The 1917 New Zealand Trotting Cup won by Adelaide Direct was added to the club's memorabilia collection at last night's race meeting. 

Adelaide Direct was the first horse to win the New Zealand Cup. 

Trained in Baringhup by Sam Lewis, Adelaide Direct’s first start and win was at Marong.

The trotter also won at Charlton ahead of greater riches.

Mr Lewis' granddaughter Sue Mayne, who lives in Hobart, presented the cup to the BHRC.

She said the trophy had sat in her cupboard for years, having been passed down through the family. 

"It was my grandfather's and my mum was the last of five girls in the family, so that is how the cup came to be with me. Mum's wish was that it would be delivered back to the racing track," she said. 

"She thought the BHRC was the best place for it to be and I do too. It's where it belongs. She wanted it so other people could see it which I think is worthwhile."

BHRC memorabilia and history sub-committee member Noel Ridge said the club was the perfect home for the cup. 

"Adelaide Direct was the first significant horse from the Bendigo district," he said. 

"It's local history and a significant part of Bendigo's history.

"It's an honour to have it as part of our memorabilia collection."

Mrs Mayne said she would regularly return to Bendigo to visit the cup. 

"It's very special. I will definitely be coming back to visit it every now and then," she said.