SWAN Hill trainer Con Kelly secured back-to-back Moulamein Cup victories on Saturday, with Sparsholt producing the winning run from his three starters.
Kelly also had defending 2018 champion Clever Boy and $3.80 favourite Tarryhoot competing in the 141st $12,500 Elders Moulamein Cup (1600m) field of eight.
Clever Boy seemed to be setting the pace early in the race, but the 10-year-old gelding, who finished 6th, faded as the race progressed,
All eyes were on the battle down the home straight between Tarryhoot and the horse who piped him at the post in the Hay Cup last month, Cooee March.
But, Sparsholt worked his way into the fold on the outside throughout the straight, pinching the lead in the final 100m.
The eight-year-old gelding edged out Cooee March by less than a head (0.16L) at the line to claim victory.
“I was really looking at Tarryhoot, who ran third, and watching him closer to the rail and then I looked to the outside and noticed it was another one of mine,” Kelly said.
“Poor old Celver Boy didn’t seem to handle the track today and Tarryhoot was too fierce early and he worked himself into the ground.”
Kelly said it was a great feeling to win his second consecutive cup, particularity considering the injury woes Sparsholt has had.
“The owners have been great supporters of mine for many years and decided to take on this horse who has had quite a few leg troubles,” Kelly said.
“We put him out for a long spell (nearly 11 months), but they were patient enough to wait.
“My wife, daughter and I are also part-owners, so it’s good to get a bit of money in our pockets as well.”
Part-owner Owen Connick was in full celebration mode after the win, taking the cup to each marquee.
“It’s been two-and-a-half years since our last win with Kelly and six years since our last Moulamein Cup win together,” he said.
“Last year, I was here celebrating Clever Boy’s win by taking Kelly’s cup to every tent here, and now I’m just keeping with tradition, but this time it’s ours.
“To see Sparsholt win its first race after a long spell in only its fifth race since its return, it’s a great thrill and nice to finally be back in the winner’s circle.
“Unfortunately, it looks like he may have pulled up sore again, but we’re got other horses, so we will be patient again if required.
Melbourne-based jockey Juana Andreou proved to be the most successful of the meeting, with the cup-winning ride securing her a treble from five rides, which included a placing.
In only her second appearance on a dirt track after racing for Kelly in Pooncarie in October, Andreou’s experience at Moulamein is one she won’t forget.
“I’m stocked because I’ve never even had a double let alone a treble,” Andreou said.
“It was trying conditions being a bit warm and having a strong breeze, plus I’ve quickly learnt dirt tracks are tricky because you’re always questioning how to ride them.
“I’m just pleased Con and the other Victorian trainers gave me the opportunity to ride for them, and to see them supporting country New South Wales is great to see.
“I wouldn’t say no to coming back and defending my title next year.”
