Paul Murray, the Kembla Grange-based horseman, has sustained his family’s exceptional relationship with the Wagga Cup carnival, dominating the $200,000 Town Plate courtesy of Harry’s Bar.
Legendary South Coast trainer Bede, Murray’s departed father, commenced campaigning at the premier country meet in the 1970s, habitually tasting success including the Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) with Vanquished and Town Plate (1200m) on Scorpio.
Paul Murray contributed to the lineage on Thursday with Harry’s Bar ($9) wearing down leader Love Shuck ($61) for a three-quarter length success, Bandi’s Boy ($11) making ground late to claim third two lengths behind.
Murray manages a select group at Kembla Grange, and this win equals his second feature in recent six months since Where’s The Circus landed the Inglis Nursery (1000m) at Randwick come December.
In light of the family’s chronicle at the Wagga two-day spectacle, however, Harry’s Bar’s feat bore greater importance.
“It’s unbelievable. I was only a boy when we used to come down with Dad,” Murray told Sky Racing.
“We had a runner after (Scorpio), Sure And Fast, and I think he ran second or third in it, but this is my first runner.”
The victory brought Harry’s Bar to three wins across 16 races, a proper acknowledgment of her perseverance after vice in the Gosford Provincial-Midway Country Championships preliminary and a resilient fifth versus Lord Of Biscay in the conclusion.
“She is just a very good mare,” Murray said.
“She gives you two hundred per cent. Every time you go to the races you know you’re going to get a run for your money.
She loves a fight, and I’ve never seen a mare as tough as her.”
Future plans for Harry’s Bar remain open according to Murray, who pondered the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) in Scone a fortnight on.
Harry’s Bar’s consistent partner Jean Van Overmeire registered a double, having triumphed earlier astride Brutal Belle under Luke Pepper’s training.
Friday’s program includes the ongoing carnival centrepiece, the Wagga Gold Cup, with Chris Waller’s Travolta the $3.20 market elect.
Head to betting sites for competitive sports betting options on the Wagga Gold Cup.