Trainer Paul Murray from Kembla Grange has perpetuated his family’s notable tie to the Wagga Cup carnival, claiming the $200,000 Town Plate with Harry’s Bar.
Paul’s father, the iconic South Coast trainer Bede who has passed, initiated trips to the major country carnival back in the 1970s, frequently securing wins such as the Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) aboard Vanquished and Town Plate (1200m) on Scorpio.
Thursday saw Paul Murray enhance the family record when Harry’s Bar ($9) collared early leader Love Shuck ($61) to win by three-quarters of a length, as Bandi’s Boy ($11) finished purposefully for third, two lengths in arrears.
With a limited operation at Kembla Grange, this success represents Murray’s second feature victory over the preceding six months, after Where’s The Circus’s success in the Inglis Nursery (1000m) at Randwick during December.
Nevertheless, the family’s longstanding involvement in the two-day Wagga carnival lent special meaning to Harry’s Bar’s performance.
“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.”
For Harry’s Bar, it was win number three from 16 starts, merited by her dependability following second place in the Gosford Provincial-Midway Country Championships heat and a bold fifth in the Final to 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.”
Murray hasn’t settled on Harry’s Bar’s upcoming targets but indicated interest in the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone in two weeks’ time.
Steadfast rider Jean Van Overmeire steered Harry’s Bar to victory, doubling up earlier on the day with Brutal Belle from Luke Pepper’s yard.
The carnival proceeds Friday with the Wagga Gold Cup, in which Travolta trained by Chris Waller is $3.20 top pick.
Discover leading racing betting markets ahead of the Wagga Town Plate carnival’s highlight.