup marked an incredible milestone, with thousands gathering for the 30th Anniversary of the Kulin Bush Races. A beloved community tradition that continues to bring locals and visitors together for an unforgettable weekend celebrating country racing, community spirit, and regional resilience across Western Australia’s Wheatbelt.
And what a race it was.
From 20 lengths behind, R Dee, ridden by the talented Holly McClune, delivered one of the most spectacular comebacks in Kulin Cup history, surging to the front and crossing the line first in a finish that had the crowd roaring. The cheers echoed across the Wheatbelt as R Dee and Holly sealed their names into Kulin Cup legend.
R Dee isn’t just any horse. He’s got serious pedigree and a remarkable story. Owned by Melissa Evans and trained by Lauren Marshall, R Dee (previously known in his racing career as National Guard) was once piloted by two Melbourne Cup winning jockeys, Robbie Dolan and Glen Boss.
For Holly McClune, this year’s Kulin Cup was her first time ever riding R Dee, and what a debut it turned out to be. Now, R Dee proudly adds Kulin Cup Champion to his impressive portfolio of wins.
“I guess you could say it was 50/50 tactical and sort of missed the kick at the start. Going down the straight the first time, I think we were a good 20 lengths off at one stage and we were just copping all the dust and dirt to the face from all the other runners in front… Horses are really amazing with what they put up with and do for us because I honestly don’t know how R Dee saw a thing! It was a bit of a ‘sit down, shut up, and hang on’ job, and just let R Dee do his thing. At the 500m, we were just creeping closer and closer. That’s when I knew the others had started to run out of gas, but R Dee gave me the feeling that he had more fuel in the tank. His owner and trainer told me they’d been doing a lot of hill work with him, and it sure paid off because, although it’s not overly noticeable, the horses definitely feel the hill climb. That’s where R Dee started to take the lead after having to peel off three wide.To sum it up, we basically did a ‘Chautauqua’. I think it’s the best comeback since Steven Bradbury!”
Holly’s story captures everything the Kulin Cup represents: heart, heritage, and the spirit of the bush. Following in her mum’s footsteps, Holly’s win adds another chapter to a family legacy deeply tied to the Kulin Bush Races. Her mother Samantha McIntyre, who won the Kulin Cup in 2023 on her own horse, Texas Moon, passed down more than just a love of racing, she shared a connection to an event that means so much to the community. The Kulin Bush Races have long been a celebration of local talent, hard work, and country pride. Built by volunteers and supported by generations of locals, it’s an event where stories like Holly’s come full circle, proving that the heart of country racing is as strong as ever. For Holly McClune, Kulin Bush Races isn’t just another event, it’s the event.
“Kulin Bush Races has honestly been my highlight ever since I went for the first time in 2017 to watch my mum ride, who also won the Kulin Cup in 2023 on her own horse, Texas Moon. It’s the best weekend that I never plan to miss and I encourage everyone to pencil it in the calendar. Once you start, you’re hooked!”
That sense of family, tradition, and community pride is exactly what makes the Kulin Bush Races and the broader Wheatbelt region so special. From all of us at CRISP, congratulations to Holly McClune, R Dee, Melissa Evans, and Lauren Marshall for their incredible teamwork and well-deserved victory in the 30th Anniversary CRISP Wireless Kulin Cup. Your courage, skill, and connection perfectly embody what this event and our region are all about. Were you trackside for R Dee’s unforgettable performance? Share your favourite race day memories and tag @CRISPWirelessFasterInternet with #CRISPKBR. Here’s to 30 years of racing, connection, and community, and to the next 30!
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