From his Kembla Grange base, Paul Murray has sustained his family’s enduring bond with the Wagga Cup carnival, dominating the $200,000 Town Plate courtesy of Harry’s Bar.
Bede Murray, the legendary late South Coast trainer and Paul’s father, first ventured to the premier country meet in the 1970s, rarely leaving empty-handed, his haul featuring a Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) with Vanquished plus the Town Plate (1200m) on Scorpio.
Paul added to the ledger Thursday when Harry’s Bar ($9) reeled in Love Shuck ($61) up front to triumph by three-quarters of a length, as Bandi’s Boy ($11) charged home late for third, two lengths off the winner.
With a boutique operation at Kembla Grange, Murray celebrated his second major race score in the space of six months, building on Where’s The Circus’s Inglis Nursery (1000m) victory at Randwick last December.
Given the Murrays’ rich heritage at the Wagga carnival spanning two days, Harry’s Bar’s feat gained extra lustre.
“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.”
Harry’s Bar now has three wins from 16 runs, a worthy return for her tenacity seen in second place at the Gosford Provincial-Midway Country Championships heat and a valiant fifth in the Final against Lord Of Biscay.
“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.”
Next steps for Harry’s Bar are unclear for Murray, who nonetheless pondered the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) in Scone a fortnight out.
The mare’s regular hoop Jean Van Overmeire registered a double, having won previously that day on Brutal Belle for trainer Luke Pepper.
Friday’s program includes the Wagga Gold Cup, with Travolta trained by Chris Waller leading at $3.20. Punters can find online bookmakers offering markets for the Wagga Gold Cup.
