The pair combined to win the Plumbtec Wagga Pace (2147m) after getting a charmed run through from a second row draw.

Eventually finding the front, the four-year-old held off the closing Recommended to win by 2.8 metres.

Maguire’s pre-race plan worked to perfection.

“I thought I would follow  through as Bruce (Harpley) generally goes forward and ended up one-one,” he said. 

“They weren’t walking but weren’t going too quick and thought I’d work around and sit outside them but decided to keep going to the front - it was all good from there.”

Shedding his bridesmaid tag, Reward For Effort brought up win six at start 39 to go with a further 19 minor placings.

It wasn’t until start 21 in July that Reward For Effort broke his maiden status, but he’d always shown promise.

He’d been placed 11 times before winning for the first time at Leeton, and the 21-year-old thought he was getting better through racing experience.

“He run scored or third six weeks in a row, not beaten very far, but once he broke through he’s made that a win now,” Maguire said.

Maguire is looking forward to representing the South West and Riverina in the Rising Stars Series next month.