Punters got off to the right start on Cup day when Tye Angland guided home Swift Reply ($2.20) in the Wagga RSL Maiden Plate (1200m).

It continued a strong carnival for Kembla Grange trainer Paul Murray.

Swift Reply led but was forced to dig deep in the home straight as he fought back to hold off Wagga pair Attainment ($6.00) and Earless ($15.00) by three quarters of a length.

After 11 months off the scene, Murray was pleased to see Swift Reply return with his maiden victory.

“He’s had a long lay off and we have taken it pretty steady with him,” Murray said.

“There was nothing particularly wrong, he just needed gelding and a bit of time. He was doing a lot wrong.

“So we have brought him on really slow, taken all the gear off and started again.

“He’s probably city class, we will just have to take it pretty slow with him.”

Angland admitted he was slightly concerned when a couple of horses loomed up halfway down the straight.

“I was concerned for one or two strides at the 200 but when I got stuck into him with the whip he responded,” Angland said.

Swift Reply, a three-year-old, first win came at start number nine.