Insight
On Nicopolis Stakes Day at Belmont Park Racecourse this Saturday, 12 September 2026, Perth Racing will proudly celebrate one of the racecourse’s most enduring achievements, the remarkable 40-year track record held by BRAVA MENTO.
Foaled in Australia in 1979, BRAVA MENTO was by BRAVE LAD (GB) out of CASAMENTO (AUS). Raced by the Pugh family, he recorded nine career victories and proved himself a talented and courageous performer.
On 27 September 1986, BRAVA MENTO established the Belmont Park 1300-metre course record with a time of 1:15.71, a record that remains unbroken four decades later.
To commemorate this extraordinary milestone, Race 3 on Saturday’s program has been specially named the Celebrating 40 Year Record Holder BRAVA MENTO Handicap.
The occasion holds deep meaning for sisters Hellen McKenzie (née Pugh) and Jenny Kamper (née Pugh), who proudly continue to celebrate both BRAVA MENTO and the legacy of their late father, trainer and owner Dave Pugh.
“We greatly appreciate Perth Racing recognising BRAVA MENTO’s unbroken record.”
BRAVA MENTO was the best horse Dave trained and came agonisingly close on several occasions to securing a Listed race victory. Dave always believed his much-loved galloper was capable of producing something special.
Following Dave’s passing in July 1986, Hellen, a proud Perth Racing Gold Member, and Jenny entrusted BRAVA MENTO to respected trainer Frank Maynard, whom their father held in the highest regard. Frank did a wonderful job with the horse, and when BRAVA MENTO produced his record-breaking performance just two months later, the sisters felt certain he had done it for their dad, who was cheering him home from above.
To mark this very special occasion, Hellen and Jenny are hosting a celebration in the Belmont Park Suites on Nicopolis Stakes Day, surrounded by close friends and special guests Frank Maynard and his wife, Coreen.
Perth Racing is delighted to recognise this remarkable milestone and the enduring legacy of Dave Pugh, Frank Maynard and the unforgettable BRAVA MENTO.
Forty years on, BRAVA MENTO remains firmly etched in Belmont Park history.
Photo caption:
Jenny Kamper (née Pugh) and Hellen McKenzie (née Pugh) with their treasured photograph of Belmont Park’s 40-year 1300-metre record holder, BRAVA MENTO.
Jenny Kamper (née Pugh) and Hellen McKenzie (née Pugh) with their treasured photograph of Belmont Park’s 40-year 1300-metre record holder, BRAVA MENTO.
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