He was a tall, heavily topped chestnut gelding by the VRC Newmarket Handicap winner Manihi from Markato by Natural Bid (USA).
Costing only A$3,500, Manikato had a double cross of Fair Trial in the fourth generation (4m x 4f) and was a descendant of Nearco through his dam.
In the Caulfield Guineas Manikato defeated Karaman by about two lengths after a protest against him was dismissed, but his jockey Gary Willetts was suspended.
In 1978 the race was run over 1800 metres and in his first attempt at a distance beyond a mile, Manikato won untouched and easing up by 4 lengths in a course record time.
IAt his next start in the Australian Cup over 2000 metres he was taken on in front by three horses during the running and was only caught in the shadows of the post by Dulcify who was unbeaten at Flemington until his tragic injury in the 1979 Melbourne Cup, Manikato next started in the George Ryder Stakes where he dropped back 500 metres in distance and won by six lengths, again in record time with Joyita finishing second.
This was 3.5 kg over the weight carrying record for a three-year-old in the Doncaster held by Tontonan, himself a great champion of the Australian turf.
On 24 September 1981 he finished second in the Marlboro Cup over 1,400 metres after he struck himself and was galloped on during the running of the race.
After every race, Bon wrapped the horse's legs with plastic shopping bags filled with ice, to reduce inflammation.
After a spell Manikato resumed racing at Sandown with a win on 1 September 1981 in a handicap in carrying 63.5 kg.
Four weeks later on 24 February 1982 Manikato contested his fourth consecutive Futurity Stakes but finished second this time.