Cloros, of Redback boot fame, moved from his Tumblong property to Tatton about eight years ago and was overcome with emotion as Messene captured the feature race in front of his home crowd.

Cloros has been lucky enough to win a lot of big races during his time in racing but the Wagga Gold Cup win was undoubtedly a special one.

“It’s quite emotional,” Cloros said.

“He’s such a kind horse and the Wagga Cup is a Cup that you feel is up there with the metropolitans and all those other races.

“To come down here and do that, it’s just something you dream of.”

Messene won nine of his first 12 races in a rapid rise to fame.

But his Wagga Gold Cup victory on Friday marked his first win in more than two years.

During that drought he still managed to earn close to $500,000 with performances such has a second in the group one Railway Stakes, and a fourth behind Winx in the group one Epsom Handicap, both last year.

“There’s highs and lows in racing but we’ve had our share of highs but you don’t get tired of it, you just get emotional,” Cloros said.

“It’s good to have people like the Hawkes and jockeys like Blake, they make it happen and get the best out of the horses.

“I’m very pleased.”

It was also a maiden Wagga Gold Cup victory for Shinn.

Shinn has been travelling to the Wagga carnival for many years and was thrilled to have finally landed the feature race.

“It’s very special,” Shinn said. 

“To do it for Mr Cloros, I’m very grateful for the opportunity from the Hawkes, and you know what, I just love coming down here and supporting this club and the local community.

It’s a great, great carnival. 

“That’s why I keep coming back here every year and it means a lot to me to win this big race.”

It took Shinn 600 metres but he finally got Messene to the lead. He then slowed the pace and ensured the seven-year-old had plenty in reserve to kick away from his rivals in the straight.

“I had to do a little bit of work but the horse relaxed beautifully once he got to the front,” Shinn said.

“He's a quality horse and he's been competitive at the highest level and once he had some soft sectionals mid-race, he was always going to be hard to run down. He gave a great kick at the top of the straight and was always strong to the line.

“It was a great buzz, very satisfying to be able to do it.”