Sutherland went into yesterday’s race meeting at Murrumbidgee Turf Club tied with fellow Wagga trainer Gary Colvin and a victory to Bartrev was enough to seal the title.

Bartrev proved too tough for his rivals to score a strong but unlikely victory in the Pieper’s Plumbing-Roofing Benchmark 60 Handicap (2000m).

Not only did it give Sutherland the Wagga trainer’s premiership but the win proved vital in his bid for back-to-back Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) titles.

Bartrev’s upset victory countered Albury rival Brett Cavanough’s win with Price Of Glory later in the day to keep his advantage at six wins with only two SDRA meetings remaining for the season.

It was a big day for Sutherland as Bartrev got him to the 50-winner mark.

“That was my aim for the season,” Sutherland said.

“I wanted to get 50 wins and anything more, like premierships, is a bonus.”

Last year, Sutherland shared the Wagga premiership with Colvin.

This year, only one win separated the pair and it took the final meeting of the season to do so as Colvin endured a couple of near-misses with two second placings.

The win of Bartrev ($16.00) may have come as a surprise to punters but it did not shock Sutherland.

The six-year-old was beaten 15 lengths two starts ago, then finished fourth last start in the Cowra Picnic Cup.

A well-judged ride from Bryan Murphy helped Bartrev to a gutsy 1¼ length win, from Archibar ($3.80) and He’s A Chance ($4.20).

“He had excuses for being beaten 15 lengths here, and the start before that he ran second at Albury and Archibar only just got him on the line,” Sutherland said.

“Last start he was five-deep without cover over 1700 metres at Cowra in a really good race.

“I said to Murph I reckon he could win and I’ve been saying all week that he was my best chance.

“He really deserved a TAB win.”

It was Bartrev’s sixth career victory and took his career earnings past $50,000.