The bet365 Swan Hill Cup Carnival saw the clash of the local titans go down to the wire in yesterday’s $150,000 Pooles Golden Topaz.
With Nathan Hobson’s Yulong Storm holding out the fast-finishing Ocean Beyond, ridden by Harry Coffey.
And today’s $27,000 In Memory of Dean Holland Handicap over 975m was a case of déjà vu all over again.
Except this time, Coffey, riding father Austy’s horse Simply Sparklez, appeared to have the race in the bag before Tahlia Hope, steering Hobson’s Upper East Side, found just enough space so very, very late, but it was all she needed.
Coming out of the clouds – and flying up the inside – to take the shine off Sparklez’ ‘certain’ win.
It gave Hobson his second win of the carnival and he still has Orienzel and Magic Reward to go around in the $27,000 Swan Hill Stockfeeds Handicap (1200m) – the sixth of the day.
