Queensland running mates David Devine and Nev Morgan chasing Melbourne Cup success with Kovalica

A Queensland running club could path the way for Nev Morgan and David Devine to land the coveted Melbourne Cup with Kovalica.

Queenslanders David Devine and Nev Morgan linked up at a running club decades ago, now they have a horse running for Melbourne Cup glory on Tuesday as Kovlica looks to go from maligned to marvel.

The pair were members of the Hash House Harriers running club and are hoping Kovalica has similar miles in his legs to see out the two-mile trip at Flemington.

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Devine, a renowned property developer and Brisbane Lions supporter, linked up with Morgan and the legendary Leigh Matthews to race Sizzling with Kelso Wood.

The trio would go on to win a Group 1 with him in 2012, however their next win at the top level together wouldn’t come until Kovalica won the Queensland Derby last year.

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“We were in the Hash House Harriers together in the 1970s and then we went our separate ways before reconnecting in the 2000s,” Devine said of his friendship with Morgan.

“Nev was the national beach sprint champion, he was great at it.

“He can’t run that fast now, I think I could beat him now.

“We got together with Sizzling and then did a few things together after Kelso Wood died.

“Sizzling won a Group 1, Kovalica was our first Group 1 together after that, we had the Magic Millions with Shaquero in 2021.”

06.06.2012 Racehorse "Sizzling " with part owners (L-R) Nev Morgan, David Devine, Leigh Matthews.

A major sponsor of the Brisbane Lions, Devine sees parallels between the AFL premiers and his star horse.

“He has certainly shown a lot more this campaign than his previous campaigns,” he said.

“He is a bit like the Brisbane Lions, they looked completely shot at the start of the year and then ended up winning the grand final.

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“I’m still involved there with the club and it was a great day down at the Grand Final, they can win it again next year, too.”

Having been trained out of Queensland for the early part of his career, Kovalica makes up part of the Queenslander attack on the race, with Devine saying he is a true maroon.

“We call him a Queensland horse, but we will call him more than that if he wins the Melbourne Cup,” he laughed.

Originally published as Queensland running mates David Devine and Nev Morgan chasing Melbourne Cup success with Kovalica